The Landscape
With 29 days to the election and the leader of the free world being treated for a virus that has killed over 1 million people around the globe, debate over the stimulus is taking a back burner – no matter how important it is to states like Massachusetts.
Trump signaled his support for another stimulus yet no action has been taken. Without federal financial assistance from Washington, the Commonwealth faces a $4 billion to $6 billion deficit. Speaker Robert DeLeo discussed this Wednesday’s Joint Committee on Ways & Means Economic Roundtable hearing, calling the it the first step in a long way to complete the budget.
Advocates both for and against stalled racial justice and police reform and accountability bill are growing skeptical that the Legislature will act. A local pediatrician penned an essay arguing against qualified immunity this weekend and “Back The Blue” rallies continue to pop up across the state. DeLeo indicated the conference committee continues to meet in earnest and he “hopes” that there will be a vote on the bill before the end of the year.
The News
- It’s virtual debate night for Sen. Ed Markey and Republican challenger Kevin O’Connor
- Grid operator calls for “net carbon pricing”
- Charlie Baker seeks to lift ban on surge pricing during COVID emergency
- Boston City Councilor & mayoral hopeful Michelle Wu goes “On The Record”
SILVER LINING:
NEW ENGLAND PUTS ON A SHOW: Despite the lack of rain, this year’s fall foliage is a safe and socially distant activity outside of the house.