POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Healey takes a hit over shelter crisis

 

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By Kelly Garrity BLAME GAME — The state’s migrant and shelter crisis has consumed Gov. Maura Healey’s first term and strained the state’s resources for the past two years. And Massachusetts residents are starting to pin the blame on her. Twenty percent of Bay Staters surveyed in a new UMass Amherst/WCVB poll out this week said they hold Healey responsible for the strain on the state’s shelter system. That’s more than double the 9 percent who said the same in a poll last May when lawmakers were in the midst of debating how to fund the system in their annual budget. The Legislature is seen as slightly less culpable, with 17 percent laying the blame there — down from 18 percent in May. And many Bay Staters (18 percent) still blame former President Joe Biden. The poll of 700 respondents conducted Feb. 14-20 has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.8 percentage points. Last year, the governor, House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka regularly implored the federal government to pass immigration legislation that would stem the flow of migrants into the state and deliver federal dollars to places like Massachusetts. But there's a new regime in D.C. And President Donald Trump, who Bay State leaders blamed for killing a bipartisan border deal last year, has signed a slate of executive orders aimed at curbing immigration. The poll also came after an undocumented immigrant was allegedly caught with a gun and drugs at one of those shelter sites and following the revelation that the state had not been conducting full criminal background checks when new families arrived seeking shelter. But the $425 million supplemental budget bill now on the governor’s desk could help Healey turn public sentiment back in her favor. The House and Senate passed the stop-gap spending bill this week, packed with new policies Healey wanted that would cut shelter stays from nine to six months and require new arrivals to self-report their criminal history while imposing a new 4,000 family cap on the shelter system that would kick in next year — a bill they hope will bring the $1 billion price tag for the system back down to normal levels next fiscal year. GOOD FRIDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Some state senators want to make sure those changes will still allow mothers about to give birth to be able to extend their stays. State Sen. Becca Rausch led a letter to Housing Secretary Ed Augustus signed by more than a dozen of her Senate colleagues Thursday asking the administration to include those about to give birth or who have recently given birth on the list of those who can be approved for “hardship” waivers that allow them to stay in shelters beyond the six month time limit. Read the letter. TODAY — Gov. Maura Healey and Rep. Richard Neal speak at a “United States of Readers” event at 11 a.m. in Holyoke. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll speaks at the Black Excellence on the Hill awards at 11:30 a.m. at the State House. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu speaks at the Age Strong Commission’s annual Senior Black Heritage celebration at 11 a.m. Rep. Lori Trahan speaks at MassBio's Rare Disease Day Forum at 10 a.m. in Boston. THIS WEEKEND — House Speaker Ron Mariano is on WBZ’s “Keller @ Large” at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. State Sen. Kelly Dooner is on WCVB’s “On The Record” at 11 a.m. Sunday. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Drop me a line: kgarrity@politico.com .    Donald Trump's unprecedented effort to reshape the federal government is consuming Washington. To track this seismic shift, we're relaunching one of our signature newsletters. Sign up to get West Wing Playbook: Remaking Government in your inbox.     DATELINE BEACON HILL — “Budget chief: state's economic health ‘at risk of being upended,’” by Alison Kuznitz, State House News Service (paywall): “The Senate budget chief knocked the possibility of dipping into the state's more than $8 billion rainy day fund Thursday to address financial woes, but also warned that federal policymaking and looming cuts could cripple Massachusetts's economic wellbeing. ‘Our state's economic and fiscal health is very much at risk of being upended,’ Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues said during public ‘Commonwealth Conversations’ remarks hosted by Associated Industries of Massachusetts at Peabody Nixon's law offices in downtown Boston.” — “Alzheimer’s advocates push for local legislation as federal funding cuts loom,” by Robert Goulston, GBH News.  excerpt:  Early diagnosis is a game changer, says Jim Wessler, the Alzheimer’s Association Massachusetts and New Hampshire chapter president. “They would order a blood test to see if you have the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. We want to make sure that that’s paid for. So we don’t want the cost of that to be a barrier for thousands and millions of people across the country,” he explained. Tufts Medicine Behavioral Health Director Dr. Brent Forester, who attended the advocacy event, says he’s worried about federal funding cuts that could hamper Alzheimer’s research. “There’s all sorts of therapeutic strategies that are not yet ready for prime time. If that funding starts to chip away, what will happen is not only will we lack in advancing some of the promising therapeutics, but people will not be incentivized to go into the field.” Forester says there has been an increase in the number of researchers because there have been resources to support their career development. “That could really be thwarted in a way that will affect us for generations.” — “Family shelter bill won’t fix demand in New Bedford,” by Abigail Pritchard, The New Bedford Light: “A shelter funding and reform bill awaiting Gov. Maura Healey’s signature will keep the state’s system running, but people who work in New Bedford’s shelter organizations say it won’t fix the overwhelming demand. Local lawmakers say the bill is not a long-term solution. They believe the federal government needs to address the influx of immigrants that’s adding demand to the shelter system. Republicans believe the state needs to tighten standards even more.” excerpt: An influx of migrants has strained the system, but people who work in New Bedford area shelter systems — not those funded by the Emergency Assistance program — said the bigger strain came from poverty and a lack of affordable housing.  “The faces of those that are facing housing instability and challenges right now have changed,” said Danielle Brown, program director for Steppingstone, a local organization that offers counseling and addiction, housing and homeless services. Brown said the profile of people looking for shelter has changed throughout the housing crisis. More and more, she said, she sees “hardworking people” with no substance use or criminal backgrounds, who just can’t afford to stay in their homes.   Brown advocates for families trying to get into Emergency Assistance and finds funding to house them, usually in motels, while they wait to hear back from the state.  The reform bill would grant an automatic 30-day stay in temporary housing while applicants gather documents newly required for housing approval, such as those that prove Massachusetts residency and intent to stay in the state.  FROM THE HUB — “Mayor Wu calls House Oversight Committee's video ahead of hearing 'dramatic',” by Walter Wuthmann and Amy Gorel, WBUR: “Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said it's "amusing" to see how much effort the Republican Oversight Committee has put into "hyping up" a congressional hearing she and mayors of three other major cities are set to attend next week. … The House Oversight Committee released a video on X Wednesday that supercuts President Trump talking about protecting Americans with news reels showing the mayors and immigration arrests in the four cities. The nearly 3-minute video made heavy use of TV static visuals and music often prominent in horror or suspense films.” excerpts:  In a statement describing the hearing, the chairman of the committee, U.S. Rep. James Comer alleged the mayors of Boston, Chicago, Denver and New York City "have implemented reckless, illegal policies that shield criminal aliens from federal immigration enforcement and endanger public safety." The Kentucky Republican said the hearing will be a way to hold those mayors "publicly accountable for refusing to abide by the law and placing Americans’ lives at risk.” Wu said she hopes there's a chance to "share the facts and the truth" as well. There's been a "mischaracterization of what immigrant communities represent and what cities who are welcoming to immigrant communities represent," she said. Last week, the Trump administration's border czar Tom Holman told a crowd at the Conservative Political Action Conference that he would "bring hell" to Boston for not abiding federal immigration policy. Wu has previously told WBUR that Boston officials are in full compliance with the law. Local law enforcement assist federal immigration authorities on criminal matters; but city and state law prohibits local police from turning people over to ICE for immigration violations. "I'm looking forward to having the chance to go to Washington and to speak the truth about Boston," she said on Thursday, "about what we see here and what we know is real, which is the experience of our residents on the ground, living in the safest major city in the country precisely because everyone feels connected to city services and knows that they can trust in their government and trust in their neighbors." These comments came after the Boston Police Patrolmen Association said they would endorse her re-election campaign. "I'm grateful for the support of so many of our hardworking police officers," she said, adding that a strong relationship between public safety officials and the community keeps the city safe. In response to being asked if she's worried about losing federal funding as a target of the congressional investigation, Wu noted that city, state and federal government are supposed to work in tandem. "We continue to hope that the important resources that are devoted to public safety and health and education and so much more that our families rely on continues. It's not just Bostonians who are affected — although that is where my focus is. It's other families in other blue states, in red states. It's Americans all across the country that are feeling it right now." She noted that some of the lawmakers holding the hearing are the "same elected officials to cut Medicaid and cut cancer research." — “Amid uptick in downtown crime, Boston Mayor Wu unveils plan to clean up Mass and Cass spillover,” by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: “As crime has reached a seven-year high in Downtown Crossing and the areas around the Common, Boston’s mayor, top cop and prosecutor are blaming congregate drug use from Mass and Cass spillover and plan to focus on treating, rather than arresting, many drug users and dealers. Mayor Michelle Wu, Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox and Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden outlined what they called an ‘evolution’ of the city’s plan to tackle its open-air drug market — which spilled into the downtown and other neighborhoods at and around Mass and Cass after the Atkinson Street encampment was cleared in the fall of 2023.” PAYWALL BOSTON HERALD PROPAGANDA RAG! MIGRANTS IN MASSACHUSETTS IMMIGRANTS COME TO THIS COUNTRY TO RAISE THEIR FAMILIES IN PEACE - SANCTUARY CITIES HAVE LOWER CRIME RATES....WHAT IS SAD IS THAT THE THREATS COME FROM THOSE WHO REFUSE TO GET TO KNOW ANY OF THE MIGRANTS BEFORE MAKING THREATS. PEOPLE FROM OTHER CULTURES ENHANCE COMMUNITIES & MAKE THEM INTERESTING & EXCITING!.... — “Well-known Chelsea immigrant rights leader receives death threat,” by Sarah Betancourt and Paul Singer, GBH News: “A beloved and well-known leader in the immigrant rights and social services community received a death threat before a press event on Monday. Gladys Vega is executive director of La Colaborativa, a social services organization that serves the Chelsea community, which is about 70% immigrant. She said on Monday, a white man approached her outside the organization’s building, claiming she had ‘destroyed the city.’ Vega said the man knew who she was and the type of work she does.” — “Emergency shelter residents sometimes receive guidance to seal local criminal records,” by Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald: “Providers and state officials sometimes recommend that state-run shelter residents should check to see if they are eligible to seal potential Massachusetts criminal records that could be a barrier to moving into stable housing, according to a publicly available document. … But Greater Boston Legal Services Senior Attorney Liz Alfred said the ability to seal court records found in the CORI system primarily impacts people who have lived in Massachusetts for a long time, not newly-arrived migrants, because the database only contains information from the Bay State.” PAYWALL BOSTON HERALD PROPAGANDA RAG! THE RACE FOR CITY HALL — “Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association officially endorses Mayor Michelle Wu in reelection race,” by Niki Griswold, The Boston Globe: “The Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association officially endorsed Mayor Michelle Wu in her bid for a second term on Thursday, the first time the city’s largest police union has supported a Boston mayor for reelection in more than 30 years, according to the BPPA. ‘The mayor has been a continued partner and instrumental in the working conditions, the wages, the collective bargaining agreements, and the everyday business that the men and women of the BPPA and the BPPA EMS division do on a daily basis,’ said Larry Calderone, president of the BPPA.”” YAHD SIGNS AND BUMPAH STICKAHS — “Bellingham Republican Michael Soter considering statewide run, including against Ed Markey,” by Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald: “Rep. Michael Soter, a Bellingham Republican, is actively considering running for statewide office in 2026, including mounting a potential campaign against U.S. Sen. Ed Markey or for other posts like lieutenant governor or treasurer, the lawmaker said in an interview. The fourth-term state representative said he traveled to Washington, D.C. this past week to meet with ‘key people’ in conservative circles, including strategists who work on statewide campaigns in Massachusetts and others who are ‘very involved in the political forefront.’” PAYWALL BOSTON HERALD PROPAGANDA RAG! JUST WHAT MASSACHUSETTS NEEDS: ANOTHER MASS GOP MAGA CLOWN! IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN CHINA IS PROMOTING CHEAP CLEAN ENERGY & THEIR ECONOMY IS PROSPERING! CHINA IS LEADING THE WORLD, BUILDING ROADS & MAKING FRIENDS!  TRUMP IS PROMOTING DIRTY ENERGY, RESCINDING ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS, ALLIENATING ALLIES WHO ARE UNITING AGAINST THE US, BOYCOTTING AMERICAN PRODUCTS & TOURISM, THREATENING RETALIATORY TARIFFS..... THOSE WHO OPPOSE OFFSHORE WIND PROMOTE LIES ABOUT WHALE DEATHS, AMONG OTHER ISSUES....WHEN YOU HAVE TO LIE, YOU KNOW YOU'VE LOST! + 50 YEARS AGO, THE FOSSIL FUEL INDUSTRY WAS AWARE OF CLIMATE CHANGE (THERE ARE COURT DOCUMENTS) & FUNDED CLIMATE DENIERS!  + 50 YEARS AGO, THE FOSSIL FUEL INDUSTRY WAS AWARE OF THE ADVERSE HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF AIRBORNE PARTICULATES & OPPOSED REGULATIONS!  CHEAP CLEAN ENERGY MAKES SENSE.... SUPPORTING A BRAIN DEAD 'LEADER' WHO BELIEVES WIND TURBINES CAUSE CANCER IS FOLLY! — “SouthCoast Wind’s value declines due to Trump’s opposition,” by Anastasia E. Lennon, The New Bedford Light: “President Trump’s executive order on offshore wind continues to have impacts, with a parent company of SouthCoast Wind this week announcing to investors a more than $260 million reduction in the value of its North American portfolio, which includes three U.S. offshore wind projects. The action reflects the company’s assumption that the Trump administration may cause years of delays in offshore development.” THE LOCAL ANGLE — “Investigators find Everett mayor used his role to pocket $180K in bonuses,” by Liz Neisloss, GBH News: “Everett’s mayor was improperly paid $180,000 for “longevity payments” and may have violated state ethics laws, according to the results of an investigation released today by the Massachusetts inspector general. The investigation, which began in 2022 after a tip to the inspector general’s hotline, also found that Mayor Carlo DeMaria concealed those payments from city council members and the public.” — “Mayor's presidential-inspired joke becomes serious fundraiser,” by Jessica Trufant, The Patriot Ledger: “A tongue-in-cheek executive order by Mayor Bob Hedlund to rename Hingham Bay as the Gulf of Weymouth has made its way onto a T-shirt to benefit a good cause. Playing off of President Donald Trump’s renaming of the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America, Hedlund shared the satire on Facebook with an updated map reflecting the change. … Jason Thayer, of Weymouth, said he saw Hedlund's post and got a kick out of it, and then realized it was taking off and getting a lot of attention. He and several friends had the shirts made up and they surprised Hedlund with one at his office.” PAY WALL — “Hudson Town Election to have override question,” by Tom Benoit, MetroWest Daily News: “Town residents are set to vote on a nearly $4 million override in this year's Town Election after the Select Board voted to put the matter on the ballot. The Hudson Select Board approved a ballot question asking voters for a $3.95 million override to balance the budget. Residents will vote on the budget and the ballot question at the town's May Annual Election. Asked to comment, Hudson Executive Assistant Thomas Gregory directed the Daily News to a document that explains that the override is needed to plug the budget, which was balanced by one-time funds and the costs continuing to outpace revenues.” HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Sean Fitzgerald, former state Environmental Affairs Secretary Bob Durand, Ben Gundersheimer, Li-Dor David and POLITICO’s Charlie Mahtesian. HAPPY BIRTHWEEKEND — to former state Rep. Stephen J. Karol, state Rep. John Lawn, Hannah Klain, Dan Mead, Max Morningstar and Henry Richardson who celebrate Saturday; and to Sunday birthday-ers Kevin Madden, Joseph Gravellese and John Krol. Want to make an impact? POLITICO Massachusetts has a variety of solutions available for partners looking to reach and activate the most influential people in the Bay State. Have a petition you want signed? A cause you’re promoting? Seeking to increase brand awareness among this key audience? Share your message with our influential readers to foster engagement and drive action. Contact Jesse Shapiro to find out how: jshapiro@politico.com .   Follow us on Twitter Kelly Garrity @KellyGarrity3   Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook  |  Playbook PM  |  California Playbook  |  Florida Playbook  |  Illinois Playbook  |  Massachusetts Playbook  |  New Jersey Playbook  |  New York Playbook  |  Ottawa Playbook  |  Brussels Playbook  |  London Playbook View all our politics and policy newsletters Follow us

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