Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has closed all remaining migrant shelter facilities in the state, marking the end of a controversial and costly emergency response to the influx of migrants under the Biden administration. The decision has sparked political backlash, particularly from Republican Mike Kenneally, who claims he had repeatedly warned Healey about the looming housing emergency. Kenneally, a former housing secretary under GOP Governor Charlie Baker, accused her of ignoring his warnings, which he says led to a massive financial burden on the state.
Healey described the emergency measures as a success, stating that when she took over the state from Baker, families were being placed in hotels across Massachusetts, with some staying in shelters for months or even years. She argued that the state had no prior plan to reform the shelter system, protect taxpayer funds, or help families transition out of shelters. As a result, the state resorted to using hotels, community centers, and even a defunct prison to house the influx of migrant families.
Kenneally, however, criticized the state’s approach, claiming that the crisis was not addressed with a sustainable strategy. Instead, he argued that the problem remains unresolved, with the HomeBASE program and continued spending on emergency assistance still fueling the crisis. He stated that if elected, he would audit and fix the system, which he claims has led to a $1 billion financial burden over the past fiscal year. Kenneally’s comments came after a report indicated that Massachusetts will spend up to $1 billion on the emergency shelter program in FY-2025, with migrant families accounting for a significant share of the costs.
Rather than a simple closure of hotel shelters, Healey’s office emphasized that the state has implemented reforms to address the situation. These include establishing a six-month limit on the right to shelter, requiring residents to prove residency and legal immigration status, and mandating background checks. However, Kenneally’s critics argue that the state’s right-to-shelter law, first passed in 1983 by then-Governor Michael Dukakis, has created the conditions for this crisis. Despite these efforts, Kenneally maintains that the state is still failing to manage the situation effectively.
The controversy has highlighted the ongoing debate over migrant policy and emergency management. With the state government under Democratic control, critics argue that the response has been politically motivated, with some accusing Healey of selling false hope to migrants and taxpayers. The political fallout from this crisis is likely to continue, as the state faces not only the immediate costs of the shelter program but also the long-term challenges of managing its migrant population.