Boston, MA – The Massachusetts Republican Party stands united with House Minority Leader Brad Jones in expressing outrage over what appears to be dishonesty or gross negligence on the part of Governor Maura Healey. Recent revelations have exposed that migrants entering state-funded shelters in Massachusetts are not subjected to CORI background checks—despite the Governor’s previous claims that her administration was conducting “extensive background checks” on applicants seeking shelter assistance.

MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale issued a blistering statement, calling into question the Governor’s integrity and competency:

“Either the Governor has been dishonest with Massachusetts residents, or she is oblivious to how her administration is mismanaging the migrant crisis. A bombshell FOIA request revealed over 1,000 serious incidents in state shelters since 2022. These include nearly a dozen allegations of rape or sexual assault and at least 170 incidents of domestic violence. That the Governor only now feels compelled to act, after these horrors have come to light, is despicable.”

“The legislature must stand united and demand urgent reforms to the state’s right-to-shelter law. Massachusetts taxpayers cannot continue to fund a broken system that perpetuates this humanitarian disaster. The time for excuses is over.”

The MassGOP calls on Governor Healey and legislative leaders to prioritize the safety of all residents and migrants by implementing a six month residency requirement to qualify for emergency housing along with robust reforms to ensure accountability, transparency, and effective management of the state’s shelter system.