New England Public Radio

The Short List: Baker Vetoes Pay Hike, Sanctuary Mayors Take A Stand, Warren Supports Trump Housing Nominee

What made The Short List this week?

  • The Massachusetts legislature overwhelmingly passed a bill giving themselves, judges and other state workers, including the governor, a big hike in pay. Governor Baker opposes the measure, but lawmakers are likely to override his veto.
  • President Trump, as he said he would, has signed an executive order instructing federal agencies to cut grants for so-called “sanctuary cities.”Cambridge, Somerville, Boston, Northampton, Holyoke and Amherst are among those included.
  • A rally this week outside of Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey’s Springfield offices was held to encourage them to resist approving Trump’s nominees. And then the next day, Warren voted for Ben Carson to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Click the audio player above to hear New England Public Radio’s Susan Kaplan explore these issues with Ron Chimelis of the Springfield Republican and Natalia Munoz of  WHMP’s Vaya Con Munoz.

The Week Ahead on Beacon Hill

At the end of the week, Massachusetts will welcome fiscal year 20-17. As it stands, it looks like state revenues are down about $750 million dollars, and that is throwing a hitch into finalizing next year’s state budget. New England Public Radio’s Carrie Healy checks in with State House News reporter Matt Murphy to find out if the state budget could get passed by Friday.

Click the red button, above, to hear Matt Murphy discuss budget negotiations, Elizabeth Warren, and bills slated for debate this week, with New England Public Radio’s Carrie Healy.

Markey Undecided On Iran Deal

Massachusetts US.. Senator Ed Markey says he still hasn’t decided how he will vote on the nuclear deal with Iran.

During a visit to Springfield Tuesday, Markey said there is one area he continues to focus on as he ponders how to vote on the agreement.

“The key is to make sure that there is a verifiable inspections regime, which is in place in order to determine the efficacy of the deal long term,” Markey says.

If Congress votes on a resolution not accepting the Iran accord, the President can still get the deal through if he can find enough lawmakers to uphold his likely veto.

Markey’s Senate colleague, Elizabeth Warren, and Congressman Jim McGovern have already announced their support of the deal while Congressman Richard Neal has not said publicly which way he will vote.