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Politico
7 days ago
- Business
- Politico
Markey's early union boost
UNION APPROVED — A labor union that threw its support behind a younger challenger in the bruising 2020 Senate primary is coming out early for Sen. Ed Markey this time around. IBEW Local 103 is endorsing Markey for reelection more than a year before voters can head to the polls, in the latest warning shot to would-be challengers from Markey's campaign. 'Ed Markey always stands with the members of the IBEW, especially when it comes to good jobs with good wages and good benefits,' Lou Antonellis, IBEW 103's business manager, says in a video shared by Markey's campaign. 'Certainly, his fight in Washington, D.C., for clean energy jobs like solar, like offshore wind, like the expansion of EV charging stations for electric vehicles. Ed always stands with the IBEW, and we're proud to stand with him.' Four years ago, Boston's electricians and technicians union endorsed then-Rep. Joe Kennedy a few weeks after he made his campaign official. Antonellis promised to 'fight like hell' to help Kennedy defeat Markey. In an op-ed in CommonWealth Beacon at the time, Antonellis cited 'the need for newer, fresh voices in the U.S. Senate' as part of the reason the union was backing the younger challenger. IBEW workers 'deserve the opportunity to elect political leadership from among their own generation to fix what Congress has broken,' Antonellis wrote in 2019. In the ensuing years, angst over the age of many lawmakers — particularly on the Democratic side of the aisle — has grown, but the 78-year-old Markey has so far largely avoided serious challenges. The union endorsement shows that even some who supported Kennedy's calls for new, younger leadership in the 2020 primary aren't looking to do the same this cycle. And it's the latest indication that Markey's campaign is starting to ramp up. Sen. Elizabeth Warren endorsed her Democratic Senate colleague Wednesday, the Boston Globe first reported, calling him a 'progressive champion' and the person with the 'fight, the experience, and the vision to meet the moment we are in.' The early endorsements are a sign that Markey doesn't intend to take his reelection bid lightly. He has one Democratic challenger, first-time candidate Alex Ricklen, but so far high-profile Democrats like Reps. Jake Auchincloss and Ayanna Pressley haven't made moves to take the plunge that Kennedy did when he announced his campaign in 2019. GOOD THURSDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Tips, scoops, endorsements? Hit me up: kgarrity@ TODAY — Gov. Maura Healey has no public events. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll chairs a STEM Advisory Council Meeting at 12:30 p.m. in Avon, speaks at a retirement party for Neeham Town Manager Kate Fitzpatrick at 4:30 p.m. in Needham and delivers remarks at a Cummings Foundation event at 6 p.m. Sen. Ed Markey holds a virtual press conference on a new survey from the Small Business for America's Future that shows small business owners oppose health care cuts that congressional Republicans are advancing in the reconciliation bill at 11:40 a.m. Rep. Ayanna Pressley hosts a hearing on the impacts of abortion bans following the Dobbs decision at 9 a.m. in D.C. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu participates in a fireside chat with AIM President and CEO Brooke Thomson at 10 a.m., speaks at the Somali flag raising ceremony at 12:30 p.m. and delivers remarks at the street sign dedication for Pastor Pearline James at 2:30 p.m. in Mattapan. DATELINE BEACON HILL — Healey pauses some HomeBase rental assistance after massive spike in demand by Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald: 'Gov. Maura Healey's administration plans to pause some rental assistance to families receiving benefits through the HomeBase program after total caseloads increased by more than fivefold between 2023 and 2025, according to state officials and data released to the Herald. The spike in demand for HomeBase — a program that provides eligible families in the state-run shelter system with $30,000 over two years, with the possibility of a third year of help — lines up with a surge of families entering emergency shelters over the past two and a half years.' — Pappas Hospital staff say the state has ignored patients' needs by Magdiela Matta, GBH News: 'Employees at the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children say there's been an uptick in discharges but no new admissions in the months since Gov. Maura Healey announced a pause in the proposed closure of the facility. The 160-acre live-in facility provides medical, rehabilitative, educational and recreational services to children and young adults with multiple disabilities. More than a dozen nurses, patients and teachers gathered in Canton on Wednesday to protest the limited use of the facility and urge for its continued operation.' — Town leaders for Massachusetts state Rep. Chris Flanagan's entire district now demand his resignation by Denise Coffey, Cape Cod Times: 'The Yarmouth Select Board voted unanimously on June 24 to send a letter to state Rep. Christopher Flanagan demanding his resignation. Yarmouth joins Dennis and Brewster — the three towns in Flanagan's district — in asking their state representative to step down. Town Administrator Robert Whritenour Jr. will draft the letter immediately for the board to sign. Flanagan was arrested on April 11 for wire fraud and falsification of records. He represents the 1st Barnstable District, which includes the towns of Brewster, Dennis and Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 8 in Yarmouth.' — 'People are going to end up dying': Healey warns as Republicans race to pass 'Big Beautiful Bill' by John L. Micek, MassLive. — Critics of Healey's energy bill line up, as governor sells $10 billion savings by Matthew Medsgar, Boston Herald. WHAT THE AI COMPANIES WANT TO HEAR — Healey isn't sweating a provision in the sweeping congressional budget bill that would prohibit states from regulating artificial intelligence for 10 years. The governor told reporters Wednesday she hasn't 'focused too much' on the provision, per State House News Service. 'What I'm focused on is leaning into the investments that we're making here on AI. I've said that I want Massachusetts to be a global hub for applied AI, using AI to help us more quickly solve problems, whether it's curing diseases and developing treatments, or figuring out the energy strategy and how to build greater resilience. I've also used AI in government. We're going to continue to do just that.' It's a take that puts Healey opposite Markey, one of the members leading the charge in the Senate to block the ban. And it's in contrast with several Democratic state lawmakers on the Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity, who urged the Massachusetts congressional delegation to oppose the measure, according GBH News. The Race for City Hall IN THE ZO-NE — Massachusetts progressives celebrated Zohran Mamdani's apparent victory in the Democratic primary for New York City mayor Wednesday, after the 33-year-old democratic socialist upset former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in Tuesday's election. Warren said she 'strongly' supports the city's presumptive Democratic nominee. 'Zohran's inspiring campaign showed what grassroots movements can achieve when we fight for bold policies,' the senator wrote on X, and Markey and Pressley both offered their congratulations. But even among Massachusetts pols, Mamdani's nomination is drawing a dividing line between centrists and progressives. Healey, typically willing to opine on the future of her party, didn't have much to say about what Mamdani's apparent victory means for Democrats. 'It's a decision New Yorkers made,' she said, when asked during an interview on GBH's 'Boston Public Radio' on Wednesday. RELATED — Mamdani Won Big. 8 Insiders Lay Out What That Means for the Democratic Party via POLITICO Magazine. EYES ON 2026 — GOP's Mike Kennealy has loaned his campaign double the amount allowed under state law by Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald: 'Mike Kennealy, a Republican running for governor, has loaned his campaign double the amount allowed under state law since launching his bid in April, a move that could set up future legal action if he or his family ever decides to recoup the cash he has loaned his bid for elected office. Kennealy's decision to loan his campaign $400,000 and plan to loan another $1.6 million ahead of the 2026 election comes after state campaign finance regulators in April dismissed his request to reconsider the limit on the amount candidates can loan themselves each election cycle.' FROM THE HUB — The political odd couple whose partnership could reshape Boston politics by Emma Platoff, The Boston Globe. — BPS closes its last middle school, following national trend of consolidating campuses by Christopher Huffaker, The Boston Globe. — Awaiting sentencing in corruption case, Fernandes Anderson says goodbye at final Boston City Council meeting by Eve Zuckoff, WBUR: 'Embattled Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson attended her last City Council meeting Wednesday, a week before she resigns and a month before she's sentenced in a federal corruption case that has derailed a once-bright political career. The District 7 councilor joked with colleagues, posed for photos, introduced a bevy of resolutions and delivered a goodbye speech during the session, saying afterward it was important to celebrate the work of her team and constituents, and address them directly. Fernandes Anderson, who took office in 2022, pleaded guilty in May to federal corruption charges for orchestrating a kickback scheme.' FROM THE 413 — Chicopee Councilor Tim Wagner resigns, moving to Boston area by Namu Sampath, The Springfield Republican: 'Tim Wagner, the Chicopee at-large city councilor who previously said he would not seek reelection, announced he would leave before the end of his term. Wagner, who sat on the Chicopee City Council since January 2024, told The Republican Wednesday he's moving to the greater Boston area for a new job opportunity and 'to be closer to the people I care about.'' — Northampton school superintendent expects to depart after upcoming school year by Alexander MacDougall, Daily Hampshire Gazette. THE LOCAL ANGLE — Worcester councilors evaluate City Manager Batista as tensions across city remain high by Sam Turken, GBH News: 'Worcester City Council on Tuesday held its annual evaluation of City Manager Eric Batista, praising his overall leadership, but also noting several challenges New England's second largest city faces. Batista oversees all municipal operations, including the police department. The council's assessment of his work throughout the past year came as tensions across the community remain high over the city's response to a federal immigration operation last month that turned chaotic. Many residents have called on Batista to increase police accountability and be more responsive to their concerns.' — Long, hot 'cut night' reduces city budget by $10 million by Colin Hogan, The New Bedford Light: 'After nearly seven hours and about 450 roll-call votes on more than 1,300 proposed cuts, city councilors finalized the budget this week for the upcoming fiscal year by removing $10.2 million — or about 2% — from Mayor Jon Mitchell's proposal. Councilors adjourned at 1:45 a.m. on Tuesday morning, long after the sun had set on the hottest day of the year so far — and only a few hours before it would rise on the next one.' — Mayors join forces to fight predatory electric suppliers by Jonah Frangiosa, The Eagle-Tribune. — North Attleboro school board wants more education money from town by Stephen Peterson, The Sun Chronicle. HEARD 'ROUND THE BUBBLAH TRANSITIONS — John Herman will be the new president of Tufts Medical Center in Boston. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to former Lynn state Rep. Robert Fennell, state Rep. Nick Boldyga, Gloucester state Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, former state Rep. Bill Straus, Kait Castillo, former MassGOP spokesperson Emmalee Kalmbach, NAIOP's Tamara Small Democratic strategist Adam Webster and Adam Zieminski. Happy belated to Erik Lin-Greenberg, who celebrated Tuesday.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Fourth-generation Puebloan announces run for Pueblo City Council District 3
Joseph Perko seeks to welcome progress while also preserving Pueblo's legacy if elected to Pueblo City Council's District 3 seat. The fourth-generation Pueblo resident and union member is running for council in 2025 with goals to clean up the city and champion labor, public outreach and urban improvement. As a candidate for District 3, Perko's bid for a council seat will be determined by residents of Aberdeen, the Mesa Junction, Regency, Sunset Park and other communities in the southwest quadrant of the city. Perko has a business degree and is an electrician by trade with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 12. "As a blue-collar union member, I am all too aware of the challenges our workers and unions face as well as the benefits they stand to gain if empowered," Perko said in a written campaign announcement. "There is growth, development and industry all over Pueblo and yet our workers continue to see wages be outpaced by the cost of living, watching laborers in our sister cities around Colorado enjoy far greater gains." Often an attendee of Pueblo City Council meetings, Perko told the Chieftain he's considered running for office for about six years. While he said he respects the current council's thoroughness in addressing and debating issues, he feels council members can be "needlessly contentious with one another." Perko said he does not fully understand why some current council members have disregarded community-led efforts to preserve the City Park Bathhouse and that there is no need to tear it down. He also opposed city government's funding cuts to nonprofits like the Mariposa Center for Safety, Pueblo Zoo and Sangre de Cristo Arts Center, which the city made before passing its 2025 city. "I strongly disagree with a lot of the ways that they are trying to get this new budget... just trying to cut everything that we view as essential," Perko said. "I think it takes away from a lot of the things that give people opportunities, which just furthers economic decline, reduces our tax base and makes it harder for people to want to stay here." In his campaign announcement, Perko advocated for training programs to grow the local labor pool, tidying up the city's most distressed areas to make Pueblo more welcoming, and work programs to employ unhoused and probationary individuals. "Give them a chance to work cutting overgrowth, picking up litter, simple things like that. In time, they could work their way up to full-time employment and obtain housing," Perko said in the announcement. "Investment could be made in networks of medical and mental health treatment so they can have the abilities to elevate themselves out of their situation with confidence, independence and compassion. Perko will host a mixer and formal campaign launch event at his brother Anthony Perko's law office, Perko Law, LLC, at 113 Broadway Ave., from 4 to 6 p.m. on June 28. Half-cent sales tax: Mayor proposes change to half-cent sales tax criteria. Could it bring a Costco to Pueblo? Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@ Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Fourth-generation Puebloan announces 2025 bid for city council
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Opinion - Valuing diverse career paths for all graduates
As students around the country put on their caps and gowns and prepare to graduate high school, they are no doubt thinking about their future. For many graduates, going to college makes sense as they work towards a career that requires a higher degree, such as medicine or accounting. But for other graduates they may choose a different path, such as a trade school, going directly into the workforce, or bravely volunteering to serve our nation in the Armed Forces. All are equally important. A college degree is a necessary requirement in some job sectors, but it should be viewed as a pathway to the workforce instead of a piece of paper to hang on the wall. In South Jersey, we have some of the best colleges and universities in the country that help students build meaningful careers. But for over 50 years the narrative for our students has been that you have to go to college to make it in America. It's time to change the conversation and prepare our students for the demands of the workforce. Parents, guidance counselors, college professors, teachers, community leaders and elected officials should celebrate all our graduates and the career paths they choose. Growing up, I enjoyed taking things apart and putting them back together to understand how they work. I loved to work with my hands, so while my siblings decided to attend traditional four-year colleges, I chose the other four-year school: a Registered Apprenticeship Program with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). It allowed me to earn while I learned and set me on a path to go from the construction site to Congress. Some of the most in-demand jobs don't require a four-year college degree. Airplane mechanics, construction trades, chefs, flight attendants, bus drivers, health care aides, and servicemembers, are only a few of the high-demand jobs that leave you with little to no debt and set you up for a successful career. A recent National Defense Industrial Association survey found that 63 percent of private sector respondents said it was somewhat difficult or very difficult to find skilled trade workers. We have to make career and technical education more accessible and celebrated, and South Jersey serves as a model for states nationwide. Our Camden County and Gloucester County Technical Schools offer job training and certification programs that make our students career ready. Many times, these students are already employed in their field by the time they graduate high school. Rowan College of South Jersey and Camden County College offer career certification and pre-apprenticeship programs in health care, welding, auto-mechanics and other trades. We also need to make a point to celebrate and honor students who decide to join our military. That's why I started the Congressional School to Service Program to celebrate high school seniors who choose to serve in the U.S. military after graduation with a certificate of commendation and red, white, and blue cords to wear at their graduation ceremonies. Bottom line is, at home, in our schools, and in our communities, we need to improve our perception of post-high school career, educational and training opportunities. Collectively, we can encourage our students to explore every career path. Investing in access to apprenticeship programs and career-ready training is necessary to meet the demands of the future and to ensure our students have good jobs and a career they can be proud of. It takes a wide range of jobs to keep our country running. Whether it's the doctors and nurses who keep us healthy, the servicemembers who keep us safe, or the construction workers who build our homes, each plays a pivotal role in moving our country forward. They should all be valued equally, and in Congress, I will continue to champion opportunities that meet the needs of our students and celebrate their choices. It's what they deserve. Donald Norcross represents the 1st District of New Jersey and is a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
12-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Valuing diverse career paths for all graduates
As students around the country put on their caps and gowns and prepare to graduate high school, they are no doubt thinking about their future. For many graduates, going to college makes sense as they work towards a career that requires a higher degree, such as medicine or accounting. But for other graduates they may choose a different path, such as a trade school, going directly into the workforce, or bravely volunteering to serve our nation in the Armed Forces. All are equally important. A college degree is a necessary requirement in some job sectors, but it should be viewed as a pathway to the workforce instead of a piece of paper to hang on the wall. In South Jersey, we have some of the best colleges and universities in the country that help students build meaningful careers. But for over 50 years the narrative for our students has been that you have to go to college to make it in America. It's time to change the conversation and prepare our students for the demands of the workforce. Parents, guidance counselors, college professors, teachers, community leaders and elected officials should celebrate all our graduates and the career paths they choose. Growing up, I enjoyed taking things apart and putting them back together to understand how they work. I loved to work with my hands, so while my siblings decided to attend traditional four-year colleges, I chose the other four-year school: a Registered Apprenticeship Program with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). It allowed me to earn while I learned and set me on a path to go from the construction site to Congress. Some of the most in-demand jobs don't require a four-year college degree. Airplane mechanics, construction trades, chefs, flight attendants, bus drivers, health care aides, and servicemembers, are only a few of the high-demand jobs that leave you with little to no debt and set you up for a successful career. A recent National Defense Industrial Association survey found that 63 percent of private sector respondents said it was somewhat difficult or very difficult to find skilled trade workers. We have to make career and technical education more accessible and celebrated, and South Jersey serves as a model for states nationwide. Our Camden County and Gloucester County Technical Schools offer job training and certification programs that make our students career ready. Many times, these students are already employed in their field by the time they graduate high school. Rowan College of South Jersey and Camden County College offer career certification and pre-apprenticeship programs in health care, welding, auto-mechanics and other trades. We also need to make a point to celebrate and honor students who decide to join our military. That's why I started the Congressional School to Service Program to celebrate high school seniors who choose to serve in the U.S. military after graduation with a certificate of commendation and red, white, and blue cords to wear at their graduation ceremonies. Bottom line is, at home, in our schools, and in our communities, we need to improve our perception of post-high school career, educational and training opportunities. Collectively, we can encourage our students to explore every career path. Investing in access to apprenticeship programs and career-ready training is necessary to meet the demands of the future and to ensure our students have good jobs and a career they can be proud of. It takes a wide range of jobs to keep our country running. Whether it's the doctors and nurses who keep us healthy, the servicemembers who keep us safe, or the construction workers who build our homes, each plays a pivotal role in moving our country forward. They should all be valued equally, and in Congress, I will continue to champion opportunities that meet the needs of our students and celebrate their choices. It's what they deserve. Donald Norcross represents the 1st District of New Jersey and is a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Local Labor Leaders Urge Crawford County Commissioners to Reconsider Wombat Solar Decision
The development has committed to hiring local union workers through three-trade agreement, will bring hundreds of jobs and millions in tax revenue to support local economy BUCYRUS, Ohio, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wombat Solar, a new solar development proposed in Crawford County, took a significant step backward today as Crawford County Commissioners voted to ban all solar development. This decision was made despite the wishes of other local policymakers and residents who would benefit from the project. Over a hundred members of the public were in attendance, including Ohio LECET, and those speaking in favor of the project outnumbered those opposed by more than three to one. The project, projected to be 400 megawatts, promises substantial economic benefits to Crawford County, including millions in new tax revenue for schools and infrastructure and hundreds of good-paying union jobs. In issuing their decision, the commissioners gave no explanation. "Wombat Solar represents a major commitment to Crawford County's working families, and we are proud to partner with the other leading trade associations through a three-trade agreement to bring good-paying union jobs to this community," said Brian McPeek, business manager of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 688. "Wombat Solar's development will allow our workers to stay in their community and raise their families here instead of having to leave for opportunities elsewhere. It's frustrating to see politicians trying to take this away from us." Wombat Solar has signed the Ohio Three Trades Solar Agreement, which unites the IBEW, the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), and the Laborers International Union of North America (LiUNA). This agreement sets industry standards for renewable energy projects, prioritizing safety, community benefits, and fair wages for workers. "We're not giving up. This decision makes it harder for Wombat to succeed, but it doesn't stop our support. We'll keep fighting for this project and others like it, because they give our community a better chance at building long-term stability for our members and their families," said Kip Siesel, business representative for IUOE Local 18. "Our message to local leaders is simple: make it easier, not harder, for working people to thrive." Opportunities from this development are already being demonstrated through preliminary development jobs and donations to area schools and programs. If completed, Wombat Solar would generate millions of dollars annually in tax revenue, easily becoming the largest taxpayer in the county. "Wombat Solar gives us a chance to build the kind of future that lets our community stay strong and self-reliant. It means our members can earn a good living without leaving town. And it means our kids can look ahead and actually see a life for themselves right here," says Jeff Sellers, business manager of LiUNA Local 1216. "That's the kind of future we believe in, where we keep what we love about Crawford County and build it together." Laborers' International Union of North America Local 1216Laborers' Local 1216 builds and maintains the infrastructure that supports its local community - from roads, bridges, sewers, and sidewalks to transportation systems and towering buildings. Its members are a skilled and experienced union workforce trained to work safely in the construction and energy industries. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 688The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 688 is a leader in electrical safety, technology, and training and represents IBEW members throughout North Central Ohio. Its members work in various fields, including utilities, construction, telecommunications, broadcasting, manufacturing, railroads, and government. International Union of Operating Engineers Local 18The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 18, represents operating engineers who build roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure throughout Ohio. Its engineers work as heavy equipment operators running cranes, dozers, front loaders, and other critical construction machinery. Their team also consists of stationary engineers who operate and maintain buildings and industrial complexes. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Ohio LECET Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
