The Mood

As protests engulf the nation and Boston, some turning violent, much of the focus early in the week will be on response and reaction. Attention will shift away from business re-openings, planned legislative action, and election matters like tonight’s scheduled debate between Senator Ed Markey and Congressman Joe Kennedy III.

 

The News

  • Boston Mayor Marty Walsh details recommendations for business reopening today at his noon press conference
  • On Saturday, Governor Charlie Baker will announce phase two reopening details which hinge on this week’s COVID-19 data.
  • Democratic caucuses planned Tuesday for both Massachusetts legislative branches; House plans formal session on Wednesday
  • Three virtual hearings this week: The Joint Committees on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy, Health Care Finance and Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
  • Rent control bill is on the move in the Legislature
  • Ban on menthol and other flavored tobacco goes into effect today

 

Reopening the Commonwealth:

 

  • The data from this week will determine if the reopening will proceed to phase two next week. The Baker Administration will announce Saturday when/if phase two will actually begin.

 

At the State House:

 

  • The Massachusetts House of Representatives plans to debate an expansive voting options bill that was released by The Joint Committee on Election Laws late Friday. Among other provisions, the bill directs the Secretary of State to mail an application by July 15 to every registered voter so they can choose to request a ballot for both the September 1 primary and November 3 general elections as well as create an online portal for registered voters to request a mail-in ballot to be sent to their homes. There were more than 4.58 million residents registered to vote in the March presidential primary.

 

  • The Senate does not currently have a formal session scheduled for this week.

 

Legislative Hearings:

 

 

 

BAN IN EFFECT:

  • In November 2019, Massachusetts became the first state in the country to prohibit the retail sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol and mint cigarettes; the ban takes effect today.