The go-to source for news and analysis about politics, policy, media, and influence in Massachusetts. Tips: Editor
@MASSterList
.com | Part of
@StateHouseNews
POP-UP EVENT: Offshore wind in Massachusetts is about to achieve a significant milestone while facing an uncertain future. With the cornerstone of Massachusetts’ clean energy goals at stake, can the state surmount challenging economic conditions to expand wind power?
📆: Dec 14
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Chris Condon, a longtime Director of Political Action and Legislation at SEIU and our part-time sales colleague for many years, a man highly esteemed and beloved. We will have more on Chris in tomorrow’s edition.
I am devastated to hear the news of Chris Condon's passing. Chris was a hard worker and an incredible advocate for his community, and I was fortunate enough to call him a friend. My heart goes out to his wife Meghan and his two young children.
The winds of political activism and advocacy are shifting on Beacon Hill as a new generation of leaders begins to take shape across
#MAPoli
. Join
@katielannan
tomorrow at 2 p.m. for a candid panel discussion with
@CallaWalsh
,
@AENicolaou
, and
@SMGebru
.
Join us for a discussion with leading local journalists about the Massachusetts political and policy landscape later this month at the MCLE (Downtown Crossing). Topics will include competitive pressures, transparency in state and local government, and developing relationships
Fueling
@EricLesser
's dreams... [we're not done toying with you today, Senator! ;->)] Appropos of today's MASSterlist, this is what an E-W rail project looks like actually underway.... in England.
#mapoli
A study commissioned by the MBTA from MIT and Tulane Univ. finds that as soon as 2050, the entire subway could be inundated by a major storm and floods could cause enough damage to cast doubt on the system’s ability to recover, reports
@andrewnbrinker
.
The Governor’s Council has a 10:15 hearing this a.m. to determine if Healey’s nomination to the SJC, State Solicitor Dewar, will be confirmed.
AND: MassHealth member loss, Great Barrington book probe controversy, automatic record-sealing proposal...
In 2021, nearly 1 in 3 adults experienced food insecurity in Massachusetts, and visits to food pantries have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Join us in Boston next week for a discussion of opportunities and obstacles in fighting hunger across MA.
Good morning. Progressives are reserving judgment on Healey, but new report card points to centrist Legislature she must work with to succeed.
Also in
@MASSterList
,
- Finding a new MBTA GM
- Pot prices plummet
- DPU urged to revisit electric rates
#mapoli
Looking for insight on how Beacon Hill lawmakers plan to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050? Join MASSterList for an in-person policy forum with key legislative and clean energy leaders on Thursday, May 5, at
@MCLENewEngland
in Boston
#MAPoli
⚡️
Massachusetts health care survived many challenges during the pandemic, but the sector now faces a new crisis: An acute labor shortage + difficult financial challenges🏥
Join us for a policy forum next week with industry leaders and policymakers.
Join us next week for an
#MAPoli
health policy forum hosted by
@katielannan
and
@ByJessBartlett
, featuring insights from government and industry leaders on the challenges and opportunities within the Commonwealth’s health care system. Sign up🎟:
Good morning
#mapoli
! It's President's Day!
Today's edition:
- Get to know MASSterList's new editor:
@ErinTiernan
- Find out why people are fleeing Mass
- Here's where you can outrun the T
- An ode to Mass's 'honorary' presidents
Healey's emergency shelter proposal has arrived... all $915M of it.
@samdrysdale5
lays out the details this morning.
AND: Warren backs Healey's housing agenda, Reading looks to honor Bill Russell, affiliates urge 'institutional neutrality' at Harvard...
A new Boston Black Men's Committee plans to advocate for civic engagement, increased economic and education opportunities, assistance for previously incarcerated people, and push for more attention to mental health concerns,
@reillyadam
reports.
Next Wednesday, join
@MASSterList
and our sister publication
@statehousenews
for an in-person labor forum with
@MartyJWalsh
and Massachusetts union leaders on the future of labor in the Bay State and beyond.
🎟
The SJC overruled the Legislature on Thursday, deciding it's 'unconstitutional' to give life sentences without possible parole to offenders at 18, 19 or 20. Will there be pushback?
AND: MBTA workforce grows, limiting book bans, fire dept funding loss…
Welcome to the second annual legislative session! This’ll be a busy stretch,
@ChrisLisinski
reports this a.m.
AND: Mass. pres primary ballot order set, increase in migrant work authorizations, Vineyard Wind not running yet…
Good morning. The three Dem AG candidates put their differences on full display in first debate.
Plus,
- Sports betting is a Baker signature away from becoming legal. What’s next?
- Healey voting for Campbell
- Housing crisis threatens economy
#mapoli
New this morning in
@MASSterList
, survey says biz and consumers could drop dental coverage/forego care if Q2 passes.
Plus,
- Rodrigues says "probably not" to more tax refunds
- Healey out with new ad
- New MBTA trains delayed again
#mapoli
Good morning. In today's newsletter, Galvin says Republicans from Mass. to Georgia must adapt to mail-in voting to win.
Plus,
- Green Line trolleys rolling Medford
- Clark's rise as a woman in politics
- The changing political face of Cape Cod
#mapoli
NEW: Legislature is STILL in session with final votes to come on mental health/sports betting. Catch up on the chaotic final night.
Plus,
- Palfrey accuses Campbell of “red boxing”
- Cox found change challenging in Ann Arbor
- Plan B on campus
#mapoli
Where are sheltered families staying across Mass?
@samdrysdale5
presents an infographic this morning, totaling the families currently in shelters, hotels or motels by municipality
AND: Senate gun bill, degree requirements dropped for some state jobs…
Looking for a comprehensive rundown on the state's plan to spend billions in federal aid dollars? Join MASSterList and
@statehousenews
for a comprehensive discussion with key players from the Legislature and around Beacon Hill
#MAPoli
.
.
@kelleratlarge
has a good news-bad news unpacking of the latest layers of hideousness at the
@MBTA
. But be warned: the ratio of bad news to good news could make an adult cry.
Happy Friday the 13th. In
@MASSterList
today, immigrant advocates push Healey to act quickly on shelter shortage.
Plus,
- MassGOP's Lyons accused of illegal super PAC coordination
- Wu steps away from "toxic" Twitter
- Baker got around
#mapoli
UMass may have some sound reasons for the takeover, but it does smack of old-fashioned administrative empire building at a time when students and parents are demanding lower tuition prices from public universities.
#mapoli
More government accountability is a good thing, but when it comes to state lawmakers — and legislative leaders in particular — the power check isn't found in term limits, writes
@kelleratlarge
. For a concept that's been around since the ancient greeks, in
Happy New Year.
@MASSterList
is back this morning with details on Healey's surprise inaugural guest and a look at the Legislature's final day.
Plus,
- Culling coyotes in Nahant
- What's next for the minimum wage?
- Bad blood in the Berkshires
#mapoli
Sen. President Karen Spilka announces that Gov. Charlie Baker has signed legislation extending certain pandemic-era policies like authorization for remote public meetings and to-go-cocktails.
#mapoli
Happy Tuesday. A new super PAC is spending in the final days to boost
@chrisforma
campaign against
@DiehlForMA
Plus,
-
@massgop
has a choice in North Shore rep. race
- Arroyo stripped of council roles
- Woo dangles parking as job perk
#mapoli
Wonder how far back the tradition of the State of the Commonwealth goes? As the red carpet is readied for Healey tn, take a trip with us back to 1830 — the earliest year we could find an annual guv speech
AND: Healey childcare, Wu to NH, MBTA buyouts...
Good morning. Four more days until XMas. But before then, app-based drivers have wish list for lawmakers.
Also in
@MASSterList
,
- Neal at center of Trump tax release
- Healey backs FOIA access to guv's office
- DOC settles over inmate mental health
#mapoli
Join us next Tuesday (Jan 23) for an in-person event, in partnership with the
@HealthEqCompact
, highlighting the movement to bring systemic change to an unjust health system and the next steps needed for MA to achieve health equity for all.
Register:
How will Massachusetts achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050? Join us for an in-person policy forum with key legislative and clean energy leaders on Thursday, May 5 at the MCLE in Downtown Crossing.
Good Wednesday morning. The Prince and Princess of Wales arrive today. And MassDems are activating for GA Senate runoff.
Plus,
- Fells Acres victims upset with Baker
- Romney among GOP senators backing gay marriage
- Biden's ACK rental cars damaged
#mapoli
Happy Friday. Like the Pats’ chances vs. Lions Sunday? You still can’t wager, and might not be able to at all this season.
Plus,
- Healey vows to pardon pot possession
- 2.2 mil still need boosters
- Diehl doubles down on “parental rights”
🚨NEW this morning, Treasurer
@DebGoldbergMA
endorsing Maura Healey for governor.
Plus:
— Healey profiled by Globe
— Everett “tank farm” sold for redevelopment
— AG race a bellwether for midterms?
— State BPS plan revealed
#mapoli
What were the biggest stories that shaped politics, policy, media, and influence in Massachusetts over the last 12 months? In his final dispatch before inauguration week,
@SHNSMurphy
takes a look back at the most significant headlines of 2022
#MAPoli
In 1 year, Jake Auchincloss's attitude towards crypto has undergone quite a transformation, writes
@kelleratlarge
. With his team offering a new explanation for how it plans to handle SBF donations, Keller says it's time for the Newton Dem to pick a side.
Another great SHS/ML Forum today, on health care. A high-caliber audience, many of whom could have been panelists... Here the chairs of the Health Care Committee watch Panel Two after discussing end-of-session state of play.
The '23 state payroll rose while employee numbers fell.. this morning
@ColinAYoung
looks at the comptroller's payroll report's highest earners (UMass coaches take the cake)
AND: Wu’s state of the city, Healey’s $1.2B IT plan, Falmouth vs firefighters…
We talk about the T all the time — this morning, we look at how the lifeblood of the T isn't its supporters, but those who are victims of a chronically faulty system.
NEW this a.m., did Dems leave too much time on the clock for immigrant license opponents to repeal? Plus,
- Sales tax holiday weekend set
- Wu rejects BPD cuts
- Hospitals backing up
- House ready to act on mental health
#mapolihttps
://conta.cc/3xoT0CB
Here’s some national perspective on the storm in Boston, via the Washington Post’s Darryl Fears, and whether Boston is doing enough to prepare for future mega-storms tied to climate change.
#mapoli
Boston City Council has backed a bill that would promote polluter responsibility and establish a climate change superfund.
@ColinAYoung
dives into it this morning: