Middleboro Review 2: POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Healey not taking heat over migrant crisis

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Healey not taking heat over migrant crisis

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A PROGRAMMING NOTE: Lisa here. It’s our last week together — if you’ve ever wanted to send me a tip or scoop, you’ve got three days left! Hit me up: lkashinsky@politico.com . And in case you missed our announcement last week, Kelly is taking over Playbook solo while I cover the presidential election for POLITICO’s politics team. Email her at kgarrity@politico.com .

WHOSE PROBLEM IS IT, ANYWAY? — The state’s migrant and shelter crisis has engulfed Gov. Maura Healey’s first term and strained resources across the state. But most Massachusetts residents don’t fault her for it.

Just 9 percent of Bay Staters surveyed in a new UMass Amherst/WCVB poll said they held Healey responsible for the migrant situation in Massachusetts. That’s a slight increase from 5 percent in last October’s poll, conducted around the time Healey said the state was running out of room to house migrant and homeless families in its emergency shelter system. But the gap falls within the May 17-30 online survey’s margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points.

The Legislature is seen as only slightly more culpable at 18 percent, down from 24 percent in October. Instead, the majority of residents continued to cast blame on congressional Republicans (29 percent) and President Joe Biden (27 percent). And that’s a sign, UMass Amherst polling director Tatishe Nteta said, that Healey and Democratic legislative leaders’ messaging on the matter is resonating.

Gov. Maura Healey in January at the now-closed overflow shelter site at the Cass Recreational Complex in Roxbury. | Pool photo by John Tlumacki

For months, the governor, House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka have hammered the federal government for its inaction over immigration, blasting congressional Republicans for killing the bipartisan border deal (and largely ignoring that the state’s two Democratic senators also opposed it). And they’ve urged Biden to take executive action in Congress’ absence.

“That messaging has been really effective , and I think it's realistic because immigration is a national problem,” Nteta told Playbook.

At the same time, state Democrats have taken steps to rein in the runaway costs of the emergency assistance program by setting time limits on shelter stays.

“They are attempting within their purview to deal with a lot of the concerns that people have regarding the lack of structure with the system,” Nteta said. That factors into people “not viewing the governor as the most responsible for this problem.”

Biden is set to sign a controversial executive order today that could help him shake some of the blame being placed at his feet. The order would allow the president to effectively close the southern border to asylum-seekers when crossings hit a certain daily threshold.

The proposal was panned by some local advocates. Elizabeth Sweet, the executive director of Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, called it “unjust, inhumane and undemocratic,” in a statement.

Healey applauded Biden for taking “important” action at the border. But she said it's still not enough, and slammed congressional Republicans for treating immigration issues “like a game of political football” when “we’re talking about real people’s lives” and the “well being of our state.”

GOOD TUESDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS . Hopefully the pollen cloud is better today.

TODAY — Healey takes part in a fireside chat at the ClimaTech Conference at 9 a.m., attends the PFFM Legislative Convention at 10:30 a.m. and is honored at a YW Boston Academy of Women Achievers ceremony at noon in Boston. Auditor Diana DiZoglio attends the ceremony.

Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu hold a NBA finals “pep” conference at 2 p.m. at TD Garden. Wu helps open Paula Titus Park at 11:45 a.m., attends the Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl at 12:30 p.m. at City Hall Plaza and speaks at the 2024 Legacy Business Award Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. in the South End. Attorney General Andrea Campbell is on GBH’s “Boston Public Radio” at 11 a.m. House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark holds a press conference on the Right to Contraception act at 2:30 p.m. at the Capitol.

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DATELINE BEACON HILL

TRANSFER TAX AXED — The House is out with its take on Gov. Maura Healey ’s housing bond bill, and top Democrats have unsurprisingly axed her proposal to let municipalities levy a tax of 0.5 to 2 percent on real estate sales over $1 million. It’s a significant blow to Healey, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and other municipal officials who’ve advocated for such a fee in hopes of using the money to help build more affordable housing in their communities. But it’s not an unexpected turn of events, after House Speaker Ron Mariano publicly soured on the idea throughout the spring.

Mariano on Monday said the policy amounted to “a patchwork attempt to provide resources for housing” that “only helps the folks with the money.”

Healey didn’t say whether she would sign a bill that didn’t authorize a transfer tax when asked by a reporter at an unrelated event. “Let me just say that I'm very glad to see a bill come out from the House, and we look forward to seeing what the Senate does,” she said.

The House did pick up, and in some cases expand on, other key proposals from Healey’s $4 billion housing blueprint, which the chamber bulked up to $6.2 billion. That includes permitting accessory dwelling units, pouring $2 billion into fixing up the state’s public housing stock, borrowing $1 billion to expand the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority’s service area and spending $150 million to help communities convert commercial properties into multifamily residences or mixed-use properties. Dig in with The Boston Globe .

TRAVEL LOG — Senate President Karen Spilka headed to Athens, Greece, earlier this week for a program organized by the National Conference of State Legislatures. The “Executive Leadership Program,” described in the agenda for the week that Spilka’s office shared, includes sessions on “Philosophy,” “Gods and Power,” and “Democracy,” as well as a trip to Acropolis. The international travel, first reported by State House News Service , wasn’t listed on the public schedule that Spilka's office sent out at the end of last week. Her office didn’t respond Monday night to questions about why it was left.

FAMILY TIES — If you blinked you could’ve missed it. But for a brief moment during their tour of the State House on Monday, Healey's partner, Joanna Lydgate , slipped an arm around the governor's back as they poured over a plaque near the Senate chamber — a rare peak into the private life of a governor known for keeping much of it out of the limelight. Healey and Lydgate set out on the tour Monday morning before Lydgate was sworn in as honorary president of the Doric Docents, a role held by former first ladies.

It’s the second time Healey has offered a glimpse into her life with Lydgate in recent days. During her speech at the MassDems convention, Healey caught reporters’ attention when she mentioned being a “new parent,” a line that drew cheers and applause from the crowd.

Gov. Maura Healey and her partner, Joanna Lydgate, toured the State House before Lydgate was sworn in as honorary president of the Doric Docents. | Kelly Garrity/POLITICO

— “Mass. head of elder affairs, responsible for 1.7 million seniors, departs abruptly,” by Jason Laughlin, The Boston Globe: “Elizabeth Chen, Massachusetts’ Secretary of Elder Affairs since 2019 , left the position abruptly Friday, according to a memo obtained by The Globe. ‘I would have liked more time to make the usual ‘round of goodbyes’ and personally thank each of you,’ Chen wrote in a farewell message Friday. … Governor Charlie Baker appointed Chen to head the Elder Affairs office.”

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ROE FALLOUT

— “Massachusetts, Illinois governors call on Congress to protect access to birth control,” by Katie Lannan, GBH News: “As the two-year anniversary approaches of the Supreme Court ruling that struck down the constitutional right to an abortion, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer plans to bring a bill dubbed the 'Right to Contraception Act' to the floor for a vote Wednesday. Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey is among its lead sponsors. [Gov. Maura] Healey and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, both Democrats, stressed in a virtual press conference Monday how the future of reproductive rights are at stake in the upcoming presidential election.”

FROM THE HUB

ENDORSEMENT CORNER — Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has endorsed attorney Allison Cartwright for Suffolk County Supreme Judicial Court clerk over City Councilor Erin Murphy . She’s the latest big Boston name to wade into the race for a little-known office — a contest that's laying bare the fault lines among the city’s prominent politicians and putting former rivals on the same side (Wu and Attorney General Andrea Campbell are both backing Cartwright).

Murphy said she respects “the mayor’s right to use the City Hall political machine however she chooses.” But, she added in a statement posted online , “this race isn’t about big-name endorsements or being told how you should vote.” Murphy does, however, tout the notable politicians and unions that have endorsed her bid — fellow Councilor Ed Flynn and Rep. Stephen Lynch among them — in her campaign emails.

— “Boston Police, mayor to crack down on ‘unlawful and dangerous’ driving for Uber Eats, DoorDash, GrubHub,” by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: “Boston’s police commissioner and the mayor’s chief of streets have put major food delivery companies on notice that the city will be cracking down on dangerous and unlawful operations by their drivers, many of whom use mopeds and scooters. BPD Commissioner Michael Cox and Chief of Streets Jascha Franklin-Hodge sent a letter Monday to executives from DoorDash, GrubHub and Uber Technologies that describes an ‘alarming increase in unlawful and dangerous operation of motorcycles, mopeds and motorized scooters’ by their food delivery drivers.”

— “New report presents optimistic outlook for Boston’s economy despite concern about commercial property,” by Niki Griswold, The Boston Globe.

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WHAT'S ON CAMPBELL'S DOCKET

— “State AG's office says it's seeking court OK to release report on abuse in Mass. Catholic dioceses,” by Nancy Eve Cohen, New England Public Media.

DAY IN COURT

— “Governor’s warrant pending to extradite Greenfield murder suspect from New York,” by Greta Jochem, Springfield Republican: “Taaniel Herberger-Brown, arrested at Albany International Airport in April, has not yet been extradited to Greenfield, Massachusetts, where he faces a murder charge, and the governor is now applying pressure for his return.”

FROM THE 413

— “Gun violence survivors share harrowing stories at Holyoke City Hall,” by Samantha Paul, The Springfield Republican.

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THE LOCAL ANGLE

— “Place your bid: Steward’s proposed auction plan gets bankruptcy judge’s buy in,” by Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald: “[A] Texas bankruptcy judge said he’d allow the sale of dozens of Steward Health Care System hospitals to move forward. On Monday, attorneys for Dallas-based Steward told U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Christopher Lopez that any delay in the sale of the hospitals could impact the company’s ability to stay afloat through the Chapter 11 proceedings and might stifle the interest of potential buyers. Lopez said that he understood the need for the company to move forward with their plans and that he’d allow their proposed sales schedule.”

ALSO RELATED — “What do Steward Health Care and Alex Jones have in common? A bankruptcy judge,” by Deborah Becker, WBUR: “The person in charge of the bankruptcy process, Southern District of Texas Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez, will play a critical role in determining the timeline for the sale of the facilities and how to distribute any assets to Steward's creditors. ... He once worked for [the] same law firm now representing Steward.”

WHAT WAS SHE THINKING?

— “Southborough teacher on leave, accused of holding mock slave auction,” by Norman Miller, The MetroWest Daily News: “A local elementary school teacher is on paid administrative leave after school officials say the teacher held an ‘unacceptable’ mock slave auction in front of the class, and uttered a racial slur in a separate incident.”

— “Calling 911 in Cambridge? Soon, the city may send social workers instead of police,” by Spencer Buell, The Boston Globe.

— “Harvard’s largest division eliminates requirement for DEI statements in hiring,” by Mike Damiano, The Boston Globe.

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HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH

TRANSITIONS — Maliaka Shepard is joining Friends of the Public Garden as senior communications and outreach officer.

— Daniela Badiola Spanos is joining Wiggin and Dana LLP to anchor its new Boston office.

WELCOME TO THE WORLD — MaryRose Mazzola , chief external affairs officer at the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, and husband Mark Blakeney , a senior vice president at Santander Bank, welcomed Mia Jean Mazzola Blakeney on May 29... Pic .

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Lance Lambros, Mort Zuckerman and New Hampshire Rep. Chris Pappas.

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