The cost of Social Security cuts

SOCIAL INSECURITY — After launching a Social Security “war room” earlier this week, Sen. Elizabeth Warren is running the numbers on how cuts to the financial assistance program for seniors could impact the Bay State.

According to data compiled by Warren’s office and shared with Playbook, nearly 1.5 million Massachusetts residents rely on Social Security. The numbers, broken down by county, show that Massachusetts takes in more than $2.5 billion in monthly benefits from the program.

The largest number of recipients are in Middlesex County, which includes some of Boston’s suburbs, municipalities along New Hampshire’s border and “gateway cities” like Lowell, Malden and Methuen. More than 258,000 Middlesex residents receive $538,105,000 in monthly Social Security payments, according to the data shared by Warren’s office.

“Donald Trump and Elon Musk are taking a chainsaw to the Social Security Administration and threatening the benefits millions of Americans have paid into their entire working lives — including 1.5 million Massachusetts residents,” Warren said in a statement shared first with Playbook. “I’ve got a message for Trump and Elon: Get your hands off our Social Security. We should be pushing to increase Social Security benefits, not dealing with these indirect cuts.”

The data dump is part of Democrats’ messaging effort over cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency. As DOGE slashes jobs and grants in the name of eliminating fraud and abuse, Democrats looking for ways to win back voters that left them in last year’s election are honing in on the flood of cuts coming from the department — and on unofficial DOGE chief Elon Musk. The Anti-Musk rhetoric played heavily in Tuesday’s Wisconsin Supreme Court race, where Democratic-backed candidate Susan Crawford secured a seat on the state’s highest court.

While the numbers are eye-catching, cuts to Social Security services or payments are far from a done deal. Musk has referred to Social Security as “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time,” but President Donald Trump has repeatedly vowed not to touch the program that millions of seniors rely on.

Still, he’ll need to fund his economic agenda — particularly trillions of dollars in proposed tax cuts — and Democrats are warning that cuts to Social Security and Medicaid are all but inevitable.

Their messaging might be working. The Social Security Administration pressed pause on planned cuts to some services last week after public pushback.

GOOD THURSDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Drop me a line: kgarrity@politico.com.

TODAY — Gov. Maura Healey has no public events. Attorney General Andrea Campbell speaks at an Ending Nicotine Use For The Future event at 1 p.m. at the State House. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu hosts a press conference celebrating Wednesday’s court ruling on the White Stadium redevelopment at 9:15 a.m. in Jamaica Plain and speaks at a graduation ceremony for the latest cohort of PowerCorps participants at 10:30 a.m. in Roslindale.

— “Guv seeks $756 mil for ‘time-sensitive deficiencies’,” Chris Lisinski, State House News Service (paywall): “On the eve of a legislative hearing on her surtax surplus plan, Gov. Maura Healey submitted another spending bill for the Legislature’s review, filing a $756 million supplemental budget she said would address ‘time-sensitive deficiencies’ in state government accounts. The proposal Healey filed Wednesday afternoon (HD 4540) includes $134.5 million for supplemental payments to safety-net hospitals, $60 million for direct care for older adults, $240 million for state employee health care costs through the Group Insurance Commission, and more. It would carry a net state cost of $544 million after federal reimbursements, she said.”

— “Experts argue Diana DiZoglio’s legislative audit is unconstitutional, could be weaponized,” by Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald: “A range of legal and government experts told Massachusetts senators that State Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s attempt to investigate the Legislature is unconstitutional, violates separation of power principles, and could be weaponized against lawmakers who run afoul of an elected official. Four state legislators leading a committee tasked with responding to DiZoglio’s audit attempt heard from law professors and auditing professionals they hand-selected to testify Wednesday morning. And the group of senators continued to express long-held skepticism towards DiZoglio’s effort to audit the Legislature in the wake of a successful ballot question last year.”

— “‘Victory’: Judge says city’s renovation of White Stadium in Franklin Park is legal,” by Molly Farrar, Boston.com: “A judge ruled Wednesday that the city’s plan to renovate White Stadium in Franklin Park doesn’t violate state laws, effectively ending a second attempt to halt the ambitious plan. Boston officials, particularly Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, have pursued the redevelopment of the dilapidated stadium with help from the new NWSL professional women’s soccer team, which will share the stadium with Boston Public Schools students. In a statement, Wu called the decision ‘a historic victory.’”

— “Boston City Council passes measure to curb ‘dangerous’ food delivery scooter operations,” by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: “The Boston City Council approved a mayoral ordinance that seeks to crack down on the so-called dangerous and unlawful operations of major food delivery company drivers who often use scooters and mopeds to get around the city. The Council voted, 11-2, on Wednesday to approve a new local law that will require all national third-party food delivery platforms, particularly Uber Eats, DoorDash and Grubhub, to obtain liability insurance for all workers utilizing their platform in order to receive a permit to operate in Boston.”

FIRST IN PLAYBOOK — Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is rolling out endorsements from three more state legislators. Reps. John Moran and Dan Hunt and Sen. Mike Rush are all officially throwing their support behind Wu, as she prepares for her reelection launch this weekend.

Wu, “has been a strong advocate for the residents of the neighborhoods I represent,” Rush, whose district includes Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Roslindale and West Roxbury, said in a statement. Hunt praised her efforts to support families and seniors. And Moran said Wu “has continued to show her commitment to protecting and supporting the LGBTQ+ community across Boston.”

AND — “Representative Ayanna Pressley endorses Boston Mayor Michelle Wu in reelection race against Josh Kraft,” by Niki Griswold, The Boston Globe: “U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley of Boston is endorsing Mayor Michelle Wu as she seeks reelection this fall, providing the mayor with a boost just days before her formal campaign launch on Saturday. Wu is facing a challenge from longtime philanthropic leader Josh Kraft, who is also the third son of billionaire Patriots owner Robert Kraft. Prominent real estate developer Thomas O’Brien had planned to also mount a bid to unseat Wu this week, but reversed course on Monday, leaving Kraft as Wu’s only major opponent so far. Kraft has been working to collect endorsements, too, and to date has earned the support of the Iron Workers Local 7 union and the International Longshoreman Association.”

OFF TO THE RACES — Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas made his Senate bid official this morning, announcing his campaign in a video on social media.

“I think people, regardless of their politics, have a sense that the system is not working, that there are special interests and big corporations that have outsized influence in our political system,” Pappas says in the video as scenes from his recent 10-county tour flash by.

Pappas is the first high-profile candidate to get in the race after Sen. Jeanne Shaheen announced that she wouldn’t seek another term last month.

SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED — Taunton City Councilor Larry Quintal is officially in the race to replace late state Rep. Carol Doherty. Quintal, a Republican, has certified his signatures to be on the ballot.

Quintal’s fellow City Councilor Chris Coute, who had pulled papers to run for the seat, has opted against a bid and is endorsing Quintal, he told Playbook.

— “Judge to decide whether some towns will get a pause on state’s housing push,” by Robert Goulston, GBH News: “Several towns want a temporary exemption from the state’s controversial zoning law that seeks to build more affordable housing. Ahead of the state’s July deadline, representatives for five towns asked a Plymouth Superior Court judge Wednesday for more time to resolve their cases. The suit, brought forth by towns including Hanson, Marshfield, Middleton, Holden and Wrentham, says the state is unlawfully forcing them to build more housing without providing financial support for the associated costs.”

— “Suffolk DA blasts mid-trial ICE detention as ‘extraordinarily reckless’,” by Saraya Wintersmith, GBH News: “Days after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents seized a man in the middle of a criminal trial, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden on Wednesday slammed the move and said his office is exploring charges against one agent held in contempt of court by a state judge.

— “Staffer sues Emerson, claiming she was terminated for pro-Palestinian activism,” by Emily Piper-Vallillo, WBUR.

— “Some Boston-area Jews worry Trump’s university crackdowns weaponize antisemitism,” by Simón Rios, WBUR: “The Trump administration is ramping up actions against universities, students and cities it claims have abided or supported antisemitism. Inside Boston’s Jewish community, some welcome the punitive measures, while others see this as an excuse for Trump to defund institutions and restrain free speech. The White House announced this week it would review nearly $9 billion in federal grants and funding awarded to Harvard University, to ensure the school is ‘in compliance with federal regulations, including its civil rights responsibilities.’ That followed earlier moves against Columbia University, and Princeton may be next.”

— “Elizabeth Warren launches campaign to investigate Department of Education closure: ‘I will fight it with everything I’ve got’,” by Arthur Jones II, ABC News: “Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., is launching a “Save Our Schools” campaign on Wednesday against President Donald Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon’s attempt to dismantle the Department of Education. … Warren suggested she is working with students, teachers, parents and unions to “sound the alarm” nationwide.”

— “Leader will sue his own city if rule to suspend, expel criminally charged or convicted officials passes,” by Namu Sampath, The Springfield Republican: “An at-large city councilor here said he will sue the city if a rule passes that calls for the suspension or expulsion of criminally charged or convicted elected officials. Tim Wagner, who has served on the council since last January, delivered an impassioned plea in a City Council meeting Tuesday night over the wording of the proposed ‘Recall Provision’ to be added to the city charter, which outlines procedures surrounding removal of an elected official.”

— “Worcester City Council’s effort to change attendance rules for members comes up short,” by Sam Turken, GBH News: “An attempt by Worcester’s city council to create new rules regarding member attendance at meetings failed Tuesday night as several councilors alleged the true intent of the effort was retribution. The vote occurred as Councilor Thu Nguyen, who’s openly nonbinary, continues to skip meetings after accusing colleagues of making transphobic comments and creating a toxic workplace.”

— “Government cuts imperil federal funding for Massachusetts museums,” by Maddie Browning, WBUR: “Massachusetts museums stand to lose significant federal funding as the full staff of the Institute of Museum and Library Services has been placed on administrative leave. The government agency awarded $4,395,403 to museums in the state in 2024. AFGE Local 3403, a union chapter representing federal and government workers, announced news of the shutdown on Monday, March 31. The independent federal agency issues grants to museums and libraries throughout the U.S. The agency’s staff of around 70 people will be on paid leave for up to 90 days, and their emails and access badges were in the process of being disabled.”

— “Fall River fires ex-police chief over unregistered guns, threatening items,” by Eli Sherman and Tim White, WPRI: “Former Fall River Police Chief Paul Gauvin has been fired after an outside investigation determined he left threatening items in his desk and unregistered firearms in his locker, Target 12 has learned. Mayor Paul Coogan confirmed Gauvin was fired Monday after an outside investigative firm submitted a report that found Gauvin committed 15 department violations and recommended he be terminated.”

NEW POD DROPS — Joe Biden and Marty Walsh alum Dan Koh is out with a new political podcast, “The People’s Cabinet” that will explain “the key issues and offer a hopeful, practical vision for what’s next.” Expect to see some familiar #mapoli faces on upcoming episodes.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Alex Powell in Gov. Maura Healey’s office; Ed Cash, founder and president of Frontier Security Strategies; UMass Journalism’s Karen List, Niall Murphy, Juan Jaramillo, Greg Honan, Mark Lannigan and Molly Thomas. Happy belated to MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale, who celebrated Wednesday.

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