Billion Dollar BLOWOUT – Dems MUST Answer For This!

At a Glance

Massachusetts GOP demands a detailed cost breakdown of alleged $1 billion in secret migrant spending.
MassGOP chair Amy Carnevale filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.
The request seeks documentation of funding and public safety incidents related to migrant housing.
Claims have been made about incidents being kept secret and journalists being blocked from accessing information.

Call for Transparency from the Healey-Driscoll Administration

Massachusetts Republicans have requested information regarding $1 billion allegedly spent on migrant-related activities in secret. The request, led by MassGOP chair Amy Carnevale, was directed at Governor Maura Healey’s administration, urging them to release a detailed cost breakdown. Carnevale’s FOIA request aims to uncover specifics on state funding for migrant housing and details about safety concerns and incidents.

Carnevale alleges that the administration has kept spending details secret and withheld information on 600 incidents involving police, fire, and EMT services. The GOP’s action follows a report from the Center for Immigration Studies predicting challenges for the state in managing migrant numbers.

Raising Questions About Fiscal Responsibility

The Center for Immigration Studies estimates Massachusetts spent over $1 billion on the Emergency Assistance sheltering program for migrants, with future costs potentially including education, social services, and public safety. The report also notes that Massachusetts has about 355,000 “illegal and inadmissible” migrants, including 50,000 new arrivals since 2021. Carnevale has emphasized concerns about financial oversight, public safety, and the use of taxpayer funds.

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration has shrouded nearly $1 billion spent in secrecy, leaving Massachusetts residents in the dark,” Carnevale said in a statement. “They have withheld critical information on 600 incidents involving police, fire, and EMT. Blocking journalists at every turn, the administration has obstructed the flow of information to the public.” – Amy Carnevale

Public and Legislative Response

Carnevale’s stance has raised significant attention, emphasizing the need for transparency in government spending, especially with taxpayer money. Various Republican leaders have backed her call, stressing the importance of accountability to the public. Republican legislative leaders also proposed budget amendments for competitive bidding in the shelter system, which were not adopted by the Democrat-majority state House and Senate.

The Massachusetts Emergency Assistance Commission has reported spending $1.4 billion for emergency shelters, with costs exceeding $1 billion this fiscal year. This spending includes millions paid to vendors like catering companies and hotels, with little oversight, according to Republican investigations. Carnevale and other GOP members are pushing for detailed reporting to ensure that taxpayer money is used efficiently and that the state government remains accountable.