Happening Today
Supplemental budget, pet safety, support for striking workers
— Middlesex DA Marian Ryan hosts a meeting of the Lowell Opioid Task Force, Lowell General Hospital, 295 Varnum Ave., Lowell, 9:30 a.m.
— Gov. Charlie Baker joins Secretary of Administration and Finance Michael Heffernan, Secretary of Education Jim Peyser, Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders and Secretary of Public Safety and Security Daniel Bennett to announce the filing of a supplemental budget for fiscal 2018, following a major increase in state tax-collection revenues, Room 157, 9:45 a.m.
— Boston Mayor Martin Walsh provides remarks at the Hancock MLK Scholars Kick-off, Boston University, Agannis Arena, 925 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, 10:30 a.m.
— Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian addresses graduates of his office’s Youth Public Safety Academy, Chelmsford High School, 200 Richardson Rd., Chelmsford, 11 a.m.
— Boston Mayor Martin Walsh is on ‘Boston Public Radio,’ WGBH-FM 89.7, 12 p.m.
— Gov. Charlie Baker joins Animal Rescue League President Mary Nee, State Police Maj. Richard Ball and lawmakers for the launch of the ARL’s fifth annual ‘Too Hot for Spot’ summer pet safety campaign, outside the State House, 12 p.m.
— AFL-CIO holds a community rally with elected officials, union leader and members of the faith community to support striking CLASS Inc. workers, who are fighting for a one dollar wage increase and have been on strike since Monday, 1 Parker Street, Lawrence, 12 p.m.
For more calendar listings, check out State House News Service’s Daily Advances (pay wall – free trial subscriptions available) and MassterList’s Beacon Hill Town Square below.
Today’s Stories
Globe clears McGrory of sexual harassment charges
We have a feeling we haven’t heard the last of this. From CommonWealth magazine’s Jack Sullivan: “An outside investigator hired by the Boston Globe cleared top editor Brian McGrory of violating the company’s sexual harassment policy but admitted he exchanged ‘personal’ messages with former Boston.com editor and reporter Hilary Sargent.”
The Globe’s Mark Arsenault and the Herald’s Sean Phillip Cotter have more. Sargent’s reaction? “I wish I could say I am shocked by the Globe’s announcement,” she wrote on Twitter. “Sadly, it’s no surprise that an institution that chooses to sue a former employee who speaks out would then conduct an ‘investigation’ only in name.”
Vineyard bus driver fired after admitting he refused to pick up black passenger
This is 2018, right? From Jacklyn Reiss at the Globe: “A Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority bus driver has been fired after ignoring a potential passenger Wednesday, telling the passenger later that they drove by them ‘because you are black,’ according to the agency.”
Brian Dowd at the Martha’s Vineyard Times reports that the passenger, Kevin Brooks, a barber who regularly commutes to the island from New Bedford, had trouble sleeping later that night. “I’ve never felt more disrespected or belittled in my life,” he said.
A new state budget: Maybe next week?
State lawmakers yesterday adjourned for the weekend, meaning “there is no possibility that a state budget accord will be voted upon, if reached, until Tuesday at the earliest,” reports SHNS’s Michael Norton (pay wall). Massachusetts is the only state in the union without a new fiscal-year budget, though state government continues to operate as a result of a temporary budget measure approved earlier by lawmakers. Pressure continues to mount on lawmakers to get the budget done. The latest critic: The Boston Business Journal, which says in an editorial that “there needs to be a wholesale attitude shift on Beacon Hill to prioritize one of the biggest responsibilities of our elected officials.”
House and Senate action: Automatic voter registration, environmental bond bill, energy legislation, and more
Despite the ongoing budget impasse on Beacon Hill, lawmakers are indeed taking action on other matters as the legislative session winds to a closee. Here’s a sampling, from the pay-walled SHNS: The Senate yesterday unanimously passed an automatic voter registration measure, pushing the legislation closer to final passage. Small differences with the House must still be ironed out before it can be sent to the governor’s desk (SHNS). … The Senate also passed a $2.1 billion environmental bond bill that contains earmarks for many local projects (SHNS). … The House worked through four different energy-related bills (SHNS). … The Senate went on record again in favor of a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags, with sponsors pointing to the harm such bags have done to whales (SHNS). … The Massachusetts House agreed Wednesday night on a plan to battle the opioid crisis, which one lawmaker termed a “hideous monster” (SHNS).
Fyi: The State House News Service does provide free trial subscription for those who can’t access the stories. Check it out.
Just a reminder: Spilka to take over Senate in two weeks
Mark your calendars. From SHNS’s Matt Murphy at the BBJ: “Two weeks from today, the Massachusetts Senate will have its third president in the span of eight months, capping off a tumultuous session for the chamber during which senators grappled with instability in the top ranks of its leadership. Senate Ways and Means Chairwoman Karen Spilka, an Ashland Democrat who is currently enmeshed in protracted negotiations with the House over a late fiscal 2019 budget, is expected to be elected Senate president by her colleagues on Thursday, July 26.” Under a prior agreement, she’ll be taking over from current Senate President Harriette Chandler.
Convicted former town manager gets hard lesson in how house arrests actually work
Andrew Bisignani, the onetime town manager in Saugus and Nahant, was ordered to spend 18 months in jail after a judge found he completely ignored the rules of the house arrest he was under in connection with fraud and coverup charges, Julie Manganis reports in the Salem News. Bisignani took scores of unauthorized ‘side trips’ while on house arrest, including to area restaurants and bakeries.
Now it’s Sessions bashing Lawrence
The president has done it. So have the governors of New Hampshire and Maine. So why not the Attorney General of the United States? Yes, Attorney General Jeff Session is the latest Republican to take a shot at our fair city of Lawrence, appearing yesterday in the Granite State and pointing out how “four illegal aliens residing in the sanctuary city of Lawrence, Mass.” were among those recently charged with opioid trafficking. The Globe’s Travis Andersen has the details.
Not falling for it: Worcester keeps school-funding lawsuit on track despite legislative moves
The appeasement strategy isn’t working. Despite the passage of a $500 million education funding bill in the Massachusetts House, the Worcester School Committee is moving forward with preparation for a lawsuit designed to force the state to follow the recommendations of a 2015 legislative committee, Scott O’Connell reports in the Telegram. The board plans to discuss logistics of the suit when it meets next week even as efforts to secure a law firm to represent the city—and other possible plaintiffs such as Brockton—continue.
Financial lifeline: Gonzalez and Massie get desperately needed cash infusions
The Globe’s Joshua Miller reports that Democratic gubernatorial candidates Jay Gonzalez and Bob Massie, both far behind Republican Gov. Charlie Baker in fundraising and polling, have received significant infusions of cash via the state’s public financing system – with Gonzalez getting just over $290,000 and Massie nabbing $137,270. And they may be getting more public funds soon.
Principal fired after husband’s arrest for raping teen school employee
Andrea McGrath, the principal at an Ashburnham elementary school, has been fired following the arrest of her husband, a substitute school custodian who has been accused of repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting an 18-year-old school employee. McGrath, who has been on administrative leave, reportedly plans to file suit against the school district, reports Mina Corpuz at the Sentinel & Enterprise. The AP at the Telegram has more.
Gaming Commission to Wynn Resorts: If we fall, you’re coming with us
Land deal. In Everett. For a casino. What could possibly go wrong? From Jon Chesto at the Globe: “The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has drawn in Wynn Resorts as a third-party defendant in a dispute with FBT Everett Realty LLC, the previous owner of 30-plus acres that Wynn acquired in Everett to build its gaming resort now under construction. If the commission loses the case, it wants Wynn to pay.”
From the Herald’s Jordan Graham: “Casino giant Wynn Resorts has responded to a lawsuit accusing the company of arranging — and then breaking — a side deal for land in Everett with a lawsuit of their own.”
Clark: Those convicted of animal cruelty shouldn’t own guns
From Shannon Young at MassLive: “With studies suggesting a link between animal abuse and future violence, a Massachusetts congresswoman announced legislation Thursday that seeks to keep guns out of the hands of individuals convicted of animal cruelty charges. U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark, a Melrose Democrat who has sponsored other legislation to protect domestic violence victims and their pets, said her new bill seeks to close a loophole that allows those convicted of animal cruelty to have firearms.”
Was Clark thinking of these clowns? Taunton men charged with animal cruelty for blowing marijuana smoke in goat’s face
As if on cue, along comes this report from CBS Boston: “Three Taunton men have been charged with animal cruelty after blowing what is believed to be marijuana smoke in a goat’s face. … At approximately 11 a.m. Tuesday, Taunton Police were notified about a video circulating on social media that allegedly shows three men take a goat out of its outdoor pen and put a chain around its neck. The video later shows the goat inside of a home with one of the men sitting on top of the goat’s back. Two of the men can be seen blowing marijuana smoke in the animal’s face, while the third man is filming the incident.” The video reportedly shows the men cheering and laughing during the incident.
Marijuana lab may get approval in a few weeks, clearing the way for retail shops to open
Speaking of pot, from the BBJ’s Jessica Bartlett: “The state said it hopes to review a license for a lab to test recreational marijuana in two weeks, potentially overcoming a major hurdle in bringing recreational cannabis sales to consumers. The Cannabis Control Commission announced at its meeting on Thursday that one lab has submitted a completed application for a recreational marijuana license, though it didn’t specify which lab.” Btw: We didn’t know that even test labs have to get local approvals, a process that can slow licensing down. Bartlett explains.
Public records commission: Is no one showing up for its meetings?
Shira Schoenberg at MassLive reports that a lot of the work for the Special Legislative Commission on Public Records is being done by private organizations behind closed doors. Not exactly encouraging for a group charged with coming up with ways to make government more transparent. But Rep. Jennifer Benson, committee chairwoman, says many people invited to testify at public hearings are not bothering to show up. Not exactly encouraging for groups that claim they care about making government more transparent. Btw: Schoenberg reports that an intern from the Pioneer Institute did show up at a recent hearing – and the intern was the only one to speak.
Of child care and tuxedos …
Shira Schoenberg at MassLive has an update on legislation that would allow campaign funds to pay for child care expenses of candidates. Meanwhile, the Globe’s Shirley Leung says it high time the legislation is passed. After all, guys can use campaign funds for tuxedos, so why not use funds for child care?
Diehl slams Warren on immigration in new radio ads
First it was Republican U.S. Senate candidate Beth Lindstrom to take to the airways this month. Now it’s GOP Senate candidate Geoff Diehl who has launched a radio blitz, this one aimed at Democratic U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s positions on immigration, reports Shannon Young at MassLive.
Timing of Healey’s intervention may spell tough times ahead for Beth Israel-Lahey merger
The fact she intervened is significant. The fact she intervened so early in the review process of the proposed Beth Israel-Lahey megamerger may be even more significant, according to the BBJ’s Jessica Bartlett, who reports that Attorney General Maura Healey may be signaling she plans to play hardball with the two hospital giants.
National Grid union leaders say replacement workers are endangering public
John Buonopane, president of United Steelworkers Local 12012, and Joe Kirylo, president of United Steelworkers Local 12003, write at CommonWealth magazine that National Grid’s replacement workers — who are now performing many of the gas-line duties of 1,200 union members who have been locked out by the utility — are screwing up and endangering the public. They cite examples — and they’re demanding National Grid end its lockout.
Walsh vetoes City Council’s lobbying limitation plan
Two years after he began calling for restrictions on lobbying of city officials, Mayor Marty Walsh has vetoed a City Council ordinance, saying it does not go far enough or provide enough enforcement power, Milton Valencia reports in the Globe.
Business groups raise concerns about hospital assessment plans
From CommonWealth magazine: “Massachusetts business leaders on Thursday raised concerns about legislative efforts to provide financial support to struggling community hospitals, saying the measures will drive up costs and could destabilize the state’s health care industry. A letter from seven groups, including Associated Industries of Massachusetts and the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, indicated businesses were growing tired of the Legislature’s penchant for quick fixes without addressing the underlying cost problems in Medicaid and the broader health care industry.”
Cambridge mayor: Non-compete reform bill needs reforms
Cambridge Mayor Marc McGovern is glad that lawmakers are talking about changing the state’s controversial non-compete law, which he says is unfair to employees and harms innovation. But he’s not too pleased with current legislation that he says doesn’t go far enough in eliminating the burden of non-compete agreements on employees. He has more in an opinion piece at the Globe.
Sunday public affairs TV
Keller at Large, WBZ-TV Channel 4, 8:30 a.m. This week’s guest: Jon Hurst, head of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, who talks with host Jon Keller about the sales tax holiday, the ‘grand bargain’ and the local business climate.
This Week in Business, NECN, 10 a.m. Shirley Leung of the Boston Globe and Doug Banks of the Boston Business Journal Editor discuss the potential impact on business if Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh is confirmed, the Massachusetts marijuana industry, the North End’s rejection of Starbucks, the Steamship Authority cancellations and much more.
CEO Corner, NECN, 10:30 a.m. Udit Batra, MilliporeSigma CEO, talks about his company’s global footprint, mission and role in Massachusetts.
On The Record, WCVB-TV Channel 5, 11 a.m. This week’s guest: Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch, who talks with anchor Ed Harding and co-anchor Janet Wu.
This is New England, 11:30 a.m., NBC Boston Channel 10. With host Latoyia Edwards, this week’s main topic: ‘Supporting our Schools initiative,’ Champions in Action and the Spark Collective.
CityLine, WCVB-TV Channel 5, 12 p.m. With host Karen Holmes Ward, this week’s main topic: Children and immigration, with a discussion with Dr. Lisa Fortuna, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine, and Ryan Madigan, the founder and director of the Boston Children Study Center and professor at Harvard Medical School.
5th Annual Strategic Internal Communications–East Coast
For the past 4 years this highly anticipated conference has continued to bring over 100 internal communication professionals together to benchmark best practices. Together, over 3 days, attendees have brainstormed solutions for their biggest challenges, shared cost-effective resources, and gained an inside look at internal communication strategies from leading organizations.
South End By Foot: A NAIOP Summer Walking Tour
Visit some of the South End’s most exciting commercial & residential projects, including completed developments & those to come. Following a presentation by Jonathan Greeley of Boston Planning & Development Agency, attendees will be guided on a walking tour to hear from developers of the Flower Exchange, Harrison /Albany Block Developments & AC Hotel / 7INK by Ollie at Ink Block.
Suffolk County Candidate’s Forum: District Attorney & Registry of Deeds
Please join Boston’s Ward 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 19 Democratic Committees for a joint forum with the candidates running for Suffolk County District Attorney and Suffolk County Registry of Deeds.
Boston’s Ward Committees (Wards 8,9,10,11,12, and 19)
CFO of the Year Awards 2018
Don’t miss your chance to meet & learn from Boston’s top CFOs at the 10th annual CFO of the Year Awards!
Today’s Headlines
Metro
Capuano, Pressley contest seen as proxy fight for Democrats’ future – Dorchester Reporter
Massachusetts
Stoughton joins growing coalition in national opioid lawsuit – Brockton Enterprise
Support builds for hands-free cellphone law – Boston Herald
Deals with Democrats helping governor – Salem News
Granby fire department votes ‘no confidence’ in chief – Daily Hampshire Gazette
Framingham State, UMass Law reach degree agreement – Worcester Business Journal
Nation
What Ben Bradlee would think of Donald Trump – Politico
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