Urgency Has A New Meaning

As spring transitions into summer in New England and emergency restrictions come to an end, the news has been trending to less urgent matters. However, that’s not saying much considering how ultra-urgent things have seemed for the past year. On another timeline where the road was less rocky, this week’s news might feel more urgent than it does today. 

Is a millionaire’s tax urgent when the state is rolling in billions of dollars in federal economic relief? Is the fact that businesses are scrambling to hire enough employees urgent if you’re being paid to stay home? Is the building of a fossil fuel-powered peaker plant urgent when a bank of batteries might suffice just fine? Is the Transportation Climate Initiative (aka TCI) urgent? Apparently not to Connecticut and ten other states that signed on and then off. We debrief on all these topics below. 

In a bright spot in this week’s news, two cities in the Bay State topped Safewise’s list of the 100 safest cities in the U.S. That’s something! 

Read all about the topics below and then charm your cronies with your clever conversance on current crises in Mass. politics. 

Politics

“Millionaire Tax” will be on the Ballot in 2022

A constitutional amendment that would raise the income tax on wealthy Massachusetts residents passed the Constitutional Convention, and the so-called “millionaire’s tax” will be included on the 2022 ballot. 

The proposal calls for an additional 4% tax on all household income above $1 million. This is in addition to the current flat income tax rate of 5%. The Department of Revenue estimated that the measure could generate as much as $1.9 billion in additional taxes. 

Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Ron Marian defended the proposal in a joint statement. 

“As Massachusetts recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, and as we prepare for our future, we have a unique opportunity to move towards a Commonwealth that truly works for all residents... We stand with the residents of Massachusetts in exploring new ways to increase revenue for the state as we envision and invest in an equitable and hopeful future for the Commonwealth.”

The proposal has the backing of the Raise Up Coalition, a group of labor, faith, and community organizations, who said in a statement:

“Long before the pandemic, Massachusetts needed new investments in our transportation and public education systems. These investments are needed now more than ever to lift up our economy for everyone and to ensure Massachusetts remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Massachusetts needs sustainable, long-term revenue for these investments that doesn’t require low- and middle-income families to pay more.” 

The proposal is getting some fierce blowback from business leaders who point to the fact that tax revenues are more than $1.8 billion ahead of projections through April and that the state is collecting another $5.3 billion in federal COVID-19 relief aid.

Read all about it at Boston Business Journal.

More Politics

• Tami Gouveia announces campaign for Massachusetts lieutenant governor

• Mass. Politicians In Hot Water: Baker, Walsh And The GOP

• An inspiration and mentor for women in politics, Betty Taymor dies at 100

• Battenfeld: Biden sets low bar for Irish ambassador, reportedly picking obscure Massachusetts Rep

• Poll: 70% of Americans now support same-sex marriage, 17 years after Massachusetts became first state to legalize - masslive.com

• Auto Parts Magnate Rick Green Hopes To Rev Up Mass. GOP

Business

Bay State Businesses “Scrambling” To Hire Workers, Pony Up Higher Pay

As the state opens for business, Massachusetts employers are “scrambling to hire enough workers to meet their reopening needs and the pent-up demand from patrons who want to go out again,” according to a story in the Boston Globe.

Some businesses in the state are increasing wages and adding hiring bonuses to attract applicants. Also being offered are deep employee discounts on products and services for new hires. 

According to the report, this comes at a time when weekly unemployment claims in the Bay State have fallen to their lowest levels since the pandemic-forced lockdowns. The shortage of workers could hamper economic recovery while increased wages are likely to lead to rising prices on some goods and services in Mass. 

Meanwhile, according to the US Labor Department, employers added 559,000 jobs in May. 

Here’s the full report: These companies are raising wages and offering bonuses to attract more workers in Mass.

More Business

• Remote Workers Face Uncertainty About Returning To 'Normal' As Offices And Businesses Reopen

• Business owners fear long-term impact of COVID on Mass. unemployment insurance fund, poll finds

• Mass Fintech Hub launches, with backing of MassMutual, Fidelity, others

• Mass. Restaurant Sales Back to 2019 Levels

• What to expect for the rest of 2021

Energy

Is Proposed “Peaker Plant” Already Obsolete?

A proposal for a 55-megawatt natural gas-powered “peaker plant” has come into question as environmental activists and local residents express concern over unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions and ground-level pollution. The group claims that future regulations will make fossil fuel burners non-competitive and leave consumers on the hook for the $85 million plant. 

In May, a group of 87 health care professionals sent plant operator Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC) a letter urging them to consider battery storage rather than continuing with the current plan. 

A “peaker plant” runs only at times of peak demand — estimated to be no more than 250 hours per year. And many feel the plan is obsolete given advances in clean energy storage over the past six years since the plan was first proposed. The cost of utility-scale storage has fallen nearly 70% between 2015 and 2018, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. And it has fallen even further since. 

The MMWEC last month paused the plan for at least 30 days to address community concerns and reevaluate possible alternatives. The group contends that the facility’s emissions would be lower than those of 94% of fossil-fueled peaker plants in New England. Since then, two of fourteen municipal utilities that signed on to the project have filed paperwork asking to be released from the agreements. 

Energy News has more on this story.

More Energy News

• Massachusetts Debates Energy Efficiency Draft Plan

• OTR: Rep. Lori Trahan taking patient approach with green energy

• State “Green Team” award recognizes student efforts in environmental stewardship

• NH offshore wind power: develop renewable energy Gulf of Maine project

Transportation

Massachusetts & Rhode Island Only Two States Left in TCI Agreement

Connecticut is the latest state to drop out of the Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI) agreement as Gov. Ned Lamont abandoned the program amid state budget negotiations on Friday. Only Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Washington, D.C. are left.

TCI, a regional collaboration originally consisting of 13 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states and the District of Columbia was developed to promote clean energy transportation. Under the plan, transportation fuel suppliers, or wholesalers bringing fuel into Massachusetts, would be required to purchase “allowances” (aka carbon credits) for any carbon dioxide their fuel produces. 

According to original estimates, CTI could bring in about $500 million a year in new revenue for Massachusetts alone, to be invested in clean transportation solutions.

Visit the Boston Herald for more info.

More Transportation News

• Gas prices rising in Massachusetts; Here's how much they rose in the past year - masslive.com

• Massachusetts Looks to Electrify Ridesharing, Increase E-bike Access

• Trying to put the brakes on car ownership

• Local startup hopes to revolutionize coastal transportation - Boston, Massachusetts

• MBTA looks at cars, tracks as cause of derailment that sidelined Springfield-built CRRC cars

• Evaluating the competition between autonomous vehicles and public transit

• Connecting Subway Lines Could Cost $850 Million, Take Nearly 10 Years

• Amtrak CEO opposes CSX-Pan Am Railways deal

Real Estate

Two Mass. Cities Top List of 100 Safest 

Home prices in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and Franklin, Massachusetts are about to go up. The two cities have topped Safewise’s list of the top 100 safest cities in the country. 

More than two-thirds of the cities that made the list are in New England and the Mid-Atlantic region. And Massachusetts has the second-highest number of cities on the list with 17. 

Hopkinton, which is east of Worcester has a population of just over 18,500 and a median income of over $95,000. Franklin, just west of Foxboro, is home to more than 33,000 residents with a median income of just under $102,000.

“These crime-curbing communities have cause to celebrate,” writes Safewise. “The 100 cities in our roundup boast a collective violent crime rate that’s 92% lower than the national average. And, when it comes to property crime, our top 100 locales report 79% fewer property crimes per 1,000 people than most of the US.”

The full report can be found here.

More Real Estate

• Counties with the lowest home prices in Massachusetts

• Needham: May real estate deals topped by $40 million hotel transaction

• Nantucket Voters Reject Proposal to Limit Short-Term Rentals

Cannabis

Indoor Cannabis Cultivators Using 10% Of All Industrial Energy Use in the Bay State

According to estimates by the Northeast Sustainable Cannabis Project, indoor cannabis cultivation is responsible for about 10% of all industrial electricity consumption in Massachusetts. That’s pretty high.

According to Cannabis Business Times, the 10% estimate “is based on current indoor cultivation lighting standards and the assumption that half of the growing canopy square footage authorized for use is currently in use.” 

Back in 2018, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources estimated that the energy required to power grow lights for 660,000 square feet of canopy would negate the entire energy savings of $11 million from DOER's program to convert more than 130,000 streetlights statewide to LEDs. 

Since then, the Cannabis Control Commission has authorized more than 1.1 million square feet of indoor marijuana cultivation. That’s about four times the area of outdoor cultivation facilities in the state. Moreover, the cannabis sector in Mass. is expected to triple in size by the time supply and demand level out. 

More Cannabis News

• Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission Launches New Delivery License - Cannabis & Hemp - United States

• https://patch.com/massachusetts/boston/massachusetts-marijuana-delivery-starts-next-week-patch-pm

• Green Thumb buys Massachusetts medical marijuana operator

• Senate narrowly votes to legalize marijuana in Connecticut

• Great Barrington Voters Reject Stricter Cannabis Zoning Bylaw, Downtown Parking Plan At Town Meeting

Our First Post-COVID Summer

As the pandemic winds down and Massachusetts comes out of hibernation, attention is turning to figuring out how we’re all going to have a great summer. But no matter how the summer shakes out, there are going to be some winners and some losers.

In politics, projecting winners and losers in the upcoming elections depends highly on who’s in and who’s out of each race. Voters are on the edge of their seats as announcements are expected to come this summer.

On the climate crisis front, renewable energy is winning market share while big oil is losing ground. The hospitality industry is winning now that emergency restrictions have all but ended, but Uber and Lyft are losing money due to a lack of drivers. And we’re not sure who’s going to be the winner and who’s going to be the loser in a battle between the Commonwealth and New Hampshire over income taxes on out-of-state workers.

And with that, let’s delve into Mass. political and business news-of-the-week: 

Politics

The Summer Blockbuster Coming To a Voting Booth Near You

“A blockbuster showdown for governor,” is the Boston Globe’s prediction for the upcoming gubernatorial race. The report also mentions the “wide-open race to be the state’s top prosecutor,” and a ”primary between a secretary of state on the verge of history and a fellow Democrat trying to unseat him.” It sounds like those dramatic narrators in 1980s movie trailers.

The story revolves around the state’s 2022 state election cycle. “It’s greased by uncertainty, and fueling the potential for a gamut of history-making races,” writes, the Globe’s Matt Stout, “and possibly, widespread change at the top of state government.”

The suspense is intense. An ensemble of six statewide constitutional officers, including Governor Charlie Baker, Attorney General Maura Healey, and Secretary of State William F. Galvin, have not yet said whether they’ll seek reelection, leaving room for a major twist and making the ending very hard to predict.

The Boston Globe has this detailed review of the blockbuster event of the summer coming soon to a voting booth near you.

More Politics

• Will Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker run for re-election?

• As the Massachusetts GOP battles for relevance, its leader doubles down

• Massachusetts House Majority Leader Claire Cronin quiet on possible appointment as ambassador to Ireland

• Massachusetts lawmakers consider ways to address student debt crisis

Business

A Biden administration official is siding with Massachusetts in a lawsuit brought by New Hampshire’s Gov. Chris Sununu over the state’s right to collect income tax from remote workers who live out of state. As you might guess, this case will have a rippling effect that could shape the future of remote work as numerous other U.S. states are also grappling with this dilemma. 

Currently, the Bay State requires out-of-state workers to pay 5% income tax. (Oddly, however, for those who commute to Mass., say, three out of five workdays, only 40% of the wages would be taxable.)

Sununu calls the new rule a “direct attack on the New Hampshire Advantage, attempting to pick the pockets of our citizens,” adding that more than 100,000 New Hampshire residents may be impacted by the rule. 

In a major turn of events in this case, Elizabeth Prelogar, the acting U.S. solicitor general, filed a brief Tuesday siding with Massachusetts. The brief states that the U.S. Supreme Court should not hear New Hampshire’s case against Massachusetts. 

“Individuals often have tax obligations to multiple sovereigns,” says Prelogar. “Although New Hampshire might prefer that its residents not pay personal income taxes to any government, an independent tax obligation falling on a state’s residents generally is not an injury to that state’s own sovereign prerogatives.”

Not everyone agrees. For example, Paul Diego Craney, spokesperson for nonprofit conservative think tank the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, says, “President Biden’s administration has continually advocated for new taxes, higher taxes, and more complex taxes,” adding that it “comes as no surprise that the president is now standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Governor [Charlie] Baker in their quest to tax workers who have virtually no ties to the state.” (We’re taking that with a grain of salt considering the group would likely find a different complaint if the Biden Administration sided with New Hampshire.)

Sununu remains confident the Supreme Court will hear the case. “Try as they might, overreach by Washington politicians and efforts by the Biden administration will not deter [New Hampshire] from fighting against Massachusetts’ unconstitutional attempt to tax our citizens,” Sununu said.

Read all about it at MassLive.com.

More Business

• Massachusetts launches summer restaurant campaign - Boston Business Journal

• Mass. businesses growing more concerned about worker shortage

• The Massachusetts Senate votes to spike these three tax breaks

• Mass. Food Delivery Fees: Restaurants Concerned Once Caps End 

• Here's how 13 Mass. companies are planning to go back to the office

• Boston nightlife buzzing after Massachusetts lifts COVID-19 restrictions

Energy

Big Oil Getting Swept Up In Renewables Movement

Big changes are afloat as big oil starts to examine the global repercussions of climate change. The industry is reeling recently from several major setbacks. As a sign of the time, the obstacles are coming not just from government regulators, but also from the corporate shareholders themselves. 

British oil giant BP (which got out of the solar business over a decade ago) sees the writing on the wall and is scurrying to bolster its renewable energy business. For one example, last summer, BP sold its petrochemicals business and partnered with Norway-based Equinor to develop four wind energy projects off the coast of Massachusetts. 

BP is also planning to significantly expand its renewables footprint with the purchase of 9 gigawatts of solar projects for $220 million and plans to increase its annual investments in wind and solar projects by 10-fold to around $5 billion a year. Meanwhile, the company is working on plans to reduce its oil and gas production.

The acquisitions and changes in direction are intended to help BP reach a goal of growing its renewable energy output to 20 gigawatts by 2025 and 50 gigawatts by 2030, and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. 

The Houston Chronicle has more on this story.

More Energy News

• Mayflower US offshore wind JV in pole position for key Massachusetts grid link

• Hot Question for Energy Storage Answered by Massachusetts Fire Appeals Board

• 3Q: The socio-environmental complexities of renewable energy

• FACT SHEET: Biden Administration Opens Pacific Coast to New Jobs and Clean Energy Production with Offshore Wind Development

Transportation

“Driver’s Wanted” — for Boston Rideshares

With covid restrictions lifted, the Mass. hospitality industry is optimistic about a resurgence. However, getting back to normal (or settling into a new normal) isn’t going to be as easy as chicken pie. There are bound to be numerous challenges.

One of those challenges is a dearth of rideshares in and around Boston. Visitors to the Bay State are saying that a lack of Uber and Lyft drivers is spoiling their vacations.

“I had to try Uber 3 times and couldn’t get a car. Lyft finally came through after about 15-20 minutes of trying,” said Lakesha Carter, who is visiting from Florida. “It was a little scary because I’m here as a solo traveler, just to explore the city and it almost felt like oh boy, what am I going to do if I don’t find a car?”

In a statement, Uber says the company is offering incentives to gig workers to get back into the driver’s seat. “In 2020, many drivers stopped driving because they couldn’t count on getting enough trips to make it worth their time,” adding that now in 2021, “there are more riders requesting trips than there are drivers available to give them.”

Source: Visitors to Boston say shortage of rideshares hurting travel

More Transportation News

• Boston's 'soul-crushing' traffic creeping back after pandemic dip

• MBTA to Shut Portion of Green Line D Branch in June for Work

• Domestic airfare prices climbing amid reluctance to travel overseas

• JetBlue will begin flying to two destinations from Worcester later this year

Cannabis

Trulieve Brand Cannabis Coming to Mass. June 3

Multi-state operator Trulieve Cannabis Corp. will be hawking its products at its Northampton, Massachusetts shop beginning June 3. Trulieve, which recently secured a $2.1 billion deal to merge with Harvest Health & Recreation Inc, recently obtained the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission's approval to begin recreational and medical marijuana sales at the location.

The merger with Harvest Health gives Trulieve operations in 11 states, with a cultivation and processing capacity of 3.1 million square feet spread across 22 facilities, plus 126 medical and recreational dispensaries. The combined company is expected to generate around $1.2 billion in 2021.

"As the first adult-use market on the East Coast, Massachusetts is a leader in the cannabis industry, and we are excited to open our doors here," Kim Rivers, CEO of Trulieve, said.

Read more at Benzinga.

More Cannabis News

• Innovative Industrial Properties Acquires Massachusetts Property and Enters Into Long-Term Lease with Temescal Wellness

• Taunton’s Freshly Baked becomes first cannabis company in Massachusetts to get approval to start home delivery

• Equity cannabis businesses in Massachusetts can now apply for delivery operator license

• Green Thumb Closes on Acquisition of Massachusetts Cannabis Operator Liberty Compassion Inc.

• Chicopee gives preliminary approvals to new $15 million cannabis cultivation business

• Massachusetts cannabis retailer ordered to pay fee, but lawsuit continues

• Chicopee gives preliminary approvals to new $15 million cannabis cultivation business

• Massachusetts amendment pushes for CBD in food, sale of hemp flowers

Growing Back

With nearly 50% of residents fully vaccinated, and the state rapidly expanding business and home vaccination programs, Massachusetts has gone from having one of the worst records on vaccination to one of the best in the country. As a result, most restrictions put in place to fight the pandemic will be lifted in the coming weeks — just in time for some summer fun in the sun.

In other news this week, Democrats in Massachusetts must now contend with an army of young adults who are fluent in social media marketing and venturing into politics. This is a fascinating trend that politicians ignore at their own risk.

On Beacon Hill, the idea of a $1,200 “Back To Work” bonus is being kicked around. In energy, Massachusetts is becoming the “Saudi Arabia of Wind.” The T is gearing up for a massive increase in ridership. Residential property taxes are on the rise along with home prices. And (federally legal) hemp is now being sold in (federally illegal) marijuana shops.

Let’s unpack this week’s news.

Politics

Democrats in Massachusetts Must Now Answer To Growing Demands from Savvy Teenagers

An influential new force is rising in Democratic politics. Even though they aren’t even old enough to vote, teenagers have been organizing to promote progressive candidates. 

To give you some idea of the power that this demographic is claiming, one only needs to look at Edward Markey’s surprise upset over Joe Kennedy in last year’s Democratic primary here in Massachusetts. Kennedy was the odds on favorite to win. That is until “an army of 16-year-olds,” as one political veteran put it, took to the internet to paint Kennedy as standing too far to the right on important issues.

The new movement is making centrist politicians in the Massachusetts Democratic establishment a bit nervous as these youngsters know their way around social media better than any of them. The young activists smell that fear and are empowered by it. 

Last year saw an explosion of new voter registrations as the number of 18 to 24-year-olds shot up to 20.9% in the 2020 primary from 6.7% in 2018, and 2.1% in 2016. That is according to data provided by Tufts’ Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement. Considering that most elections are won by less than 10% of the vote this changes everything.

The teens are operating sophisticated grassroots campaigns using chat groups, direct messages, and automated and manual text messaging to mobilize their friends and followers into a volunteer PR army.

Last summer, teens on TikTok were able to pull a fast one on President Trump. They waged a campaign to reserve seats at a Trump rally in Florida. Trump even boasted about the numbers before the event. When the time came to count heads, the number was far less than expected. Although this is dirty politics, the success of that campaign has emboldened teens to put their collective weight behind candidates who they feel have their best interests at heart.

These efforts have been so successful that some candidates’ PR teams have reached out to leaders of the movement for campaign help. And for those candidates who stand to lose the most, bashing these teens is not an option as it could easily backfire, draw their ire, and result in serious damage to their careers.

The movement is sure to affect upcoming elections — such as the race for mayor of Boston. This is a fascinating story that candidates on all sides ignore at their own peril.

Boston.com has an in-depth report on the movement.  

More Politics

• Massachusetts Democratic Party planning in-person convention for Sept.

• Elections: What America can do to rebuild trust in the system

• Santiago Counts On Boston's Growing Latino Community To Elect Him Mayor. But Will It Be Enough?

• Could Charlie Baker Survive A Republican Primary? The governor's statewide popularity is enviable

Business

$1,200 “Back To Work” Bonus Proposed For 2022 Budget

Massachusetts lawmakers are considering putting a “Get Back to Work Bonus” in the fiscal year 2022 budget. The idea is to help employers who are having trouble filling positions while trimming the state’s unemployment bill. 

Budget amendment 811 was proposed by state Sen. Ryan Fattman. The plan calls for using funds from the $1.9 trillion federal American Rescue Plan to pay Mass. residents up to $1,200 to land and keep a job. Fattman essentially wants to “repurpose” the $300/month federal unemployment bonuses to incentivize people to get back to work. 

In a conversation with MassLive, Fattman had this to say:

“I’ve been contacted by a lot of businesses, local employers, restaurants, trucking companies, and they’re all struggling to find people to work for them. All this is designed to get people back to work into those positions so the economy can thrive.”

Although the state unemployment rate dropped to 6.5% in April, the bonus would be welcomed by Massachusetts businesses still scrambling to fill vacant positions ahead of the state's reopening on May 29.

According to a recent U.S. Census survey, millions of Americans are avoiding work for fear of contracting or spreading COVID-19. And many are content to collect unemployment benefits for as long as possible.

Other states are also considering similar measures. Connecticut and New Hampshire recently announced plans to award successful job hunters bonuses up to $2,000. Meanwhile, several red states are looking at axing the extra $300/month unemployment payments offered by the federal government claiming that the free cash incentivizes residents to stay home. 

Read all about it as MassLive.com.

More Business

• Mass. Outlines Final Reopening Plans Set For May 29; State Of Emergency Lifts Mid-June

• 'Massachusetts is open for business': Lifting of pandemic restrictions brings surprise, elation

• Massachusetts unemployment rate edges down, but job gains slow

• Massachusetts House proposal aims to relieve employers from major unexpected unemployment costs

Energy

Massachusetts Becoming the “Saudi Arabia of Wind”

Last week we told you about the final federal approval of the Vineyard Wind project. In two years, 62 turbines will begin generating about 800 megawatts of electricity. That’s enough to power 400,000 homes. 

As huge as that is, it’s not the whole story. All told, offshore wind developers, are planning to produce 9,100 megawatts from 13 offshore-wind projects along the East Coast within the next five years and then 30 gigawatts by 2030. That’s the equivalent of about 30 coal-fired power plants. 

As the price of generating wind energy plummets, Massachusetts is looking at a clean energy boom. Once the project is up and running, Vineyard Wind is projecting a cost of six and a half cents per kilowatt-hour. (Cape Wind has been charging over 20 cents per kilowatt-hour.)

Erin Baker, professor and faculty director of the Energy Transition Initiative at the University of Massachusetts says costs have fallen “much more in the last five years than any of the experts were predicting.” 

Baker co-authored an article in Nature in which she predicted that the cost of wind energy will be cut in half between now and 2050. And Kathleen Theoharides, the state’s energy and environment secretary, told conservative-leaning Intelligencer that Massachusetts is being dubbed the “Saudi Arabia of wind.” 

Check out Intelligencer’s detailed report here.

More Energy News

• California and Massachusetts Schools Win DOE's 31st National Science Bowl

• Massachusetts gas facility needed to meet New England climate goals, backers say

• Program spins out new tech to monitor marine life near offshore wind farms

• Blue Energy's Big Future

• Why Is Wind Essential For Zero Emissions? (Video)

Transportation

MBTA Trains and Buses Expected To Get Crowded As Massachusetts Reopens

As COVID-19 restrictions are lifted across Massachusetts, public transportation is beginning to ramp up again. Subways and busses in the Bay State are expected to get crowded as commuters’ rideshare options — including services such as Uber and Lyft — have been evaporating.

The fact that a set of new Chinese-Made Subway Cars has malfunctioned for the fourth time isn’t helping matters. 

Crowded public transit vehicles pose a risk of spreading covid to the unvaccinated. To assure this doesn’t happen, MBTA riders will still be required to wear masks. 

Boston 25 News reports that the MBTA is “monitoring ridership and plans to quickly and safely build back service.”

Meanwhile, if you’re thinking of hitting the road next weekend, plan on leaving early. Officials are expecting Memorial Day traffic to increase substantially over 2020’s numbers as restrictions are lifted and residents with pent-up cabin fever begin to venture out.

More Transportation 

• Pedestrian deaths spiked nationwide during pandemic, but plummeted in Mass., data shows

• NASA partners with 5 US states on drone delivery, air taxis

Real Estate

Residential Property Taxes Are On the Rise

With the Mass. residential real estate market on fire, homeowners might be wringing their hands over the increased value of their properties. However, there’s a downside to the exploding valuations. That is along with the rise in home values comes a rise in property taxes (which have already been on the rise in recent years).

The state of Massachusetts requires property values to be reassessed every year. And according to SmartAsset, homeowners in Massachusetts already pay some of the largest annual property tax bills in the country with a median annual property tax bill of $4,899, with a higher-than-average effective tax rate of 1.17%.

Boston 25 News has more details on this story.

And for those who are interested, here are the 50 Massachusetts communities with the highest residential tax rates.

More Real Estate

• Median Home Sale Price In Massachusetts Soars Above Half A Million Dollars

• Most expensive homes for sale in Massachusetts Stacker Money

• Bill Gates divorce: How a Massachusetts hotel could be caught in the middle

Cannabis

CCC Issues Guidance For the Sale Of Hemp Products At Mass. Dispensaries

In an industry full of ironies, up until now, Mass. marijuana dispensaries were not allowed to sell hemp products such as CBD oil. That is even though marijuana is federally illegal while hemp (cannabis strains with negligible levels of THC) has been completely legal for more than two years. 

And there are still restrictions. In order to clarify requirements and restrictions the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission has issued Guidance for the Retail Sale of Hemp.

Under new rules, marijuana retailers are able to purchase “consumer-ready hemp products,” but only from hemp processors licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. And the products may only be sold in a dedicated section of the store.

Furthermore, hemp all products must be accompanied by an insert that includes the following warning language:

“This product was produced, packaged, and labeled by a Massachusetts hemp processor licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR). It is not regulated by the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission and the product may not be consistent with the requirements of M.G.L. c. 94G or 935 CMR 500.000. Consumers that have questions or concerns about this product are encouraged to contact the manufacturer, MDAR, or the appropriate state or federal agencies.”

Whitelisted products include hemp seed, hemp seed oils and powders, hemp clothing, and non-food CBD products — as long as no medical claims are made.

And although consumers can purchase CBD oil (and edibles such as gummies) at a myriad of shops throughout the state, the sale of hemp products is not permitted at marijuana treatment centers — only at dispensaries. 

Which leads to this question: What if a licensed marijuana grower grows “marijuana” with less than 0.3 percent THC? Does it count as hemp? Or can they sell it the same way they sell marijuana? As it stands, high-CBD, low-THC products produced by licensed growers are treated no differently than high-THC products. 

Read the complete guidance document for the retail sale of hemp at Mass. marijuana dispensaries here.

More Cannabis News

• Massachusetts company makes mark with cannabis-infused seltzer

• TILT Holdings Resets With a Unique B2B Cannabis Business Model

• 4Front Ventures Corp. Receives Unanimous Approval from Brookline Select Board to Begin Operations of Its "Mission Brookline" Dispensary in Massachusetts

• Michigan marijuana company plans to open 4 locations in western Massachusetts

• Sturbridge dispensary opens, plans second Cape location for fall

• Federal cannabis legalization bill coming this week

• Marijuana Dispensary Opening On Cape Cod With Live Music

The Race to Reopen

It’s mid-May and Massachusetts residents are eager to take advantage of some of the wonders that New England has to offer — activities that many of us had to forgo in 2020 — such as baseball games, camping trips, beach days, fireworks, and graduations. 

And now, the state of emergency put in place just over a year ago is coming to an end two months earlier than the Baker administration had originally planned.  

With few exceptions, we’re a week away from the end of the mask mandate in Massachusetts with most other emergency measures including business capacity and gathering limits officially ending on June 15. 

"The temporary limits and restrictions imposed on the private sector and on individuals were the most difficult decisions I've ever had to make," says Baker. "The loss and the isolation so many of our friends and families experienced is likely to impact all of us for a very long time."

Here is a list of places and situations that will still require face coverings after Memorial Day

Let us all rejoice and dig into this week’s curated list of Mass. political news.

Politics

Prominent Republican Figures Align With Trump Resistance Effort

The GOP is being ripped apart at the seams. There were lingering questions as to whether or not the wounds of the Big Lie and the Capitol riot were too big to heal. But now Republicans have answered those questions when they stripped Liz Cheney of her leadership position last week while moving a farcical Arizona recount into high gear. It’s now become painfully obvious that Trump’s grip on the party’s base is undeniable and that he now owns the Republican party.

The majority of Republicans are following Trump in lockstep as he works to exact revenge on his political enemies. However, a growing contingent of Republicans has banded together in a resistance movement. Among the 150 conservatives in the coalition is Former Governor Bill Weld.

Mitt Romney, another former Governor, is also helping to lead the resistance. Romney was recently awarded the JFK Profile in Courage Award by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum for his “consistent and courageous defense of democracy.” Romney was the only Senate Republican with the nerve to vote to convict Donald Trump on impeachment charges in 2020. In fact, Romney is the first senator in history to vote to convict a president of his own party.

And although his name is not on the list of 150 Republican signatories on an open letter to the party, Mass. Gov. Charlie Baker, who has been critical of Trump, said Wednesday that he continues to believe in the "core values" of the Republican Party. 

"I've had my differences, as everybody knows, with plenty of folks in the party over the course of the time that I've been in public life. But I'm a big believer in what the party fundamentally stands for, based on what I believe it stands for," Baker said at a press conference from the Norwood laboratory of COVID-19 vaccine manufacturer Moderna.

According to recent polling, Baker is more popular with Democrats and independents than with voters in his own party. When asked if he agreed with Cheney that the Republican Party was "abandoning the rule of law and democratic principles" in fealty to Trump, Baker said Cheney was right in her defense of the election results.

"I made very clear that I felt the election process that took place back in November was fair, and that President Joe Biden won the election. And on these issues I believe Liz Cheney is absolutely right," said Baker, one of the few Republican leaders that didn’t vote for Trump in 2016 and 2020.

Last week, Baker took part in a bipartisan virtual meeting with President Biden and five other governors to discuss effective vaccination strategies. The following day, Baker said he has found governors to be less hyper-partisan than Washington politicians.

"One of the things I like about playing this role as governor is the fact that most governors will pick up the phone when you call them and help you try to solve whatever problem it is that you're trying to solve and vice versa because we have a lot of commonality on that, and I think in some ways it's something I wish there was a lot more of at the federal level," Baker said.

Read more at WBUR: Baker Says He Remains 'Big Believer' In GOP's Core Values After Cheney's Ouster

More Politics

• Child care tax credit, $571.2 million for UMass included in Senate $47.6 billion budget proposal

• Senate's $47.6B budget draws $1.55B from savings

• What does latest Census mean for Massachusetts politics?

• Baker Traveling to DC for COVID, Congressional Meetings

• Black women will be a force to be reckoned with in the 2022 midterm elections

• Biden picks angel Kelley for federal court opening in Massachusetts high schools return to in-person learning amid pandemic

Business

Massachusetts Launches Employer Vaccination Program

In an effort to expand vaccination efforts in the bay state, Massachusetts is launching an Employer Vaccination Program this week. The program lets companies reserve a block of time for their workforce at mass vaccination sites. 

Companies will also have the option of setting up a kiosk or table at the sites. And companies with 35 or more employees will be eligible for pop-up clinics at their place of business.

In order to take part in the program, employers must survey employees to confirm that they are willing to participate.

Read more at WCVB: COVID-19 employer vaccination program begins in Massachusetts

More Business

• Massachusetts senators seek to legalize sports betting in budget amendments

• 'A win for Massachusetts': Sec. of Commerce Gina Raimonda says American Jobs Plan will bolster business sectors rebounding from COVID

• Gunmaker Troy Arms relocating to Tennessee cites 'changing climate' in Massachusetts

• Union Nurses in Massachusetts Are Waging the Longest Current Strike in the US

• $300 unemployment benefit: Massachusetts businesses face labor shortage as laid-off workers 'happy taking benefits until Labor Day'

• Live theatre making its return to Massachusetts

Energy

It’s official. After hundreds of hours of public hearings and the review of more than 33,000 public comments, the federal Bureau of Ocean Management has given the green light to the Vineyard Wind project. 

Located 15 miles off the southern coast of Martha's Vineyard, the massive project is the first commercial-scale offshore wind farm in the U.S. The project is integral to Mass. efforts to become carbon neutral by 2050 and is expected to create thousands of jobs here in the bay state. 

Offshore wind is also a central part of President Biden's clean energy agenda. Biden is calling a staggering $2.5 trillion in spending on renewable energy projects over the next decade.

Construction will begin this year and start supplying power by 2023. Once completed, the facility is expected to power more than 400,000 Massachusetts homes and businesses. 

Read more at WCVB: Feds grant approval to 84-turbine Vineyard Wind project off coast of Massachusetts

More Energy News

• Massachusetts Kicks Off Third Offshore Wind Solicitation | Morgan Lewis - Power & Pipes - JDSupra

• State Energy Secretary Explains How Massachusetts Became A Leader On Climate Change

• Proposed Massachusetts power plant put on hold for 30 days

• Massachusetts gas price average jumps 5 cents, to $2.91

Transportation

MassDOT Chosen for NASA Development Partnership

NASA announced Friday that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Aeronautics Division has been selected for the space agency’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Community Planning and Integration Partnership Opportunity. The program gives the MassDOT the opportunity to partner, collaborate, and exchange information with other agencies from Ohio, Minnesota, Orlando, and North Central Texas also chosen for the program. 

Many industry experts believe electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft will be available later this decade. The program seeks to develop a green, quiet, and equitable mobility option for these next-generation air vehicles. 

MassDOT Aeronautics Administrator Dr. Jeffrey DeCarlo had this to say about the program:

“MassDOT Aeronautics is pleased to have been accepted by NASA for this partnership opportunity as we have been collaborating with other entities already in an effort to make the Commonwealth of Massachusetts an early adopter location for advanced air mobility operations. Massachusetts is looking to be at the forefront of early community demonstrations, policy solutions, and initial operations and we feel privileged to be working with team members who are true visionaries and global thought leaders from academia, industry, and government.” 

Information from NASA on the program can be found on their website.

More Transportation News

• Massachusetts exit renumbering project moves to Interstate 495

• AOPA opposes $1,000 'climate fee' for Massachusetts landings

• Top crash locations in Mass.: These intersections are most common spots for car crashes

• VTA unveils solar canopies

• Why Gas Prices Are Rising in Massachusetts and Could Go Higher

• MBTA completes three of seven weeks of accelerated work on Green Line B Branch Station Consolidation Project

• Why You Can't Get an Uber or Lyft in Boston Right Now

Real Estate

Alexandria Real Estate Equities closes $130 million purchase of the Watertown Mall

The Watertown Mall, just minutes outside of Boston, was purchased by Alexandria Real Estate Equities. The Mall houses 260,867-square-feet of shop space on 17.8 acres and, unlike most malls in the U.S. today which are turning into ghost towns, the Watertown Mall is 98% occupied and hosts more than 2.7 million customers annually. More than 344,000 residents live within a three-mile radius of the facility which is adjacent to the 1-million-square-foot Arsenal Yards mixed-use redevelopment project.

More Real Estate

• As housing prices continue to soar, is this now a bubble?

• IBM plans move to Lowell as it sheds real estate - Boston Business Journal

• Boston and Worcester named two of the best cities to be a real estate agent in 2021

• In Cambridge, Massachusetts, Local Control Means Restrictive Zoning

• Boston Had Sixth-Most Competitive Housing Market in April

• Watertown Mall sells for $130 million to Alexandria Real Estate Equities

Cannabis

Largest Marijuana Dispensary On East Coast Opens in Boston

Ascend, Downtown Boston’s first retail marijuana shop, had its grand opening Thursday. The 16,000 square-foot adult recreational dispensary is said to be the largest on the East Coast. 

There is limited parking in the area and customers are encouraged to use public transportation. Ascend is located on Friend Street, right near North Station and the TD Garden. Customers can order online for pickup or delivery and “budtenders” are standing by to answer questions concerning the shop’s menu of cannabis products.

Ascend is also planning to open dispensaries in New Bedford and Newton.

Check out CBD Local’s report here: Downtown Boston's First Retail Marijuana Shop Has Grand Opening; Said To Be Largest Dispensary On East Coast

More Cannabis News

• Cannabis commission eyes enhancements to social equity program, mentorships

• Massachusetts cannabis stores will soon be allowed to sell hemp products

• Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc.(IIPR) Acquires Pennsylvania Property and Expands Real Estate Partnership with Parallel

• AmeriCann Reports Record Quarterly Revenue and Positive EBITDA

• Cannabis community host agreements being exploited by some Mass. cities and towns

• Smokescreen: Mass. Lacks Transparency in Money Cannabis Firms Pay to Cities and Towns

• Massachusetts cannabis firms forced to pay $2.6 million in unlawful fees, study shows

• Curaleaf acquires Los Sueños for $67M, expands Colorado marijuana footprint

Our Uneven Progress

The mayoral race is simmering in Boston as the reopening of the state commences. Ironically, although the state suffers record-high joblessness, employers are having trouble filling newly opened position and the state’s hospitality industries continue to atrophy with hotels alone predicted to shed another 14,000 jobs this year. 

And for the masses of unemployed labor workers in the Bay State, one possible deterrent to job hunting is the generous unemployment benefits that have been doled out over the past year. 

In energy and transportation news, the state has opened up an RFP that, once awarded, will eventually double the state’s current wind generation. Also, the Fed is making billions of dollars in grants available for improvements and expansion to public transportation infrastructure. Both of these ambitious projects will create plentiful well-paying jobs.

Meanwhile, the state has begun to open up thousands of acres of agricultural land to hemp and marijuana growers, and a judge smacked down a federal eviction ban.

Let’s get inside and unpack this week’s news: 

Politics

Mayoral Candidate Jon Santiago On The Scrum

The Scrum, GBH News' political podcast, with Adam Reilly and Peter Kadzis, has been hosting an ever-expanding roster of guests. In the latest episode, Jon Santiago talked about laying the groundwork to win Boston’s 2021 mayoral contest. (Former mayor Marty Walsh is off to Washington after being confirmed by the Senate to head the U.S. Labor Department.)

In the Scrum interview, Santiago expressed his hopes to land key endorsements from elected officials and also to win the support of labor unions. Santiago also made some revelations about his personal history. He said that he has no intention of criticizing former Mayor Marty Walsh’s stewardship of the city but he did criticize acting Mayor Kim Janey’s decision to delay Boston’s reopening.

Listen to the podcast here: Jon Santiago On The State Of the Mayor's Race, Marty Walsh's Legacy and Kim Janey's Tenure

More Politics

• Mass. Senate President Karen Spilka seeks input on intergenerational care

• The Massachusetts millionaire’s tax is back, and it’s a little different this time

• Massachusetts Passes One Of The First State-Wide Laws On Facial Recognition

• Massachusetts Plays Catch Up In Offering 'Early College' Courses In High School

Business

Business Leaders Press For Speedy Reopening As Hospitality Industry Continues to Shed Jobs

The Bay State is moving ahead with reopening plans this week. However, some business leaders are complaining that Gov. Charlie Baker isn’t moving fast enough and are asking that the current reopening timeline be moved up by about a month. Baker’s plan calls for Massachusetts’ to be fully functional again by Aug. 1.

“This is all about balance,” said Jon Hurst, president of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts. “We’ve done very well on vaccinations and we need to start moving toward reopening. Worst-case scenario, I hope we’re at 100% by July 4th weekend.”

One of the big challenges now is getting people to come back to work after a nice, long, paid stay-cation. Although unemployment numbers are up nationwide, Mass. businesses are having trouble filling job vacancies.

Although service industry hirings are on the rise again, The American Hotel & Lodging Association projects that Massachusetts could lose more than 14,000 hotel jobs in 2021 due to ongoing reticence to travel post-pandemic. (That’s in addition to the nearly 17,000 hotel jobs lost in the state over the past year.)

All told, about 70% of the 43,000 hotel workers lost their jobs since 2019. In the wider hospitality and leisure industries, about 59% or 225,000 jobs were lost after emergency measures kicked in. That is according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

More Business

• Baker-Polito Administration Celebrates COVID-19 Business Relief Program, Awards Final Round of Grants

• Western Mass. expected to see busy summer for tourism, but picture more uncertain for Boston

• State Updates Tax Relief For Certain Businesses

• State sues marketing firm for role in opioid crisis

Energy

Mass. RFP Expected To Double Wind Output

This big news in Mass. energy this week: A 1,600-megawatt procurement will double the amount of energy Massachusetts utilities have under contract since a 2016 clean energy law kicked in. 

Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides said this in a statement:

"This new solicitation will not only procure more affordable offshore wind energy for residents than ever before, but will also direct greater investment in economic development while requiring offshore wind developers to create comprehensive plans to ensure the Commonwealth's environmental justice and minority communities share equitably in the benefits of this growing industry." 

Currently, Vineyard Wind I and Mayflower Wind, are under contract to provide 1,600 megawatts. The new 140-page RFP seeks bids of "at least 400 MW and up to 1600 MW of Offshore Wind Energy Generation" and requires bidders to submit workforce diversity, equity, and inclusion plans, as well as potential impacts on environmental justice populations and host communities. Moreover, the nominal levelized price of any proposal must be less than $77.76 per megawatt-hour.

There seems to be a difference of opinion among stakeholders as to the numbers. Some claim the price cap should be set at the $77.76 per MWh price that DPU approved. Others such as National Grid are gunning for a lower $70.26 per MWh price cap.

Bids for the lucrative contract are due by Sept. 16. No preferred bid size has been specified. 

Here are numerous sources on this story:

• Massachusetts launches 1.6GW offshore wind tender

• Mass. sees more competition on offshore wind infrastructure

• Massachusetts opens 1.6GW offshore shoot-out

• Offshore Wind Pricing Plan Stirring Crosscurrents

More Energy News

• Avangrid sees Vineyard Wind approval coming, power onshore in 2023

• Agilitas Energy starts work on 3 MW/9 MWh lithium-ion battery for Rhode Island

• Clean energy roadmap not strong enough, activists say

• Largo Resources Picks Site for 1.4 GWh Battery Plant

• Stop & Shop's Green Energy Facility Marks Five Years of Turning Food Waste Into Sustainable Energy

Transportation

Sen. Markey Pitches Investments in N.E. Railways

“If we build it, they will come,” says Sen. Ed Markey who is pitching investments in passenger rail for Massachusetts and other under-connected communities across the Northeastern U.S. by reintroducing the BRAIN (Building Rail Across Intercity Networks To Ride Around Interior of the Nation) TRAIN Act. 

Under the proposed bill the U.S. Department of Transportation would create a competitive grant program offering up to $5 billion in annual grants to fund rail projects including the East-West rail effort to link Springfield and Western Massachusetts with communities stretching from New Haven to Buffalo.

This is in addition to President Biden’s $2 trillion American Jobs Plan which earmarks $85 billion to modernize public transit plus another $80 billion for Amtrak upgrades.

Rail expansions throughout the state will cost between $2.4 and $4.6 billion. Estimates suggest the investment could draw a quarter to a half-million new riders annually.

Read all about it at MassTransitMag.com.

More Transportation News

• Massachusetts Port Authority revisiting climate action plans | Local News | gloucestertimes.com

• A potential Red Line-Blue Line connector is back in the spotlight

• Advocates Say The BRAIN TRAIN Act Could Transform Massachusetts. Will It Pass?

• Regional Transit Authorities Win Funding Victory in House Budget -

• $1,000 Landing Fee Proposed For Massachusetts Private Aircraft

• Study Sees Big Financial Benefits For CT and MA From Improved Passenger Rail Lines

Real Estate

Federal Judge Strikes Down Eviction Ban

In his ruling on a lawsuit brought by real estate industry groups, a federal judge has struck down an emergency ban on evictions in the United States, putting millions of renters at risk of being ousted from their homes. US District Judge Dabney Friedrich ruled that the eviction ban clearly overstepped the authority of the CDC.

The Biden administration, which extended the ban originally instituted under the Trump administration, says it plans to appeal Wednesday’s decision.

This action is “the latest in a string of decisions that chip away at eviction bans that have protected renters, and frustrated landlords, for more than a year,” according to the report in the Boston Globe.

A similar eviction ban in Massachusetts expired in mid-October of 2020. 

More Real Estate

• https://patch.com/massachusetts/wakefield/bizposts/local-update/218753/ma-homeowners-eligible-for-3-252-mortgage-relief

• New home prices climbing higher with lumber business ‘crisis’

• Housing starts slowed in Greater Boston, Massachusetts in 2020

• Frenzied Real Estate Bidding Drives Mass. Home Prices Up

• MA home inspector warns buyers against waiving inspections

• Local Officials And Congressional Leaders Decry Investors Who Put Affordable Housing At Risk

• Hunt Real Estate buys All American Properties

• A Revamped Penthouse Loft Hits the Market at $2.9M in Boston, MA

Cannabis

Bay State Opens Up Agricultural Reserves To Cannabis

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) has released guidance under a 2020 plan to allow cannabis and hemp cultivation on more than 73,000 acres of land belonging to the state Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) and Farm Viability Enhancement programs.

According to the agency website, the APR program, instituted in 1979, pays farmland owners the difference between fair market value and the agricultural value of their farms in exchange for permanent deed restrictions that conserve the land for agricultural use.

And according to the state website, the Farm Viability Enhancement Program provides business and technical assistance to farmers through grant funding in exchange for signing an agricultural covenant on the property.

In a document titled, “Hemp and Marijuana Production on APR and Farm Viability Protected Lands, Apr. 28, 2021,” the Mass. Department of Agricultural Resources writes:

“After reviewing these concerns and evaluating the evolving state of the law as it relates to the legalization of medical and adult use marijuana in Massachusetts and cultivation of hemp in the United States, the Department has been reviewing its policies related to hemp and marijuana and evaluating whether the Department may recognize such activities as horticultural uses in a manner consistent with the laws and intent of the APR Program.” 

More details are available at these fine hemp and cannabis industry news outlets: 

• Massachusetts Opens Up Hemp & Cannabis Cultivation on Protected Farmlands

• Massachusetts Farmland Unlocked For Cannabis Cultivation

• Massachusetts opens land for hemp farming

More Cannabis News

• Massachusetts sets marijuana sales records around 4/20 holiday

• The Grow-Off cannabis competition is coming to Massachusetts, putting a spotlight on craft and small growers - masslive.com

• Uber's interest in cannabis delivery highlights sector's potential and pitfalls

• What Is Biden's Beef With Cannabis?

• How High Are Taxes on Recreational Marijuana in Your State?

Creating a Much Brighter Outlook

Massachusetts leads the nation in a lot of fundamental benchmarks, but apparently being a nice place to live isn’t one of them. The Bay State has landed in lowly 31st place in a recent YouGov survey on the best U.S. states. However — in our own defense — the study wasn’t very scientific. In fact, it was more of a personality contest, really. 

On the positive side, the state saw its lowest week of unemployment claims since the you-know-what began 13 months ago. But businesses across the state are being hammered by an increase in unemployment tax. And they’re not going to take it sitting down.

Also this past week, the House produced its fiscal 2021 budget, creating a much brighter outlook for post-pandemic government operations than previously expected. We’ve also got interesting news about the state’s potential to become the nation’s leader in offshore wind energy, the 350-foot tower going over the Mass Pike near Fenway, another pot shop unionizing in the Bay State, and the recent derailment at the MBTA is keeping new subway cars out of service.

And as usual, we’ve curated dozens more of the most important news stories related to politics, business, energy, transportation, real estate in Massachusetts. You’ll find links at the end of each section. 

And here we go...

Politics

House Budget Teed Up For Debate Next Week

The freshly unveiled House budget proposal calls for $47.6 billion to be spent over the course of fiscal 2021. That’s nearly $1.8 billion more than was recommended in Gov. Charlie Baker’s proposed budget — an overage of nearly four percent and proposed spending is 2.6% higher than the previous budget. 

The plan has two major priorities — helping residents who have been set back by the pandemic and creating jobs. That is according to House Speaker Ronald Mariano who spoke to reporters Wednesday. The plan also included a nearly $220 million increase in Chapter 70 education aid to school districts and creates a $40 million reserve fund also earmarked for schools.

Mariano warned that current revenue projections are more than $1 billion below what they were in January of 2020. On the other hand, the budget leaves some reserves in the state’s $3.5 billion “rainy day fund” and also doesn’t factor in $4.5 billion in federal aid expected to arrive later this year. The plan doesn’t include any major changes to the state’s tax code. 

The House will debate the budget and make any changes before it then heads off to the Senate for more massaging. Once both legislative bodies have approved their respective budgets a six-member committee made up of three House and three Senate members will hammer out the final concessions. It then heads to Gov. Baker who can sign it outright or issue line item vetoes which lawmakers may override. 

More details on the budget can be found here.

Meanwhile back in Washington, the federal government recently gave its opinion on where money needs to be spent in the Bay State. The state received a C-minus on its infrastructure report card. Here are some of the findings from that report:

• 472 bridges and more than 1,194 miles of road in Massachusetts are in disrepair. 

• Commute times have risen by 10.9% in Massachusetts since 2011.

• Drivers are paying an average of $620 per year for wear and tear on their vehicles as a result of driving on poorly maintained roads. 

• Public transportation costs an extra 52.9% of commuters’ time. (Non-white households are twice as likely to commute via public transportation.)

• 23% of public transportation vehicles in the state are out of date.

• $12.2 billion in additional funding will be needed over the next 20 years to improve the state’s drinking water infrastructure. 

Patch has more info on the federal infrastructure plan.

More Politics

• Here's what's in President Biden's Infrastructure Plan for Massachusetts, including improvements to drinking water system

• Massachusetts pols ramp up pressure on Biden over student debt, expanding Supreme Court. Will it work?

• Ben Downing on the Massachusetts climate law and his own clean energy plan

• A Mass. regulator says a local political couple and a party chair may have violated campaign finance laws

• Wunderkind Ex-Mayor to Face Jurors in Fraud, Bribery Case

• Jake Auchincloss is introducing his first bill as a member of Congress

• Holyoke Soldiers’ Home one step closer to reconstruction after House passes $400 million bond bill

Business

Unemployment Insurance Solvency Fund Rate Up 16-Fold Since Pandemic

The Retailers Association of Massachusetts sent a nice letter to Gov. Charlie Baker and the state legislature. They’re politely asking about the projected $4 billion-plus deficit in the state Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund and the recent massive increases in the employee contribution rate on state tax notices. 

All Mass. employers are looking at higher tax bills to offset the historic unemployment-related debt. RAM President Jon Hurst, Massachusetts Restaurant Association President Bob Luz, and the heads of 17 Bay State chambers of commerce signed the letter.

In the letter, Hurst et al suggest that federal aid be earmarked to repair the deficit in the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. However, the CARES Act funds come with lots of strings attached making that solution a bit tricky. Federal guidance on relief spending is expected in mid-May.

In an attempt to ease the pain, lawmakers have authorized $7 billion in borrowing. The Baker administration is also delaying the UI tax payment deadline to June 1 so that state officials can address the nearly 16-fold ballooning of the solvency fund rate which increased from 0.58% to 9.23% due to the pandemic.

The good news is that Massachusetts just had its lowest unemployment rate since the beginning of the pandemic. And nationwide, seasonally adjusted initial claims dropped by nearly 200,000, down from 576,000 the previous week. And according to data from Harvard University’s Opportunity Insights initiative, two million Massachusettsites are now fully vaccinated and consumer spending is up 18% over January 2020.

More Business

• White House gives Massachusetts a C- grade on infrastructure report card

• Massachusetts looks to bar Robinhood in state; company sues

• Massachusetts wants to pull the plug on Robinhood

• 'You feel like you keep getting hit': Massachusetts businesses that survived COVID feel 'penalized' by unemployment tax hike 

Energy

A little over a decade ago, in a big bet in offshore wind power, MassCEC built the Marine Commerce Terminal — a staging area the size of 22 football fields designed to withstand the weight required to assemble offshore wind turbines. It’s the only staging area of its kind in the country. According to a report by WBUR, MassCEC is a “quasi-governmental economic development agency, with a mission to spur the growth of clean energy jobs and infrastructure in the state.” 

The key takeaway from the report:

“This week, MassCEC's bet may finally start to pay off. The federal government is expected to make a major decision about Vineyard Wind, the first large-scale wind farm in the United States, slated to be built off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard. The ruling represents the last big obstacle the project needs to overcome before construction can begin.

This long-awaited decision could pave the way for a massive offshore wind industry not just in Massachusetts, but also up and down the Atlantic Coast.

While they await the decision, the New Bedford terminal has been leasing the port to other marine cargo operations. The facility has also been a staging ground for terrestrial wind and solar projects.

If the federal government gives the go-ahead, Vineyard Wind is positioned to become the first biggest offshore wind farm in the U.S. with 62 turbines about 12 miles off Martha’s Vineyard island. The facility will produce enough electricity to power 400,000 homes.

Read all about it over at WBUR’s website.

More Energy News

• Ben Downing on the Massachusetts climate law and his own clean energy plan

• ENERGY TRANSITIONS: A farmer's fight for solar reveals a U.S. land problem

• New rules require more efficient biomass energy plants 3h ago

• Baker Administration Would Block Renewable Energy Credits For Springfield Biomass Project

• ENERGY TRANSITIONS: 3 battles could remake the oil and gas industry

Transportation

New MBTA Trains Out of Service For 3 More Weeks 

Last month, one of the MBTA’s newest trains derailed. It’s not clear if the incident should be blamed on the train or the track. Nonetheless, the fleet of shiny new Orange and Red line cars will remain out of service for at least three more weeks while this all gets sorted out. 

The train involved in the incident was traveling slowly when the third car on the train derailed with about 100 passengers on board. No injuries were reported. The track was replaced and trains are now running again between Sullivan Square Station and Oak Grove. 

Also Monday, MBTA officials discussed plans to spend $2 billion on repairs and upgrades in the next fiscal year.

More Transportation News

• Massachusetts Offers Opportunities For Stakeholder Engagement To Address Transportation Emissions

• Officials in Worcester agree, public transportation is a ‘lifeline’ for the community, so why is it in such ‘rough shape’?

• Shared bus-bike lanes, multimodal improvements completed in Lynn, Mass.

Real Estate

Boston’s World Class Skyline To Undergo Renovation 

The Fenway Center project to build a massive 350-foot tower over the Massachusetts Turnpike between Beacon Street and Brookline Avenue is underway. Developers have paid $55 million to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for “air-rights” for the structure, according to the Boston Globe. 

The complex will feature not just commercial space but also green space and walking paths over the highway. The project will significantly change the view for commuters entering the city from the West. 

The first phase of the project is to build a $200 million steel deck to act as a foundation for the monstrous structure. It’s going to take two years just to build the deck. Meanwhile, one lane will be closed on the Mass Pike in each direction.

More Real Estate

• Housing market has even the pros asking “are these prices even realistic?”

• Massachusetts amid white-hot real estate boom

• Million-dollar homes and cutthroat bids: Inside Brookline's hot real estate market

Cannabis

Employees of Marijuana Dispensary In Hanover Unionized

After a year of haggling, employees of a Curaleaf medical marijuana dispensary in Hanover, Massachusetts, have voted to join the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local Union 328. The Union says it’s currently negotiating a contract with Curaleaf. 

There has been a recent trend toward unionizing cannabis dispensaries in other states as well including an MMJ grower in Rhode Island and another cannabis cultivation and processing facility in Massachusetts.

MJ Biz Daily has a report.

More Cannabis News

• Jennifer Flanagan announces she’s stepping down from Cannabis Control Commission

• These Massachusetts cannabis dispensaries are celebrating 4/20 with events, specials and more

• Western MA not afraid of cannabis competition from NY - yet

• Cannabis Central Mass. Worcester marijuana business cultivation towns

• Jushi Enters Massachusetts Market with $110 Million Acquisition – New Cannabis Ventures

• CT investor strikes two-state facilities deal with cannabis operator

• The Davis Companies Buys a 4-Property Flex Portfolio for $44.25 Million

More of the Latest Massachusetts News

• Tips to score a vaccine appointment as Massachusetts opens up vax eligibility to 16-plus

Post-Pandemic Budgeting

The Massachusetts state budget will be the primary concern this week. Tax revenues are exceeding expectations, gas taxes are dwindling, and some cities may be putting the screws to local cannabis operators. The tourism and hospitality sector is battered and bruised, while heads are spinning at real estate development concerns along coastal Massachusetts due to last week’s blockbuster ruling on harbor front development. 

Meanwhile, Ben Downing, candidate for governor, wants to put the pedal to the metal on the state’s emissions reduction goals.  

Politics

Lawmakers To Unveil Fiscal 2021 Budget as Tax Collections Exceed Expectations

Excitement is mounting for the unveiling of the budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year because 2020-2021 has been full of big surprises. The most recent surprise is that Massachusetts tax collections have once again exceeded the state’s expectations and this month’s debate in House of Representatives may center around how the Commonwealth can emerge fully funded from the COVID19 pandemic.

Here are some tax numbers being crunched on Beacon Hill:

• The Department of Revenue reported over $3 billion in tax revenue for March. That’s $402 million or 15.1% higher than the previous month.

• The state collected nearly $22.6 billion this fiscal year. That’s about $1.5 billion or 7.2% higher than in fiscal 2020.

• Corporate and business tax collections in March exceeded $1 billion. That’s $274 million above the state’s projections. 

• The state collected $562 million in sales and use tax revenue. That’s about $95 million more than expected. 

• The state collected $66 million in meals tax revenue. That’s nearly one-quarter more than expected.

• Income tax collections were $1.26 billion. That’s about $178 million above projections.

• Income tax returns and bills totaled $152 million in March. That’s $63 million above benchmark but 4.6% below the state’s expectations. 

• The state reported $399 million in refunds (so far this tax season). That’s $19 million less than expected. 

Unknown at this time is how $4.5 billion in federal funds will figure into future spending as the revenue is not accounted for in the budget plans. This is because the U.S. treasury has yet to develop full guidelines on how the money should be spent. More details are expected within the next month. 

Lawmakers will be unveiling the new budget on Wednesday, April 14. 

MassLive.com has more details on the budget.

More Politics

• Massachusetts lawmakers seek to boost public education funding beyond Gov. Charlie Baker's budget plan

• What should Mass. learn from COVID? Lawmakers to discuss state’s future in hearing

• Reimagining Massachusetts Committee talks to South Shore business owners

• State senator, MassGOP chair may have violated campaign finance rules, OCPF says

• Markey calls to expand Supreme Court as other Massachusetts pols wait on Biden commission

• Charlie Baker not yet ready to decide on third term as Massachusetts governor

• Boston City Council Endorses State 'Millionaires Tax'

• Growing number of moms run for school committee in the wake of COVID

Business

Tourism and Hospitality Sectors Plead For Pain Relief 

No other sector of the Bay State economy has been so brutally beaten down by the pandemic than the state’s tourism and hospitality sector. And the beatings will continue until morale improves — as they say. Experts are predicting a slow and painful recovery. That is unless the state can provide some measure of relief by inoculating the sector with additional funds. 

At a recent hearing by the Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development Committee, lawmakers heard from groups representing restaurants, hotels and motels, cultural organizations, event venues and tourism promotion. Each told stories of widespread losses as stay-at-home, the gathering limits, and the massive drop in customer spending forced closings and employee furloughs of biblical proportion. 

Martha Sheridan, president of the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau had this to say:

"We're not going to be able to wish, pray and hope our way out of this pandemic. The only way we're going to get out of it is if we remain competitive and invest strategically in tourism promotion."

So far the state has awarded more than $650 million in relief grants to about 14,400 businesses. And cultural nonprofits received almost $10 million through a separate grant program in January. 

Also, according to NBC Boston, another $16 billion grant program was announced on Thursday. The fund is earmarked to “assist live venue operators, theatrical producers, live performing arts organization operators, museum operators, movie theater operators and talent representatives affected by mandatory closures.”

Furthermore, bill (SD 2105) would divert at least $200 million from the coming federal stimulus package to help cultural organizations recover.

Industry leaders say it’s not enough and are asking lawmakers to dig deeper. They also asked the state to develop a clearer timeline for lifting of business restrictions.

Some soothing news: Overall, Mass. business confidence has returned to pre-pandemic levels.

Learn more about this issue at NBC Boston.

More Business

• 'Jaw-dropping': Unemployment tax bills skyrocket for many Mass. businesses - Boston Business Journal

• Some Massachusetts employers still face major tax increases due to COVID-related unemployment claims

• Mass. business confidence jumps to prepandemic levels The Boston Globe

• Mass. Employer Confidence Widespread Heading Into Spring

Energy

Gubernatorial Hopeful Downing Offers Suped-Up Climate Plan

Ben Downing, who has been working in the renewable energy sector in 2017, has announced his plan to combat climate change. 

According to Downing, the state should be aiming at 100% clean electricity by 2030 with the rest of the state’s energy needs to be 100% clean by 2040. And, of course, the recent omnibus climate bill calls for net-zero emissions by 2050. 

For one thing, Downing is calling for a doubling of the Mass Clean Energy Center budget. According to Downing:

“MassCEC has been sort of the hub of new technologies in Massachusetts, going back to the earlier days of solar, more recently, around energy storage and business models there. We know we're going to have to not only deploy more renewables, but continue to think about new ways to ensure access to renewables across the economic spectrum and to come up with new innovative models for making the overall system work more efficiently, more effectively. Supporting MassCEC is the simplest way to do that. But we need to continue to think about other ways to do it as well.”

Read and listen to the full interview with WAMC.org. Or check out this report at MassLive.com. 

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Transportation

The Problem With More Energy Efficient Autos: A Dwindling Gas Tax

According to the American Society of Civil Engineers the average driver in Massachusetts at 42 cents a gallon spends $620 a year in gas taxes. That money goes toward road maintenance. This has been going on since the 1950s. The problem is, while expenses for maintenance are on the rise, gas tax revenue is slowly dwindling as autos become more and more efficient. What to do? 

According to a report by Boston 25 News, Mary Maguire of AAA Northeast says this isn’t sustainable. And Steve Pociask of the American Consumer Institute thinks we need to come up with a new fee system.

One of the potential solutions being bandied about is a tax rate based on the type of vehicle and the miles driven. Trucks would pay more. Economy cars would pay less. 

Matt Casale of MassPirg, who specializes in transportation and climate issues, says: 

“The beautiful thing about a vehicle mileage travelled fee is you can structure it anyway you want. If used properly, a VMT or some other user-based system for driving, could make it easier to get where you need to go by fast bus or train, or it could improve the condition of the roads and bridges so you you’re not hitting as many potholes and you don’t need to spend as much on vehicle maintenance.”

The rates could also be structured in such a way as to create disincentives to drive gas guzzlers and offer incentives to trade in your old stink tank for a zero-emissions vehicle. 

Read all about it at Boston 25 News.

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• Biden wants to spend billions on transportation infrastructure. What's in it for Massachusetts?

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• As MBTA, Transit Agencies Nationwide Consider Service Cuts; Pressley, Markey Re-Introduce Bold Legislation to Fully Fund Fare-Free Public Transit

• Massachusetts RMV implements inspection sticker grace period as service will remain offline through at least Friday 

• Sagamore Bridge lane closures begin

• A closer look at Boston's free public transport trial

• Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation Market Upcoming Demand And Growth Analysis by Players 

Real Estate

Recent Ruling on Boston Harbor Tower Will Have Far-Reaching Consequences

Last week we told you about the developers of a 600-foot tower on Boston Harbor looking over the New England Aquarium out to the Boston Harbor. We told you how their hopes and dreams were dashed by Suffolk County Superior Court Judge Brian Davis who ruled in favor of The Conservation Law Foundation and Harbor Towers apartment residents in a lawsuit seeking to block the proposed redevelopment. In a strange twist, the judge ruled that the zoning laws under which the plan was approved were themselves approved by the wrong state official in 2018. This has now sent a shockwave through the real estate development community. 

The problem is that the ruling could very well affect other developments approved under similar zoning plans — and not just in Boston, but from Gloucester to New Bedford to Provincetown. 

This is a fascinating story with far-reaching consequences that we won’t even begin to try to unpack here. But there’s a deep dive on recent developments at Boston.com.

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Cannabis

Mass Grower Advisory Council Says Some Cities Are Too Greedy

In the five years since recreational marijuana became legal in Massachusetts 122 dispensaries have opened in the state. Sales have grossed $1.45 billion since Nov. 2018. And more than $90 million in sales tax has been collected.

However, a recent report by the Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition and the Massachusetts Grower Advisory Council claims that 79% of the state’s host community agreements require excessive fees and “voluntary” donations for third-party charities. 

To the Massachusetts Grower Advisory Council, that’s a problem. It could result in excessively high barriers to entry for the little guys. It also helps keep black market pot prices competitive. 

MGAC has petitioned the courts, asking that the Cannabis Control Commission be given authority over municipal agreements, instead of cities and towns.

For in-depth coverage of this story visit BizJournals.com.

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The Massachusetts Memory Loss

Anyone who has been around for more than a few decades knows that American voters have two glaring health problems — they experience severe memory loss and are badly near-sighted. These ailments are exacerbated by the fact that over the past 50 years, the news cycle has gone from days or weeks (pre-cable and internet) down to literally just moments via social media and 24/7 cable news. 

For example, in February, Gov. Charlie Baker was touted as one of the most beloved governors in the U.S. Then in March, as the top news story in the Bay State became the roughshod rollout of the state’s vaccination program, voters forgot how much they loved Baker and his approval rating took a sharp dive. Now, In April, as the news of a buggy vaccination appointment website fades into amnesia, Baker’s approval rating is pretty much back where it was.

As a country, we forgot the lessons learned during the 1918 pandemic. And we lacked foresight. We were too busy worrying about a toilet paper shortage coming in a week to see that the world was about to change for decades to come. 

Thankfully, however, there is a silver lining. Americas’ vision and memory seem to be improving as a direct result of the pandemic. We’re becoming more farsighted. We’re waking up to problems we’ve all but ignored for decades. We’re now addressing issue sets like human rights, greenhouse gas emissions, and a crumbling infrastructure (not to mention a crumbling middle class) --  and we’re doing it with more energy and fervor than we’ve seen in over a half a century. 

Signs that our memory and vision are improving here in the Commonwealth include the launch of two landmark pieces of legislation — a climate bill aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, and a transportation bond bill that will bring about big changes to the state’s transportation infrastructure and job market for decades to come. 

These actions may be a reaction to the pandemic, but it’s widely agreed that they are paramount to the future of our communities. It may not matter how they came to be, just that they got done.    

Let’s unpack this week’s news: 

Politics

Democrat Wins DeLeo’s Seat, Sen. Chang-Diaz Teases Run For Gov.

After a low-turnout special election, it looks like Jeffrey Turco will be taking the seat left vacant by the departure of former Democratic House Speaker Robert DeLeo. The news media’s spin on the story is that the Massachusetts attorney — a Democrat — voted for Donald Trump in 2016. We would link you to a full report, but that’s pretty much the gist of the media’s take on this story. 

In other Mass political news, it looks like Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz might be running for governor of Massachusetts next year. The media spin on this story is that she has been one of the more vociferous critics of Gov. Charlie Baker’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic. 

However, we know a little bit more about Chang-Diaz. She was the first Latina to win a seat in the Massachusetts Senate in 2008 and is currently chair of two joint committees in the House: the Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights and Inclusion; and the Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy.

Former state Sen. Ben Downing was the first Democrat to formally announce a run for governor. Attorney General Maura Healey’s name is also being tossed around as a possible candidate. Baker, himself has yet to say whether he will run for a third term in 2022.

WBUR has summed up the current state of affairs on the marathon race for Mass. governor in their report titled, “It's 'Maybe' Season In The Mass. Governor's Race.”

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• Gov. Charlie Baker signs unemployment insurance bill that includes PPP loan tax benefit

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• Maura Healey comes up big in March fundraising; Karyn Polito again out-paces Charlie Baker

Business

According to a report by The Boston Globe, it is commonplace for hospital chiefs in Boston to work as directors of publicly traded companies. What’s not commonplace, they say, is the large sums of money they’re being paid:

1. Laurie Glimcher, MD. President and CEO of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
   Annual hospital compensation: $1.8 million
   Company: GlaxoSmithKline, $180,000; Analog Devices, $139,145*

2. Peter Slavin, MD. President of Massachusetts General Hospital.
   Annual hospital compensation: $2.4 million
   Company: Amwell, $475,003

3. Sandra Fenwick. Former CEO of Boston Children's Hospital (retired March 31)
   Annual hospital compensation: $2.7 million
   Company: Teladoc Health, $1,058,250*

4. Kevin Churchwell, MD. CEO of Boston Children's Hospital.
   Annual hospital compensation: $1.6 million
   Company: Cyclerion Therapeutics, $141,253*

5. Elizabeth Nabel, MD. Former President of Brigham and Women's Hospital. (stepped down March 1).
   Annual hospital compensation: $2.4 million
   Company: Medtronic, $385,054; Moderna, $487,500

6. Kate Walsh. President and CEO of Boston Medical Center.
   Annual hospital compensation: $2.6 million
   Company: Beam Therapeutics, $817,500

7. Michael Tarnoff, MD. Interim President and CEO of Tufts Medical Center.
   Annual hospital compensation: $1.1 million
   Company: AngioDynamics, $37,726*

* Partial salary because they joined the board after the start of the year.

Critics have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest that might distract from hospital priorities. For example, the Globe claims that Dr. Nabel attended between 30 and 40 committee meetings called by the two boards on which he sat in 2019.

Read more about the investigation here.

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Energy

It looks like hospital presidents and CEOs aren’t the only ones being accused of being overvalued. The organization that oversees New England’s power grid is being scrutinized by consumer advocates who claim that executive salaries at the agency are sky-high.

According to a 2019 tax filing made public by the nonprofit, ISO New England CEO Gordon van Welie was paid a total of $2,305,770 while Executive VP and COO Vamsi Chadalavada earned $1,746,314. Four other employees made more than $800,000, and 38 people, including eight of the nonprofit’s board members, made more than $100,000 that year.

ISO New England is responsible for balancing supply and demand, pricing electricity, maintaining the system, and implementing any changes the grid system needs. The non-profit is funded largely by fees off the top of residents’ electricity bills. It received $194 million in 2019. A statement from ISO NE says the non-profit takes just over a dollar a month from the average ratepayer in fees. 

The statement reads in part:

“Our board and leadership roles require a considerable time commitment and expertise in markets, power system operations, information security and more. Our compensation levels are reviewed by outside firms annually to ensure that the company stays competitive and within reasonable ranges when compared to similarly situated companies. Competition for these leaders is significant.”

But David Tuerck, head of the conservative Beacon Hill Institute, had this to say about that:

“ISO New England claims it ‘maintains a culture of cost accountability and transparency in its service to the region.’ They might add, ‘except when it comes to paying their staff lavishly.’”

It’s not the first time the group has come under scrutiny. Last fall, Gov. Charlie Baker joined with the governors of Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine, and Connecticut in calling for a “modernization” effort. In the letter, the governors accused ISO of having “a governance structure that is not transparent to the states and customers it serves, with a mission that is not responsive to States’ legal mandates and policy priorities.”

The Boston Herald has a report on this story.

More Energy News

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• Activists hail Massachusetts law as crucial step on environmental justice

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• Sen. Markey reintroduces legislation to block infrastructure for exporting natural gas

• “Massachusetts 2050: A Warming State” How an environmental-focused business launched a Northampton community member into politics

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• CommonWealth Magazine

Transportation

Boston To Offer Free Public Transportation Under Pilot Program

The City of Boston is undertaking a pilot program offering free public transportation for up to 1,000 employees who work in five of the city's Main Street districts. Pilot participants will receive a pre-loaded Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) pass with $60. The city will also offer free passes for unlimited rides through the Bluebikes bike-share program.

According to acting Mayor Kim Janey, the pilot is intended to support a sustainable and equitable recovery from the pandemic. "We have to lift up workers and make sure they have access to reliable transportation. That is essential to an economic recovery that is equitable," she said during a press conference.

Read all about it at Cities-Today.com.

In similar news, U.S. Sen. Edward Markey has refiled legislation intended to boost support for free public transportation. In a written statement, co-sponsor U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley said the bill would invest “heavily in our public transit systems so that states and localities can offer safe, high-quality, and fare-free rides to all to ensure everyone” can access jobs, food and essential services.”

AP has more on this story.

More Transportation News

• 'True game changer': Eric Lesser on Amtrak's plans for Western Mass.

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• MA Advocates for Public Transit Praise Biden Infrastructure Plan

• What Might Biden Infrastructure Push Mean for Transit in Mass.?

• EDITORIAL: Amtrak expansions provide new opportunity to boost economy, eco-friendly travel – The Daily Free Press

Real Estate

Suffolk County judge Brian Davis has dealt a major blow to developers of a long-planned skyscraper on the edge of Boston Harbor. Davis threw out Boston zoning rules that would have allowed the 600-foot tower to be developed by Don Chiofaro at the site of the Boston Harbor Garage. 

The ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by the Conservation Law Foundation and residents of the Harbor Towers condominium complex. Davis ruled that Baker administration officials overstepped their authority when they approved the plan to develop 42 acres along the downtown waterfront.

The 29-page ruling also calls into question similar plans being considered by developers along the Massachusetts coast. 

Read all about it at the Boston Globe.

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Cannabis

New York Legalizes Adult Recreational Use of Marijuana

New York has officially become the 16th state in the U.S. to legalize marijuana.  Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act into law just one day after it was passed by legislators. 

The bill expands the state's existing medical marijuana program and sets up a licensing and taxation system for recreational sales to adults 21 and older

Cuomo said in a statement:

"For too long the prohibition of cannabis disproportionately targets communities of color with harsh prison sentences and after years of hard work, this landmark legislation provides justice for long-marginalized communities, embraces a new industry that will grow the economy, and establishes substantial safety guards for the public. New York has a storied history of being the progressive capital of the nation, and this important legislation will once again carry on that legacy."

Interestingly, unlike all other states with legal cannabis, a provision in the bill permits marijuana to be smoked in public. According to Paul Armentano, deputy director of the pro-legalization group NORML, no other states allow public use. 

This is important news for the Mass. cannabis industry as it is sure to cut into sales, especially in the eastern part of the state that borders upstate New York. On the other hand, it gives Mass.-based cannabis companies such as Curaleaf — the world’s biggest cannabis company — an opportunity to expand New York operations. 

NBC New York has an extensive report on this story.

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