POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Baker raises RED FLAG — Still NO BUDGET — 20-day REGISTRATION DEADLINE upheld

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Baker raises RED FLAG — Still NO BUDGET — 20-day REGISTRATION DEADLINE upheld


07/03/2018 07:44 AM EDT
By Stephanie Murray (smurray@politico.com; @StephMurr_Jour) and Brent D. Griffiths (bgriffiths@politico.com; @BrentGriffiths)
GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. It's Tuesday. 91 degrees today.

RAISING A RED FLAG - Gov. Charlie Baker will sign a so-called red-flag gun bill into law on Tuesday, adding to a list of laws that make Massachusetts one of the strictest states in the country on gun control.
Energy around the legislation ticked up after the Parkland shooting in February, when teenage survivors sparked calls for gun reform nationwide. Baker will sign the legislation in a "photo only" press event at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The GOP governor told reporters at an unrelated press conference on Monday that support for the bill from a coalition the state's police chiefs "meant a lot to him."

The law would allow firearms to be temporarily taken from people who are at risk of hurting themselves or others. Under the law, family or household members could petition a judge to temporarily confiscate a firearm from someone deemed at-risk. The seizure is called an "extreme risk protection order." A judge would hold a hearing on the ERPO within 10 days.

A handful of states already have ERPO laws on the books, including Connecticut and Indiana. A newly-released study found that suicide rates dipped after these red-flag laws took effect in those two states. In Massachusetts, opponents of the red-flag bill say the proposed law does not do enough to address mental health, and that it threatens gun rights. But supporters argue the bill may reduce suicide. Self-inflicted deaths rose a jarring 40 percent in Massachusetts from 2001 to 2014. Nearly a quarter of Massachusetts men who took their own lives during that period used a gun, according to a state report. In women, 11 percent of suicides were firearm-related.
And in Maryland, where a gunman opened fire on the Capital Gazette newsroom and killed five people last week, a new red flag law takes effect in October. The Baltimore Sun notes the law likely wouldn't have prevented last week's shooting. Only a narrow group of people can petition for someone's gun to be taken away.

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

TODAY - Sen. Ed Markey debriefs after his trip to immigrant detention centers on the southern U.S. border. Democratic gubernatorial candidate. Rep. Richard Neal welcomes a "Grow with Google" digital workshop to Springfield. Gubernatorial candidate Jay Gonzalez picks up an endorsement from Framingham Mayor Yvonne Spicer. Rep. Seth Moulton marches in the Fishtown Horribles Parade in Gloucester.

TSONGAS ARENA -
- FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: "Public Health Leader Carl Sciortino Praises L'Italien's Bold Federal Plan to Disrupt Opioid Crisis" from the L'Italien campaign: "Carl Sciortino lauded Sen. Barbara L'Italien's federal opioid plan today, recently released by her congressional campaign. 'Another reason why I'm supporting Barbara L'Italien for Congress. She's bold, principled, and a strong and effective leader. As an advocate for supervised injection facilities, I'm grateful but not surprised that she gets it!:' Carl Sciortino, former state representative and one-time candidate for Congress, now the executive director of the Aids Action Committee."

- FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: "City Councilors Brian De Peña, Ana Levy, and Estela Reyes Support Juana's Historic Campaign for Congress" from the Matias campaign: "Citing Juana Matias' dedication to Lawrence and her ability to get things done, At-Large City Councilor Brian De Peña, At-Large City Councilor Ana Levy, and District B Councilor Estela Reyes today announced their endorsement of Rep. Matias' Campaign for Congress.'When Donald Trump attacked this city, Juana Matias fought back. She'll take him on in Washington and fight for us,' said City Councilor Brian De Peña."

- "Senator: 'Error' caused campaign email on State House account," by Laurel J. Sweet, Boston Herald: "A Democratic congressional candidate from Merrimack Valley accidentally fired off a fundraising appeal to supporters Saturday — through her official State House email account ... State Sen. Barbara L'Italien apologized on behalf of herself and her staff in a follow-up missive meant to explain the goof."

- "Das fires back over student writings," by Chris Lisinski, Lowell Sun: "When a story came out last month about contentious arguments and crass comparisons in Beej Das' decades-old college writings, the 3rd Congressional District candidate apologized and said he no longer holds the views described. But two days after apologizing, his tone changed."

- "Trahan: I'll fight for Armed Services post (VIDEO)," by Rick Sobey, Lowell Sun: "A candidate for Tsongas' 3rd Congressional District seat pledged at Specialty Materials on Friday that if elected, she would fight to serve on the House Armed Services Committee and continue that district tradition. Lori Trahan, one of the many candidates for the 3rd District, toured the factory and discussed the importance of defense spending."

DATELINE BEACON HILL -
- "The state's first company to get a marijuana shop license says it will likely start selling pot in a 'few weeks,'' by Dan Adams, Boston Globe: "The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission on Monday issued the state's first license for a recreational pot store, awarding a provisional permit to a medical marijuana dispensary outside Worcester. The vote marked a milestone in the state's march to set up a legal commercial marijuana market, though sales to adults who aren't registered patients are likely weeks away."

- "Voters To Decide Whether To Limit How Many Patients Nurse Can Be Assigned," by Gabrielle Emanuel, WGBH:"Should there be a legal cap on the number of patients assigned to one nurse? That's the crux of a ballot initiative that voters will decide on in November. Nurse staffing has been debated for many years, but this year the issue threatens to divide the medical community. Some say if this ballot initiative passes it could fundamentally change the state's health care system."

- "What's Next Now That There's No 'Millionaire's Tax' Revenue Coming To Mass.," by Steve Koczela, WBUR: "The state Supreme Judicial Court shook legislators from their reverie, striking down as unconstitutional the proposed ballot question. Voters have mixed views on how -- or even whether -- to proceed in the search for new revenue. Several public polls suggest the Fair Share question would have passed widely if it had been allowed to go to the ballot."

- "Voters must register at least 20 days before elections, SJC rules," by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: "The state's highest court on Monday upheld a state law that forbids people from voting unless they registered 20 days before Election Day, arguing that it does not disenfranchise voters or put up 'significant' barriers to the ballot box. The ruling is a setback to efforts to have Massachusetts join other states that allow voters to register closer to Election Day, but it hands a legal victory to Secretary of State William F. Galvin, who had fought eliminating the 20-day deadline."

- "Mass. is one of just 2 states that hasn't passed a budget for this fiscal year," by Joshua Miller, Boston Globe:"Despite having had months to do the work, Massachusetts legislators did not finalize a state budget before the new fiscal year that began on Sunday. While an already-passed temporary budget bill means government won't immediately shut down, Massachusetts has now fallen behind almost every other state on fiscal punctuality."

- "Ordering up wage hikes," by Chris Lisinski, Lowell Sun: "Restaurant servers across the state will see a significant increase in pay as a result of the "grand bargain" legislation signed last week by Gov. Charlie Baker, but opponents worry that the associated costs will force unfavorable changes in the industry."

- "Massachusetts OKs $8.2M to aid students fleeing hurricanes," by The Associated Press:"Massachusetts is releasing more than $8.2 million in education dollars to school districts that enrolled students who evacuated from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Republican Gov. Charlie Baker said Monday the money to be released this week is the second installment of $15 million pledged by his administration to help support the costs of educating students who enrolled in Massachusetts schools after Hurricanes Maria and Irma."

DATELINE DC -
- "Congressman Keating says groundfishing ban is in 'final stages,' expects it to be lifted soon," by Michael Bonner, SouthCoast Today: "As calendars turned to July on Sunday, the new month represented the ninth in which about 80 local fishermen have been banned from groundfishing. Congressman Bill Keating, who according to some on the waterfront, has most actively tried to return those fishermen to work said on Monday that he expects NOAA to release a decision soon."

THE WARREN REPORT -
- "White House lashes out at Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren," by David Siders, POLITICO: "Erupting at growing criticism of its hardline immigration policies, the Trump administration on Monday ripped into Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris, unleashing the White House's official Twitter account to accuse Harris of 'supporting the animals of MS-13.'"

- "11 senators demand an update on separated kids," by Stephanie Murray, 
POLITICO: "A group of mostly Democratic lawmakers on Monday asked for information about the 2,300 migrant children separated from their families under the Trump administration's since-halted immigration policy. Eleven senators, including Kirsten Gillibrand, Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, signed the letter asking the agencies responsible for reuniting families for weekly updates until every separated child is back with their parents."

- "'He's a sweetie': Elizabeth Warren gets a new puppy," by Dialynn Dwyer, Boston Globe:"There's a new, four-legged member of Senator Elizabeth Warren's household. The Massachusetts Democrat announced Sunday that when she returned home from Washington on Thursday, her husband, Bruce, 'had someone new waiting for me.'"
WOOD WAR — Herald: "THE LONG WAIT," "FAILING GRADE," "ROLLING THE DICE"— Globe:"New worry about what is under the sand," "Deadline for voters to register is affirmed," "When Shhhh! isn't quite enough," "City hall redesign leaves winter festival out in the cold," "State approves first retail recreational marijuana license"

THE LOCAL ANGLE -
- "Where The A.J. Baker Case Stands Now," by Adam Reilly, WGBH: "On the evening of June 20, in a transmission captured by the website LiveATC.net, JetBlue flight 1354 approached Logan Airport and reported a problem on board. Two days later, WBZ-TV reported that the alleged groper was Andrew "A.J." Baker — a son of Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker. Ever since, a big question has been whether A.J. Baker, who still hasn't been charged, is being treated impartially by the criminal-justice system."

- "Despite sharp criticism from some groups, Laura Perille is named interim leader of Boston schools," by James Vaznis, Boston Globe: "The Boston School Committee on Monday night unanimously approved hiring the leader of an education nonprofit to run the school system on an interim basis, amid sharp criticism from parents, educators, and civil rights advocates that her selection was shrouded in secrecy. Laura Perille, president and chief executive of Boston-based EdVestors, will replace Tommy Chang, who abruptly resigned as superintendent less than two weeks ago after he and Mayor Martin J. Walsh mutually agreed to part ways."

"NAACP criticizes transparency in BPS superintendent search," by Herald staff, Boston Herald: "The Boston branch of the NAACP issued a scathing statement last night over the search for the replacement for Boston Public Schools Superintendent Tommy Chang, and the naming of its interim superintendent. Saying the School Committee should "immediately release a timeline for the permanent superintendent search, and move expeditiously to begin the recruitment and selection process," the release criticized the transparency of the process and singled out Mayor Martin J. Walsh and his naming of interim superintendent Laura Perille."

- "Alan Dershowitz laments being 'shunned' on Martha's Vineyard," by Jaclyn Reiss, Boston Globe: "In an op-ed piece for The Hill published last week, [renowned Harvard lawyer Alan] Dershowitz said his friends on Martha's Vineyard are 'shunning me and trying to ban me from their social life' because he has defended Trump's 'civil liberties.'"

- "Fourth of July security tightened for Esplanade festivities," by Chris Triunfo, State House News Service: "Following a statement assuring there is no credible security threat against the annual July 4 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, the state's public safety secretary emphasized a series of warnings, rules and pleas confirming ramped up safety measures ahead of this year's celebration."

- "UMass eyes state money for clean energy tech research," by Scott Merzbach, Greenfield Reporter: "Research into emerging clean energy technologies, including work already taking place in laboratories at the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts, could benefit from $1 million included in an environmental bond bill recently adopted by the Massachusetts House of Representatives."

- "Boston Winter is canceled amid plans to renovate City Hall Plaza," by Milton J. Valencia, Boston Globe: "Mayor Martin J. Walsh is moving forward with a $60 million plan to overhaul City Hall Plaza, but, city officials said, it will be at the expense of one of the headline events on the brick expanse — the Boston Winter festival."
- "Parking Fines Go Up Across Boston," by WBUR Newsroom, WBUR: "If you get a parking ticket in Boston, it's likely now to cost you more. Fine increases went into effect Monday for 11 violations, including a $15 hike in the fine for going over your meter time limit."

- "Foes of continued Berkshire Museum art sales ramp up message," by Larry Parnass, The Berkshire Eagle:"Roadside billboards normally encourage sales. Not the one that went up Monday on Route 7 in Pittsfield, a stone's throw from the Lenox line. The sign is the work of Save the Art-Save the Museum, a citizens group that formed after museum trustees announced last July they would sell up to 40 works of art and use proceeds both to bolster the institution's endowment and to make repairs and renovations to their 39 South St. building in Pittsfield."

- "SPECIAL FEATURE: PRIDE, PREJUDICE, AND THE PATRIARCHY," by Max L. Chapnick, DigBoston: "... In 1981, Boston University denied tenure to professor Julia Brown despite her nationally reviewed book on Jane Austen and the near-unanimous support of her colleagues. Over the next decade, Brown took the university to court, alleging sexual discrimination. In the end, a federal jury, three federal appeals court judges, and the Supreme Court agreed with her, ordering the university to grant her tenure, $215,000, and lawyer's fees."
HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to state Rep. Mark Cusack.
DID THE HOME TEAM WIN? Yes! The Red Sox edged out the Nationals 4-3.
DO NOT MISS THIS - THE LATEST EPISODE OF THE HORSE RACE: State Senate PresidentHarriette Chandler joins us for a special extended edition of The Horse Race. We ask her about the Grand Bargain, legislation vs. ballot questions, the fallout from Stan Rosenberg, and what she has learned in her time at the top. Then WBUR's Shannon Dooling discusses what the immigration debate means for Massachusetts. Plus, what the NY-14 result means for the Pressley-Capuano matchup. Subscribe and listen on iTunes and Sound Cloud
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