POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Mass. MARIJUANA numbers — Beacon Hill’s BALLOT QUESTION wrangling — Dems want STATE POLICE probe

Mass. MARIJUANA numbers — Beacon Hill’s BALLOT QUESTION wrangling — Dems want STATE POLICE probe

04/20/2018 06:59 AM EDT

By Lauren Dezenski (ldezenski@politico.com; @LaurenDezenski) with Brent D. Griffiths (bgriffiths@politico.com; @BrentGriffiths)

TGIF, MASSACHUSETTS. Hope you're ready for the sunny (and warmer) weekend on tap.

MASS. MARIJUANA BY THE NUMBERS - It's 4/20 and marijuana is legal in Massachusetts - but just not for recreational purchase (yet). To mark the day in a safe-for-work way, I've compiled some important numbers. And remember, it's still illegal to smoke marijuana anywhere that smoking tobacco is prohibited - and don't toke and drive.

One ounce - the amount of marijuana that can be legally possessed by an adult 21 or older in Massachusetts.
72 - the number of days until regulators plan for recreational facilities to be legally open for business (July 1).
800 - the number of applicants to the priority review program for recreational licenses, which only allows certain businesses to apply for licenses. Three quarters are from communities disproportionately affected by marijuana enforcement. The other quarter of applicants come from existing registered medical marijuana dispensaries.
24 - the number of registered medical marijuana dispensaries currently open in Massachusetts (as of March 31).
48,265 - the number of registered medical marijuana users in Massachusetts as of the end of March.
30,915 ounces - the amount of medical marijuana purchased at Massachusetts dispensaries in March.
7.3 tons - the amount of medical marijuana purchased from Massachusetts dispensaries between August 2017 and March 2018 (or 235,153 ounces).

Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: ldezenski@politico.com.

TODAY - Gov. Charlie Baker heads to Marlborough for the 2nd Annual Heroes Cup hockey tournament alongside Marlborough Mayor Arthur Vigeant, State Fire Marshall Peter Ostroskey and others - Sen. Ed Markey holds a media availability from his Boston office on the upcoming vote to confirm Mike Pompeoas Secretary of State by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee - Rep. Jim McGovern, Illinois Rep. Luis Gutierrez, Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty, and Worcester City Councilor Sarai Rivera hold a Worcester town hall on immigration, Puerto Rico relief, DACA, and TPS at 6 p.m.

** A message from Bay State Wind - the Clear Choice for Massachusetts: Only Bay State Wind has the experience, expertise and record it takes to launch the American offshore wind industry here in the Commonwealth. We are the clear choice for highly complex projects, bringing jobs and cost-effective offshore wind to Massachusetts. More at baystatewind.com. **

TSONGAS ARENA -

FIRST IN PLAYBOOK - Tom McGrath, chair of Pepperell Democratic Town Committee, endorses Dan Koh for Congress, from the Koh campaign: "Emphasizing that Dan Koh will be a "strong progressive voice in Congress," Chair of the Pepperell Democratic Town Committee Tom McGrath today endorsed Dan Koh in the Third District congressional race. McGrath has served as Chair of the Pepperell DTC since 2001 and has been a member of the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee since 2004. McGrath, a longtime activist for LGBT rights, also served as Treasurer of the Bay State Stonewall Democrats from 2001 to January 2018. McGrath is endorsing Dan in his personal capacity."

- "When it comes to the Marathon finish line, it's all about optics," by Frank Phillips, Boston Globe: "Third District voters have a rich history of giving the cold shoulder to ambitious young congressional candidates who, as they like to say, 'blow in' and claim residency in one of the communities in the Merrimack Valley-based congressional seat. And Dan Koh, a Democrat in the race and former chief of staff to Mayor Martin J. Walsh, is probably aware of those optics."

- "Bay State pols vow to repeal Trump tax reforms if Dems take control," by Hillary Chabot, Boston Herald: "Bay State residents could lose their recent boost in take-home pay if Democrats retake Congress, as Democratic congressional leaders - joined by some Merrimack Valley candidates - vowed yesterday to overturn the Trump tax reforms."

DATELINE BEACON HILL -

REPUBLICANS ARE POLITICIZING SEAN GANNON'S KILLING INSTEAD OF FINDING SOLUTIONS!

THE DEATH PENALTY IS NOT A DETERRENT. 

ARE THEY DISCUSSING WHERE THOSE WEAPONS CAME FROM? 
ARE THEY ASKING HOW GUN CONTROL MIGHT HAVE PREVENTED THOSE KILLINGS?  NO! 

WHEN THE RAW EMOTIONS AND ANGER OVER SEAN GANNON'S KILLING SUBSIDE, LET'S DISCUSS REAL SOLUTIONS AND PREVENTION.

- "Baker: New Criminal Justice Bill Will Help Prevent Assassinations Of Police," by Tori Bedford, WGBH News: "Governor Charlie Baker restated his longtime support of the death penalty for the killing of police officers, following the death of Yarmouth Police Officer Sean Gannon. 'Sean Gannon got shot and killed because he walked up a flight of stairs and turned a corner,' Baker said. 'I've said for many years that I would support the death penalty for the assassination of a police officer. And I've said it because I think they put themselves in positions that most of the rest of us can't even begin to understand.'"

YOU'RE IN CHARGE CHARLIE! DID YOU MISS THAT PART? THIS ISN'T LEADERSHIP.

- "New details emerge on State Police payroll head's alleged theft scheme," by Matt Rocheleau and Kay Lazar, Boston Globe: "New details have emerged showing how the head of payroll for the Massachusetts State Police allegedly stole nearly $24,000 from the agency. Denise Ezekiel, 49, of Holbrook allegedly transferred the money in a series of payments to her personal bank account, attempting to disguise them as reimbursements for travel and training ... Ezekiel allegedly admitted to the theft when internal investigators at the State Police questioned her, the [criminal complaint] says."

- "Dems renew push for independent probe of Mass. State Police," by Andy Metzger, State House News Service: "Beset by controversies over overtime and other issues, management of the State Police could become a campaign issue for Gov. Charlie Baker as he seeks re-election this year. On Thursday, Massachusetts Democratic Party Chairman Gus Bickford called for an 'independent investigation' into the department that handles murder investigations around the state and patrols the highways."

-"Behind the ballot-question scene on Beacon Hill," by Scot Lehigh, Boston Globe: "The message from House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Senate President Harriette Chandler was clear: They wanted the business, labor, and progressive leaders they had called to the State House to solve a multi-pronged problem for them - a problem that could both blow a hole in the state's budget and, some fear, hurt its business climate. All this plays out against the backdrop of another matter that may be on the ballot: a proposed constitutional amendment that would raise $1.9 billion or so by imposing a 4 percent income tax surtax on earnings above $1 million a year."

-"Independent package stores decry chain liquor store legislation," by Paige Smith, Boston University Statehouse Program: "Independent Bay State package stores are raising concerns with legislation that would distinguish licensees as 'chain stores,' allowing for consolidated purchasing and marketing power for companies that hold up to seven liquor licenses."

ANOTHER COMPUTER SCREW UP ON CHARLIE BAKER'S WATCH. 

CAN'T CHARLIE FIND COMPETENT PEOPLE? 

- "Mass. RMV mistakenly tells thousands their licenses are being suspended," by Joshua Miller, Boston Globes: "The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles sent notices to more than 9,700 people in recent weeks incorrectly warning them that their license and right to operate a motor vehicle would soon be suspended because they had not paid outstanding fees. Officials said the letters were the result of a problem in the Registry's ATLAS system, which went online last month."

CHARLIE BAKER IS SO BUSY GLAD-HANDING AND FUNDRAISING, THE MEDIA HAS TO FORCE HIM TO DO HIS JOB. 

THIS ISN'T LEADERSHIP! 

DAY LATE CHARLIE!

- "Baker moves to crack down on commuter train engineers with bad driving records," by Andrea Estes, Boston Globe: "Governor Charlie Baker said Thursday that he is taking immediate steps to make sure Massachusetts commuter rail engineers with terrible personal driving records don't jeopardize the safety of the millions of people who ride the rails each year. Following a Globe report on the poor driving and disciplinary records of the system's engineers, commuter rail officials will now have real-time access to Registry of Motor Vehicle records and get electronic alerts whenever an engineer receives a driving infraction."

THE WARREN REPORT -

- "YOUR VIEW: Support mental health funding," by Elizabeth Warren and Danna Mauch, SouthCoast Today: "Over the past five years, the Mental Health Block Grant, the federal government's largest source of grant funding for mental health services, has been funded at only $500 million a year - even though the economic impact of serious mental illness alone has been estimated at over $193 billion a year. Despite these enormous gaps in federal funding for mental health, President Trump still proposed cutting the Mental Health Block Grant in the most recent budget deal."

MOULTON MATTERS -

- "Marine Grunt in Congress Urges Other Veterans to Run for Public Office," by Gina Harkins, Military Officers Association of America: "Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., said he wants to see young veterans getting more involved in their communities and considering a run in local, state or federal elections. Moulton, a Harvard University graduate, left the Marine Corps as a captain in 2008 after seven years in uniform and four deployments to Iraq. '[Veterans] should get involved in politics, you should get involved in our democracy,' Moulton said Wednesday night during MOAA's annual council presidents' dinner following an all-day Storming the Hill event."

ON THE STUMP -

- "Amid chaos, Stan Rosenberg is running for reelection," by Joshua Miller, Boston Globe: "His estranged husband has been indicted on multiple charges of sexual assault, criminal lewdness, and distributing nude photographs without consent. His colleagues are investigating his conduct and whether he broke state Senate rules. He faces a Democratic primary challenge for the first time since 1991. But if Senator Stanley C. Rosenberg, who stepped down from the presidency late last year, is feeling the strain, he did not show it Wednesday."

WOOD WAR - Herald: "HOW DID YOU LET HIM GO?" "FALLING LEAFS" - Globe: "Giuliani joining Trump's legal team," "A Harvard face-off in court of public opinion," "Reclaiming a culture, reclaiming a life," "Baker moves to increase oversight of rail engineers," "Through highs and lows, the voice of the Patriots."

THE LOCAL ANGLE -

- "Boston or D.C. 'most likely to win' Amazon's HQ2, report finds," by Catherine Carlock, Boston Business Journal: "The Boston and Washington, D.C. metro areas are the 'most likely candidates' to win Amazon.com Inc.'s proposed second headquarters, a study from New York-based The Conference Board concludes, based on real-time labor demand and advertised online job vacancies among the 20 cities vying to land HQ2. The e-commerce giant (Nasdaq: AMZN) second headquarters campus could house 50,000 high-paying jobs in an 8 million-square-foot campus and generate $5 billion in investment."

GOP POLITICIZING SEAN GANNON'S KILLING IS SLIMY!
ARE THEY DISCUSSING WHERE THOSE WEAPONS CAME FROM? 
ARE THEY ASKING HOW GUN CONTROL MIGHT HAVE PREVENTED THOSE KILLINGS?  NO! 

WHEN THE RAW EMOTIONS AND ANGER OVER SEAN GANNON'S KILLING SUBSIDE, LET'S DISCUSS REAL SOLUTIONS AND PREVENTION.

- "Judging the System: 3 Police Officers Killed, 3 Career Criminals Charged," by Karen Hensel, NBC10 Boston: "On the day Yarmouth Police Sgt. Sean Gannon was laid to rest, two police chiefs called for change to a system that has freed three violent offenders who went on to kill police officers. Several proposals aimed at reforming how violent offenders are evaluated for release have languished in the state legislature."

- "Court sides with sanctuary cities in fight over grants," by Herbert G. McCann, Associated Press: " The federal government cannot withhold public safety grants from cities that refuse to cooperate with President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement policies, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday. The three-judge panel of the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago agreed with the decision last year of a lower court judge who imposed a temporary injunction on the administration. The decision says the administration exceeded its authority in establishing a new condition for cities to qualify for the grants."

- "Steyn Rips MA After Illegal Immigrant Cabbie Allegedly Rapes Woman, Flees to Ghana," by Fox News: "Mark Steyn blasted the state of Massachusetts after an illegal immigrant working as an Uber driver allegedly raped a passenger, was released on bail and fled back to Africa. Steyn blamed Amfo's successful escape on 'the culture in Massachusetts of a sanctuary state.'"

- "Weymouth mayor 'irate,' blasts court in ICE flap," by Antonio Planas, Boston Herald: "Weymouth Mayor Robert L. Hedlund is blasting Quincy District Court for bungling the case of an Uber driver charged with rape who was here illegally and now is believed to have fled back to his native Ghana."

- "Fate of Fall River waterfront waits on offshore wind decision," by Kevin P. O'Connor, the Herald News: "Governor Charlie Baker was to announce on Monday if he would grant permits to build offshore wind farms in state controlled water south of Martha's Vineyard. That announcement is on hold a few more weeks as state officials look at emerging technology to store electricity to use when the wind is still."

- "Malcolm X's Prison Debate Team Takes On Harvard," by Jill Lepore, the New Yorker: "The four nor'easters in March brought down trees and closed schools and nearly derailed a much anticipated, historic contest between the Norfolk Prison Colony Debating Society and the Harvard College Debating Union. But, after a storm cancellation, the debate at last took place at the end of the month, at MCI-Norfolk, a medium-security prison an hour outside Boston."

- "Wahlburgers arrives at South Bay, on wheels," by Daniel Sheehan, Dorchester Reporter: "Members of the Wahlberg family unveiled a new Wahlburgers food truck at the South Bay Center on Thursday, heralding the opening of the national fast food chain's first ever Dorchester location. Due to officially open later this year, the South Bay restaurant location has been a long time coming, but Donnie [Wahlberg] feels the timing is finally right."

- "Gil Santos, the Patriots play-by-play man for more than three decades, dies on his birthday," by Marvin Pave and Danny McDonald, Boston Globe:"Mr. Santos and his color man, Gino Cappelletti, the former star Patriots kicker and receiver, were partners from 1972-78 and then consecutively from 1991 until Cappelletti's retirement from the booth before the 2012 season. ... In 2013, Mr. Santos was inducted into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame after 36 seasons and 744 games as the team's radio play-by-play announcer."

- "Meet The Man Who Saves Snowy Owls From Logan Airport," by Amanda McGowan, WGBH News: "Why Logan? 'Nobody knows,' said [Norman] Smith, [who works at Blue Hills Trailside Museum and helps rescue the birds]. 'We've caught about 800 snowy owls out there, and I've asked every single one of them and they've never responded.'"

MAZEL! - David Harris is leaving the Boston Business Journal in early May for tech news publication CRN to be managing editor.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY - Dorchester State Rep. Dan Hunt, David Beauregard of Armstrong Advisory Group, Josh Delaney, senior education policy adviser for Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and Colin Reed, senior vice president Definers.

DID THE HOME TEAM WIN? Yes! The Bruins beat the Leafs 3-1 and the Red Sox crushed the Angels 8-2.

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FRESH OUT OF THE GATE - THE LATEST HORSE RACE PODCAST EPISODE: North of the Wall. We head north of the wall - a.k.a. New Hampshire - with special guest host and former pod correspondent Ben Downing. First, The Boston Globe's James Pindell describes what he's seeing up north, now that we know Rep. Joe Kennedy III will be heading there in the fall. Then, Salem News' Ethan Forman breaks down the challengers to Rep. Seth Moulton, and our local poll master and host Steve Koczela calls in to discuss the polling related additions to the AP Style Guide. Subscribe and listen on iTunes and Sound Cloud

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** A message from Bay State Wind: Massachusetts has the ambition it takes to bring green, reliable offshore wind to New England. Bay State Wind is the clear choice to match that ambition. Only Bay State Wind pairs global offshore wind leadership with a deep understanding of New England's electrical grid. Building a massive, complex project in harsh ocean environments takes the kind of skill that only comes from experience. Only Bay State Wind has the background of building 23 offshore wind farms, with 1,000+ wind turbines around the world. Bay State Wind is the only project ready to build utility scale offshore wind that brings $1 billion of direct investment to the Commonwealth, offering value to customers and making Massachusetts a hub for American offshore wind. And only this partnership can do it on a credible timeline and budget. Bay State Wind is the clear choice for Massachusetts. More at baystatewind.com **

To view online:
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/massachusetts-playbook/2018/04/20/mass-marijuana-numbers-beacon-hills-ballot-question-wrangling-dems-want-state-police-probe-265289

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