Massachusetts is on track to spend more than $1 billion in taxpayer dollars on the commonwealth’s FY25 Emergency Assistance system, as the state remains a migrant magnet under Democrat leadership. Governor Maura Healey’s administration has already burned through $830 million, much of it supporting the 4,088 families in state-funded shelters—1,600 of whom are migrants, according to the latest state report.
Taxpayers are now footing an average bill of $3,496 per week per family—more than $15,000 per month—covering housing, food, education, legal services, and National Guard security. Despite Democrats insisting the system supports “Massachusetts residents,” critics argue many migrants are quietly counted as such to meet eligibility criteria.
Mike Kennealy, Republican gubernatorial candidate and former housing secretary, blasted the staggering costs: “Taxpayers are being forced to bankroll billions to an unaccountable, broken system that perpetuates the migrant crisis—and we’re fed up.” Fellow Republican Brian Shortsleeve said, “Maura Healey has made Massachusetts a migrant magnet,” and slammed the governor’s policy as “offensive” to struggling residents.
The report notes all hotel-based shelters—down from over 100 to 28—will close by year’s end. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll confirmed, “Closing hotel shelters is essential to making sure that families are set up for success and to save our state hundreds of millions of dollars a year.”
While 1,599 individuals in the system are working and 2,270 migrants have received work permits, the state’s projected total shelter expenditure will hit $1.06 billion by June 30.
“While families are struggling to afford everyday necessities, the state is shelling out $15,166 per family per month. It’s not just insane — it’s offensive,” Shortsleeve said.
