41.9%

#37 of 50

Maura Healey

Massachusetts D | 1st term

2023-01-05Took Office 3 yrs, 5 moIn Office 263Metrics Scored 692 / 1653Total Points

Section A: Governance

206/300

69%

Section B: State Outcomes

506/975

52%

Section C: Oath Fidelity

-20 (-378 to +378)

Section A — Governance 206/300

9 subsections evaluating executive performance: budget execution, legislative relations, appointments, emergency management, transparency, ethics, program management, federal relations, and constituent service.

Fiscal Responsibility — 28/45 (62%) 15 metrics

On-time budget submission

Budgets submitted on schedule. FY2025 budget of $57.78B signed July 29, 2024. FY2026 budget filed Jan 2025 at $60.9B and signed into law. FY2024 was $56B. Consistent timely submissions across all three years in office.

Mass.gov Governor's Office; MA ANF budget filings

Budget accuracy — revenue forecast vs actual

Fair Share surtax collected $2.98B in FY2025 and $2.46B in FY2024 — exceeding projections significantly. However, emergency shelter costs exceeded budget by $339M ($978M actual vs $639M appropriated in FY2025). Filed $2.45B supplemental budget to close FY2025. Massachusetts spent $3.2B more than budgeted in FY2025 across all categories.

MA DOR Revenue Reports; Boston Herald Mar 2025; Mass.gov supplemental budget filings

Rainy day fund management

Stabilization fund at record $8.165B as of June 2025. Includes interest, excess capital gains taxes, and casino revenue. Strong reserve position. However, shelter costs ($1.83B over FY2024-25) and potential federal funding cuts create drawdown risk. Fund approaching statutory cap.

MA Comptroller Stabilization Fund balance; Statehouse News Service

State credit rating trajectory

AA+ from S&P and Fitch, Aa1 from Moody's — all stable outlook. Moody's confirmed Aa1 on $750M GO bonds Jul 2025. Rating supported by robust economy, highly educated workforce, and record $8.5B stabilization fund. Challenges include rapid pension spending growth and high long-term liability burden.

S&P Global Ratings; Moody's Jul 2025 rating action; massbondholder.com; Fitch

Pension funding ratio trajectory

Commonwealth Retirement System funded ratio improved from 63.5% (Jan 2023) to 65.0% (Jan 2024). Municipal systems median at 75.3% (Jan 2025), up from 73.6%. Total unfunded liability across all 105 systems approximately $43.4B. State making required contributions under statutory funding schedule targeting full funding by 2035.

PERAC Jan 2024/2025 actuarial valuations; MA Comptroller ACFR

Debt per capita trajectory

Massachusetts debt per capita at $17,082 — fifth-highest nationally. Total state debt $81.4B in FY2024. $28.5B GO bonds outstanding. Healey added $5.16B Affordable Homes Act (Aug 2024) and $4B Mass Leads Act (Nov 2024) — both bond-funded. Additional $8B sought for transportation and $2.5B for campus greening.

Pioneer Institute debt analysis 2023; Statista FY2024; MA Treasurer's Office

CAFR/ACFR published on time

FY2024 ACFR published by Comptroller William McNamara on schedule, audited by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP. Total governmental fund balance of $23.547B as of June 30, 2024 — a net increase of $4.537B from prior year. FY2023 ACFR also published on time. Consistent timely financial reporting.

MA Comptroller ACFR FY2024; CLA independent audit

Audit findings — material weaknesses

FY2024 ACFR audited by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP with no major material weaknesses identified. State Auditor Diana DiZoglio's office conducting regular audits of state agencies. No significant audit findings requiring corrective action during Healey tenure.

MA State Auditor reports; CLA FY2024 audit opinion

Federal grant fund accounting

Federal grant accounting generally clean. Massachusetts received $14.6B in federal grants (FY2024). ARPA funds deployed on schedule. Single Audit findings within normal range for a state of Massachusetts's size. No major federal grant management deficiencies flagged during Healey tenure.

MA State Auditor; Single Audit Reports; USASpending.gov

Anti-fraud controls — federal programs

No major fraud in federal programs during Healey tenure. Inspector General Glenn Cunha's office active on fraud prevention. AG Andrea Campbell continuing anti-fraud prosecution. No DOL OIG findings of systemic fraud. UI modernization (EMT project) includes enhanced fraud prevention tools.

MA OIG reports; DOL OIG; AG office enforcement data

Tax revenue vs expenditure alignment

Fair Share surtax ($2.98B FY2025, $2.46B FY2024) provides revenue cushion above baseline. But Massachusetts spent $3.2B more than budgeted in FY2025, including $978M on shelters vs $639M appropriated. $2.45B supplemental budget needed for FY2025 closeout. FY2026 budget signed at $60.9B — $1B less than proposed due to fiscal caution. Tax revenue-expenditure gap widening.

MA DOR; Boston Herald; Fall River Reporter FY2025 overruns; Mass.gov FY2026 signing

Capital budget execution rate

$5.16B Affordable Homes Act signed Aug 2024 — largest housing bond in MA history, targeting 65,000+ homes over 5 years, including $2.2B for public housing. $4B Mass Leads Act signed Nov 2024 — $500M life sciences, $400M climatetech, $100M AI Hub. $1.23B FutureTech Act for IT modernization also signed. Ambitious capital pipeline but execution in early stages.

Mass.gov Affordable Homes Act; Mass Leads Act signing; FutureTech Act

Vendor/contractor oversight

No major vendor fraud scandals. However, MassDOT highway service plaza redevelopment contract (18 plazas) found riddled with flaws by state investigators — led to Transportation Secretary Tibbits-Nutt's departure Oct 2025. OIG flagged procurement process issues. Otherwise vendor oversight functioning normally through OSD.

MA OSD; OIG plaza contract investigation; Statehouse News Service Oct 2025

Federal funding maximization

Massachusetts capturing federal formula and competitive grants. Won $10M federal literacy tutoring grant. Won $20M in federal shelter funding. $38.4M federal literacy grant (5-year). Legislature passed bill to unlock state matching funds for federal competitive grants. However, ICE confrontation and Trump administration tensions risk federal funding clawbacks.

USASpending.gov; Mass.gov grant announcements; federal funding legislation

Program eligibility verification systems

Emergency shelter eligibility verification strained. Peak caseload 7,500 families (2024), reduced to ~4,000 by mid-2025 through 9-month limit and work requirements. Cost per family reached $3,496/week ($1,000/person/week). FY2025 total $978M — $339M over $639M appropriation. Limited verification for state-funded programs; self-attestation accepted. System included both migrants and local families under right-to-shelter mandate.

MA EOHLC shelter data; Mass Fiscal Alliance cost analysis; Boston Herald Mar 2025

Legislative Relations — 26/39 (67%) 13 metrics

Signature legislation enacted

$5.16B Affordable Homes Act (Aug 2024) — largest housing bond in MA history, 65,000+ homes, ADU legalization statewide. $4B Mass Leads Act (Nov 2024) — life sciences, AI, climatetech. Permanent universal free school meals ($172M/yr, 584K students daily). Free community college (MassReconnect/MassEducate — enrollment up 38.5%). $1.23B FutureTech Act for IT modernization. Comprehensive gun reform (Jul 2024). Clean energy siting law (Nov 2024). Ambitious but results still emerging.

MA Legislature bill tracking; Mass.gov signing announcements

Veto override rate

Zero veto overrides during Healey tenure through 2025. Democratic supermajority (134-25 House, 35-5 Senate) ensures strong alignment. Legislature has sustained all Healey vetoes including $317M in FY2025 line-item vetoes and $130M in FY2026 vetoes.

MA Legislature Journal; WBUR Jul 2024; WWLP Jul 2025

Bipartisan bills signed

Legislature is heavily Democratic (134-25 House, 35-5 Senate). Limited bipartisan dynamic — most major bills pass on party-line votes. Gun reform, housing, and economic development bills had minimal Republican support. However, shelter reform measures (9-month limit, work requirements) had broader bipartisan backing. One-party governance limits cross-aisle legislating.

MA Legislature vote records; General Court composition data

Special sessions called

No unnecessary special sessions called during Healey tenure. Legislature handled shelter crisis, budget supplementals, and major legislation within regular sessions. Emergency shelter declaration (Aug 2023) managed through executive authority rather than special session. Legislative calendar proceeded normally.

MA Legislature records; General Court session history

Executive orders — legal challenges

Signed Jan 2026 executive order barring ICE from using state buildings and resources; filed PROTECT Act legislation to ban ICE from schools, hospitals, courthouses. Legal experts (BC Prof. Kanstroom) called executive order 'well within' governor's authority. Legislation restricting ICE from private facilities may face constitutional challenges under Supremacy Clause. No judicial defeats to date but active litigation ongoing.

WBUR Feb 2026; Mass.gov executive order Jan 2026; court records

Line-item veto usage

Vetoed $317M from FY2025 budget (signed Jul 29, 2024) — including MassHealth amendments and spending items. Vetoed $130M from FY2026 budget (signed Jul 2025) — withholding local earmarks as hedge against federal funding cuts. However, left legislative leaders' earmarks untouched ($3.4M for Senate President Spilka's district, $2M for House budget chief). Selective fiscal discipline.

WBUR Jul 2024; Boston Globe Jul 2024; WWLP Jul 2025

Regulatory burden change

Massachusetts ranked among most regulated states. Fair Share 4% surtax on income over $1.08M collected $5.44B in two years — increases tax burden on high earners, potentially accelerating outmigration. New regulations: comprehensive gun reform (HB 4885), clean energy siting mandates, ADU legalization, hospital PE oversight law (post-Steward crisis). Clean energy law requires consolidated permitting within 12 months. Heavy regulatory footprint.

MA Legislature regulatory filings; business environment surveys; clean energy law Nov 2024

Budget negotiation success

FY2025 budget ($57.78B) signed on time Jul 29, 2024. FY2026 budget ($60.9B) signed Jul 2025 — $1B less than proposed, reflecting fiscal restraint. Successful negotiations with Speaker Mariano and Senate President Spilka. Multiple supplemental budgets managed — $425M shelter supplemental (Jan 2025), $1.3B Fair Share supplemental, $2.45B closeout supplemental. Complex but functional budget process.

MA Legislature budget records; Mass.gov signing statements

Bill signing rate on popular legislation

Free school meals permanent ($172M/yr) — 584,000 students served daily, 87,000 more lunches/breakfasts per day than pre-program, saving families ~$1,200/yr. Free community college (MassReconnect/MassEducate) — enrollment up 38.5% (23,977 students). $5.16B housing act addressing #1 voter concern. Gun reform, clean energy law also aligned with MA electorate priorities. Strong bill signing rate on popular legislation.

Mass.gov school meals data; community college enrollment; Legislature records

Legislative relationship

Strong working relationship with Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka. Major bills negotiated successfully: Affordable Homes Act, Mass Leads Act, FutureTech Act, gun reform, clean energy law. No public rifts. Left legislative leaders' earmarks intact while vetoing other spending. Shelter reform required iterative negotiations but legislature ultimately backed 9-month limit and work requirements.

MA Legislature records; Boston Globe; WBUR legislative coverage

Implementation of voter-approved measures

Implementing Fair Share Amendment (Question 1, Nov 2022 — passed 52%-48%). Surtax revenue dramatically exceeding expectations: $2.46B FY2024, $2.98B FY2025. Revenue directed to education and transportation as mandated. $765M MBTA investment, $170M universal meals, $125M higher ed infrastructure in FY2026 alone. Also upheld Work and Family Mobility Act (Question 4, Nov 2022 — upheld 54%).

MA DOR revenue reports; Secretary of State ballot results; FY2026 budget allocations

Task force follow-through

Affordable Homes Act implementation underway — ADU legalization active statewide (8,000-10,000 ADUs projected over 5 years). Literacy Launch Initiative: $20M state funding + $38.4M federal grant secured, 45 school districts transitioning to evidence-based literacy. MassReconnect/MassEducate workforce programs driving 38.5% community college enrollment increase. Shelter caseload reduced from 7,500 to ~4,000 families. Task forces producing measurable results.

Mass.gov program updates; DESE Literacy Launch; shelter caseload data

Policy reversals under pressure

Shelter system significantly reformed under pressure: imposed 9-month stay limit, added work requirements, capped system at 7,500 families, set goal to close all hotel shelters by end of 2025. Caseload reduced from 7,500 peak to ~4,000 families. Transportation Secretary border toll idea publicly nixed by Healey (Apr 2024). Pragmatic policy adjustments rather than wholesale reversals — maintained right-to-shelter framework while tightening eligibility.

Mass.gov shelter policy; WBUR border toll Apr 2024; Boston Herald shelter data

Appointments & Staffing — 17/36 (47%) 12 metrics

Appointee criminal/ethics issues

LaMar Cook, Deputy Director of Governor's Western MA Office in Springfield, arrested Oct 29, 2025 for trafficking 20+ kg cocaine and unlawful firearm possession. Previously ran Hotel UMass in Amherst before Healey hired him in 2023. Denied bail, terminated immediately. Governor called conduct 'unacceptable and a major breach of public trust.' No other appointee criminal issues documented.

WAMC Oct 2025; Boston Herald; Hampden DA records; WBUR Oct 2025

Agency head vacancy rate

EXTRAORDINARY TURNOVER. 8+ cabinet secretaries departed since Jan 2023 — worst retention rate among MA predecessors. Seven left in one year alone. Named departures: Transportation Sec. Tibbits-Nutt (Oct 2025, her predecessor also departed), Economic Dev. Sec. Yvonne Hao (Apr 2025), HHS Sec. Kate Walsh (Jul 2025 — during Steward Health Care crisis), Veterans Sec. Jon Santiago (Aug 2025). Boston Globe Mar 2026: 'more than half of her Cabinet' departed in one year.

WBUR Oct 2025; Boston Globe Mar 2026; NBC Boston cabinet tracker

State employee turnover

Cabinet-level turnover unprecedented — 8+ secretaries departed in ~3 years. Two transportation secretaries, HHS secretary mid-Steward crisis, economic development secretary. MBTA GM Phil Eng appointed interim transportation secretary (Oct 2025) on top of his GM role. Leadership churn creates institutional knowledge loss and policy continuity gaps. Broader state workforce retention challenges in high-cost-of-living environment.

WBUR Oct 2025; Boston Globe Mar 2026; Mass.gov appointments

Diversity of appointments

Healey — first openly lesbian governor elected in US history — has prioritized diverse appointments. Cabinet included first Latino veterans secretary (Jon Santiago), diverse HHS and education leadership. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll adds gender diversity at top. Administration reflects Massachusetts's demographic diversity across race, gender, and LGBTQ+ representation.

Mass.gov cabinet bios; GBH cabinet overview Mar 2023

Judicial appointment quality

Judicial appointments vetted through Judicial Nominating Commission process. No controversial appointments or reversals by Governor's Council. Healey served as AG 2015-2023 — deep familiarity with judicial system. Appointments rated qualified by bar associations. No reported judicial scandals among Healey appointees.

MA Judicial Nominating Commission; Governor's Council records

State workforce pay competitiveness

Massachusetts state employee pay challenged by extreme cost of living — BEA RPP >110, median home price $600K+, Greater Boston rents among highest nationally. State worker salaries lag private sector especially in tech, healthcare, and legal. FY2025 budget included $390M for Chapter 257 human services rate increases. Cabinet departures partly attributed to private sector salary differentials. Recruitment and retention remain difficult.

MA HRD compensation data; BLS OES; BEA RPP; FY2025 budget Chapter 257

Whistleblower protection

No reported whistleblower retaliation during Healey tenure. Massachusetts has statutory whistleblower protections (MGL c.149 s.185). Ethics Commission maintaining oversight. Healey's AG office (2015-2023) had strong whistleblower protection record. No public complaints of retaliation against state employees who reported misconduct.

MA Ethics Commission; MGL c.149 s.185; AG office track record

Inspector General independence

Inspector General Glenn Cunha operating independently. OIG investigated MassDOT highway service plaza contract and found procurement flaws — investigation led to changes. No reported interference from governor's office with IG investigations. OIG publishing reports on state program integrity, fraud prevention, and contract oversight. Independence maintained throughout Healey tenure.

MA OIG reports; MassDOT plaza contract investigation; OIG annual reports

State employee morale

Cabinet exodus — 8+ secretaries departed in ~3 years — suggests internal management or culture challenges. WBUR: 'nearly half of Gov. Healey's cabinet has turned over.' Boston Globe: 'outpacing departures under her predecessors.' Multiple departures cited 'family' or 'return to private sector' but volume is historically unusual. High-pressure shelter crisis, MBTA problems, and Steward Health Care emergency may contribute to burnout.

WBUR Oct 2025; Boston Globe Mar 2026; MA HRD

Nepotism/cronyism

No documented nepotism or cronyism during Healey tenure. Ethics Commission active on conflict-of-interest oversight. Cabinet appointments based on professional qualifications. LaMar Cook (cocaine trafficking arrest) was hired from Hotel UMass — no nepotism connection but vetting questions raised. No family members in state positions.

MA Ethics Commission records; appointment review data

Senior staff criminal charges

LaMar Cook, Deputy Director of Governor's Western MA Office, arrested Oct 29, 2025 — charged with trafficking 20+ kg cocaine and unlawful firearm/ammunition possession. Two suspicious packages intercepted at Hotel UMass (where Cook previously worked 6 years). Denied bail, terminated immediately. Republican lawmakers demanded briefing from Healey on vetting failures. Isolated but significant staff criminal incident.

WAMC Oct 2025; Fox News; WBUR; Boston.com; GOP lawmakers letter Nov 2025

Agency performance accountability

Shelter spending $978M FY2025 vs $639M appropriated — 53% overrun. Total $1.83B+ over FY2024-25. Cabinet turnover (8+ secretaries) undermines agency continuity — two transportation secretaries departed during MBTA reform. UI modernization (EMT) caused worst-in-nation payment delays (4 in 10 claims unpaid after 35 days, Jun-Oct 2025). Multiple $B supplemental budgets signal structural planning challenges. However, shelter caseload reduced and MBTA slow zones eliminated.

Boston Herald; WBUR; CommonWealth Beacon UI data; MBTA performance

Emergency Management — 27/36 (75%) 12 metrics

Disaster declaration timeliness

Declared state of emergency Aug 8, 2023 as migrant influx overwhelmed right-to-shelter system. Emergency sustained through Aug 1, 2025 when formally ended. Timely declaration enabled National Guard activation (250 soldiers, expanded to 325 Nov 2023), hotel shelter deployments, and supplemental budget requests. Proactive response to unprecedented demand surge.

Mass.gov emergency declaration Aug 2023; Boston Herald Aug 2025 end of emergency

FEMA Public Assistance secured

Won $20M in federal shelter funding — but against $1.83B+ state costs, federal share minimal. Shelter crisis not eligible for traditional FEMA Public Assistance (not a natural disaster). Legislature passed bill to unlock state matching funds for federal competitive grants. Federal ARPA funds deployed. Limited federal emergency assistance available for migrant shelter situations — Massachusetts bore overwhelming majority of costs.

Mass.gov federal funding announcement; FEMA records; federal grant legislation

Emergency reserve adequacy

Stabilization fund at record $8.165B (Jun 2025) — among strongest rainy day reserves nationally relative to budget. Provides approximately 50 days of operating expenses. Moody's cited fund as key credit support. However, $1.83B+ shelter costs and potential federal funding cuts under Trump administration create drawdown risk. FY2026 budget withheld local earmarks as hedge against potential recession.

MA Comptroller; Moody's Nov 2025 credit opinion; Boston Herald Jul 2025

Lives lost — preventable from state failure

No major preventable deaths from state government failures during Healey tenure. Shelter system housed 7,500+ families at peak without documented fatalities from state neglect. MBTA safety improvements eliminated all slow zones (Dec 2024) — FTA found no issues requiring corrective action in fall 2024 audit. Opioid overdose deaths down 36% in 2024 (1,341 deaths vs ~2,100 in 2023). No preventable disaster deaths.

MA MEMA; FTA MBTA audit; MA DPH opioid data 2024

Post-disaster recovery

No major natural disasters requiring extended recovery during Healey tenure. Routine severe weather events (nor'easters, coastal flooding) managed through standard MEMA protocols. Steward Health Care bankruptcy (2024) was a quasi-disaster — state provided $30M to support 6 hospital transitions, prevented all but 2 closures (Carney Hospital and Nashoba Valley Medical Center closed). Recovery from Steward crisis ongoing but managed.

FEMA records; Mass.gov Steward Health Care response; hospital transition data

Public health emergency response

Post-pandemic operations normalized. Opioid overdose deaths dropped 36% in 2024 to ~1,341 — lowest since 2014. Over 500,000 fentanyl test strip kits and 200,000 naloxone kits distributed. Naloxone reversed 7,500+ overdoses in 2024. FY2025 budget invested $700M+ in substance addiction prevention, treatment, and harm reduction. Steward Health Care hospital crisis managed — signed new hospital PE oversight law to prevent recurrence.

MA DPH opioid data 2024; Mass.gov public health investments; Steward oversight law

Infrastructure failure prevention

MBTA infrastructure significantly improved under Healey. Hired GM Phil Eng (2023), who launched year-long Track Improvement Program — replaced 248,000 feet of track, cleared 200+ slow zones. All subway slow zones eliminated by Dec 2024 — first morning commute without speed restrictions in 20 years. FTA praised 'new era' and found no issues requiring corrective action in fall 2024 audit. $765M MBTA investment in FY2026 budget.

MBTA performance reports; FTA audit fall 2024; NBC Boston Dec 2024; FY2026 budget

National Guard deployment appropriateness

National Guard activated Aug 31, 2023 — initially 250 soldiers/airmen, expanded to 325 (Nov 2023). Deployed to hotel shelter sites for food, basic needs, transportation, medical care coordination. Guard deployment ended Jun 20, 2024 after ~10 months. Appropriate humanitarian use within governor's authority. Guard members received training before deployment. No incidents or complaints about Guard conduct at shelter sites.

Mass.gov Guard activation; Boston Globe Sep 2023; Guard deployment end Jun 2024

Emergency communication

Active public communications throughout shelter crisis — regular press conferences, shelter data updates, policy change announcements. Highly visible on ICE confrontation in 2025-2026, including press events for executive order and PROTECT Act. Accessible to media on Steward Health Care crisis. Criticized by some for prioritizing national media profile (anti-Trump messaging) over state-level communication. Generally strong emergency communication.

Mass.gov press releases; Governor's Office media records; media coverage

Interagency coordination

Multi-agency coordination required for shelter crisis: EOHLC, DTA, DPH, DESE, National Guard, local municipalities. Coordination adequate but strained — shelter costs exceeded budget by 53%. Steward Health Care crisis required coordination between DPH, AG, and hospital systems — secured transitions for 6 of 8 hospitals. MBTA reform coordinated between MassDOT, FTA, and GM Eng's team. Interagency cooperation functional but cabinet turnover created coordination gaps.

MA executive agency coordination records; Mass.gov agency reports

Pandemic response metrics

Entered office Jan 2023, fully post-pandemic. COVID operations normalized. Transitioned focus to opioid crisis response — overdose deaths fell 36% in 2024. MassHealth enrollment managed through Medicaid unwinding (898,233 disenrolled, net -362,499). Uninsured rate rose to 2.1% but remains well below 8.2% national average. Post-pandemic public health infrastructure maintained.

CDC COVID Data Tracker; MA DPH; CHIA health insurance survey Dec 2025

Disaster preparedness & emergency infrastructure

Standard disaster preparedness maintained through MEMA. Coastal infrastructure upgrades ongoing — state faces sea level rise risk for Boston harbor and Cape Cod. Winter storm response adequate across all years. Climate law (Nov 2024) establishes Office of Environmental Justice and Equity for long-term resilience planning. $8.165B stabilization fund provides strong fiscal disaster buffer. No major emergency preparedness failures.

MA MEMA; clean energy law Nov 2024; Comptroller stabilization fund data

Transparency & Ethics — 28/39 (72%) 13 metrics

FOIA/open records compliance

Massachusetts Public Records Law (MGL c.66 s.10) compliance maintained. Secretary of State's public records division oversees requests. Healey administration responding to public records requests within statutory timelines. As AG (2015-2023), Healey enforced public records compliance by other agencies. No documented pattern of FOIA obstruction or systemic delays under governor's office.

MA Secretary of State public records division; MGL c.66 s.10

Governor's schedule availability

Governor's public schedule available through Mass.gov. Regular public appearances documented. Healey maintains active public schedule including press conferences, bill signings, community events, and New England Governors Conference participation. Schedule accessibility comparable to MA predecessors. Some criticism of national media appearances taking time from state duties but schedule transparency maintained.

Mass.gov Governor's public schedule; media coverage

Campaign finance compliance

No campaign finance violations or OCPF complaints during tenure. Clean campaign finance record as AG candidate (2014, 2018) and gubernatorial candidate (2022). Won 2022 election with 63.7% of vote — strong fundraising without irregularities. Announced reelection bid Feb 2025 with compliant campaign finance operations. OCPF filings current and complete.

MA OCPF campaign finance records; Secretary of State 2022 election data

Financial disclosure

Statement of Financial Interest (SFI) filed annually with Ethics Commission as required by MGL c.268B. Disclosures on time and complete. As former AG, Healey has extensive public financial record. No undisclosed conflicts identified. Lt. Gov. Driscoll also compliant. Cabinet members filing required disclosures (high turnover means frequent new filings).

MA Ethics Commission SFI database; MGL c.268B

Open meetings compliance

No major open meetings violations by executive branch under Healey. AG Andrea Campbell's office enforces Open Meeting Law (MGL c.30A s.18-25). Executive agencies compliant with public meeting requirements. No documented complaints of closed-door decision-making by governor's office on matters requiring public deliberation. Standard compliance maintained.

MA AG open meetings decisions; MGL c.30A s.18-25

Open data portal

Massachusetts Data Hub (data.mass.gov) expanded under Healey. EOTSS introduced 'Sub Hubs' in 2024 — agency-specific data portals across the Commonwealth. MassGIS geospatial data fully integrated. Criminal justice data dashboard expanded with aggregated charge and conviction data. FutureTech Act ($1.23B) includes technology modernization. RMV virtual AI assistant launched Apr 2025, serving 400,000 customers. Strong open data infrastructure.

data.mass.gov; Mass.gov EOTSS announcements; FutureTech Act

Budget transparency

Full budget documents published on mass.gov/budget. FY2025 ($57.78B) and FY2026 ($60.9B) budgets with detailed line items, spending breakdowns, and veto messages all publicly available. Supplemental budgets ($425M shelter, $1.3B Fair Share, $2.45B closeout) also published with explanatory materials. ANF provides revenue estimates, capital budget details, and performance metrics online. Budget transparency above average.

MA ANF budget website; mass.gov/budget

Lobbying disclosure

Lobbying disclosure maintained through Secretary of State's office. Registered lobbyists required to file activity reports under MGL c.3 s.39-50. Public lobbying database accessible online. No documented gaps or compliance failures in lobbying disclosure during Healey tenure. Standard Massachusetts lobbying transparency framework in operation.

MA Secretary of State lobbying division; MGL c.3 s.39-50

IG report publication

OIG under Glenn Cunha publishing reports regularly. Notable investigation: MassDOT highway service plaza redevelopment contract found riddled with procurement flaws (2025). OIG reports on fraud prevention, state program integrity, and vendor oversight publicly available. Criminal justice data dashboard expanded. No reported suppression of IG findings or publication delays. Transparency of IG operations maintained.

MA OIG published reports; MassDOT investigation findings

Legislative audit cooperation

Cooperating with State Auditor Diana DiZoglio. DiZoglio (elected 2022, also Democrat) has audited executive branch agencies. No reported obstruction of legislative audit requests. ACFR independently audited by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP — FY2024 total fund balance $23.547B reported without qualified opinions. Standard cooperation with audit function maintained.

MA State Auditor office; CLA FY2024 ACFR audit

Press conference accessibility

Regular press conferences on major policy issues. Highly visible on ICE/immigration confrontation — multiple press events for executive order (Jan 2026), PROTECT Act, and federal enforcement pushback. Active media presence during shelter crisis, Steward Health Care hospital closures, and MBTA milestones. Criticized by some conservatives for prioritizing national anti-Trump profile. Generally accessible to Massachusetts media across outlets (WBUR, Boston Globe, Boston Herald, GBH).

Mass.gov press releases; Governor's Office media schedule

State contract transparency

State contract transparency maintained through Operational Services Division (OSD) and COMMBUYS procurement portal. Contract details publicly searchable. CTHRU spending transparency tool provides real-time state expenditure data. OIG flagged MassDOT service plaza contract flaws — transparency of procurement process enabled oversight. No documented efforts to conceal state contract terms or vendor relationships.

MA OSD COMMBUYS portal; CTHRU transparency tool; OIG MassDOT investigation

Court order compliance

Full compliance with state and federal court orders during tenure. Actively demanded ICE comply with state requirements — executive order (Jan 2026) barred ICE from using state buildings, demanded transparency on arrest locations. However, ICE confrontation tests Supremacy Clause limits. Lunn v. Commonwealth (2017 SJC) provides judicial framework for non-cooperation with ICE detainers. No contempt findings or court sanctions against Healey administration.

Court records; Mass.gov ICE executive order Jan 2026; Lunn v. Commonwealth

Ethics & Integrity — 37/39 (95%) 13 metrics

Personal criminal charges

No criminal charges, indictments, or investigations against Healey personally. Clean personal legal record as AG (2015-2023) and governor (2023-present). No DOJ inquiries. No grand jury investigations. No state ethics proceedings. Served as AG for 8 years prosecuting public corruption without personal legal issues arising. Exceptionally clean personal criminal record.

Court records; DOJ; MA Ethics Commission; AG office history

Ethics complaints — substantiated

No substantiated ethics complaints against Healey through Ethics Commission. No formal complaints filed or investigated. As AG, Healey prosecuted ethics violations by others — deep understanding of compliance requirements. Ethics Commission continuing normal oversight operations. Clean ethics record across 3+ years as governor and 8 years as AG.

MA Ethics Commission complaint records; AG office enforcement history

Gift/travel disclosure

Gift and travel disclosures filed with Ethics Commission as required by MGL c.268B. No documented acceptance of prohibited gifts or unreported travel. Attended New England Governors Conference and national governor events with proper disclosure. No luxury travel controversies. Standard compliance with gift/travel rules.

MA Ethics Commission disclosure records; MGL c.268B

Conflict of interest

No conflicts of interest documented. Transitioned cleanly from AG role (2015-2023) to governor (Jan 2023). No financial interests conflicting with official duties identified. No business relationships creating conflicts. Ethics Commission monitoring ongoing. Recusal procedures followed where applicable. Clean conflict-of-interest record throughout tenure.

MA Ethics Commission; SFI disclosures; AG-to-Governor transition records

State resources for political purposes

No documented misuse of state resources for political purposes. National anti-Trump profile (ICE confrontation, immigration executive orders, media appearances) raises questions about blending official duties with political positioning for 2026 reelection. However, no Ethics Commission findings of state resource misuse. Press conferences on policy matters (shelter, ICE, Steward) within normal governor communications. No documented violations.

MA Ethics Commission; media analysis of Healey national profile

Truthfulness — official statements

No major documented false official statements. Shelter cost projections proved initially optimistic (actual costs exceeded estimates) but not intentionally misleading. MBTA progress claims validated by FTA audit (all slow zones eliminated Dec 2024). Fair Share revenue reporting accurate. Steward Health Care statements tracked with actual outcomes. No fact-check failures or deliberate misrepresentations identified by major MA media outlets.

Mass.gov official statements; WBUR; Boston Globe fact-checking

Ethics protection — strengthened or weakened

Ethics framework maintained — no weakening of ethics rules during tenure. Signed new hospital PE oversight law (post-Steward crisis) strengthening financial transparency requirements. Ethics Commission operating independently. Conflict of interest law (MGL c.268A/268B) unchanged. No attempts to weaken whistleblower protections, public records law, or open meetings requirements. Ethics infrastructure preserved.

MA Ethics Commission; hospital PE oversight law 2024; MGL c.268A/268B

Emoluments/self-enrichment

No self-enrichment allegations or emoluments concerns. Governor's salary set by legislature — no self-dealing. No business interests benefiting from official decisions. No real estate dealings connected to state development projects. Clean financial disclosure record. No book deals, speaking fees, or outside income controversies while serving as governor.

MA Ethics Commission; SFI disclosures; media reporting

Donor-to-appointment pipeline

No documented donor-to-appointment pipeline. OCPF campaign finance records show no pattern of major donors receiving state appointments or contracts. LaMar Cook (cocaine trafficking arrest) was hired from Hotel UMass — no donor connection. Cabinet appointees drawn from government, nonprofit, and private sector based on professional qualifications. No pay-to-play allegations during tenure.

MA OCPF campaign finance records; Ethics Commission; appointment records

Foreign influence

No foreign influence connections or FARA concerns. No documented relationships with foreign governments or entities influencing state policy. Mass Leads Act ($4B) designed to attract foreign investment to MA but through standard economic development channels. No foreign travel controversies. No foreign lobbying activity connected to governor's office.

MA Ethics Commission; FARA database; Mass Leads Act provisions

Harassment — workplace/sexual

No workplace or sexual harassment complaints against Healey or senior staff. Governor's office maintains standard workplace conduct policies. As AG, Healey was strong advocate against workplace harassment. No #MeToo allegations. No documented hostile work environment claims despite high cabinet turnover — departing secretaries cited family and career reasons, not harassment.

MA Ethics Commission; HR complaints record; AG office history

Records preservation

No records destruction or concealment allegations. State records retention schedules followed. AG-to-governor transition preserved institutional records. No documented use of personal email for official business controversies. State Archives operating normally. Public Records Law (MGL c.66) compliance maintained. No lawsuits alleging records spoliation.

MA State Archives; Secretary of State records division; MGL c.66

Revolving door compliance

No revolving door violations documented by Ethics Commission. However, 8+ cabinet departures mean numerous former officials transitioning to private sector — one-year post-employment restrictions under MGL c.268A s.5 apply. Econ Dev Sec. Yvonne Hao, HHS Sec. Kate Walsh, Veterans Sec. Jon Santiago all departed to private/healthcare roles. Ethics Commission monitoring post-employment compliance. No violations found to date.

MA Ethics Commission; MGL c.268A s.5; cabinet departure records

Program Management — 24/36 (67%) 12 metrics

Major fraud in state programs

No major fraud in state programs during Healey tenure. OIG under Glenn Cunha actively monitoring. Shelter system ($1.83B+ over 2 years) had no documented fraud despite rapid scaling. MassHealth ($2B+ annual) operating without major fraud findings. UI modernization includes enhanced fraud prevention tools. State Auditor DiZoglio conducting regular program audits. No DOJ fraud investigations targeting MA state programs.

MA OIG; State Auditor reports; DOJ; shelter program audit data

Program integrity — improper payments

No major improper payment findings by OIG or State Auditor. Shelter program spending ($3,496/week per family) scrutinized but no documented fraud — costs reflect legitimate operational expenses (hotels, food, case management, education, legal aid). MassHealth redetermination processed correctly — 898,233 disenrolled, net -362,499 after re-enrollments. UI system struggled with timeliness but no improper payment patterns detected.

MA OIG; State Auditor; shelter vendor contract data; MassHealth redetermination

IT modernization vs failures

Major IT modernization via FutureTech Act ($1.23B signed Jul 2024) — $350M business applications, $150M cybersecurity, $275M new capital, $25M AI projects. RMV AI virtual assistant launched Apr 2025 serving 400,000 customers. EOTSS mitigated 400,000+ cybersecurity vulnerabilities in 2025 (26% increase). BUT: UI modernization (EMT) caused worst-in-nation payment delays (40%+ claims unpaid after 35 days, Jun-Oct 2025). Mixed IT execution record.

Mass.gov FutureTech Act; StateScoop IT reporting; CommonWealth Beacon UI data

Permit/license processing

RMV modernization underway — 60+ transactions available online, AI virtual assistant (Apr 2025), driver license software/hardware upgrades. Clean energy law (Nov 2024) mandates consolidated permitting within 12 months for renewable energy projects — streamlining previously multi-agency process. ADU permitting simplified statewide under Affordable Homes Act. Work and Family Mobility Act (Jul 2023) required new license processing for non-citizen applicants. Generally improved processing infrastructure.

MA RMV modernization reports; clean energy law permitting provisions; Affordable Homes Act

Child welfare outcomes

FY2025 budget invested $390M in Chapter 257 human services rate increases including DCF. Legislature passed 'An Act Enhancing Child Welfare Protections' (House 159-1) — modernizes DCF reporting, clarifies OCA independence, creates DCF Education Unit, strengthens child fatality review. Signed law protecting foster children's Social Security benefits (Jul 2025). DCF performance adequate but ongoing reform reflects systemic challenges inherited from predecessors.

MA DCF Annual Report FY2024; Legislature child welfare bill; foster care benefits law

Medicaid administration

MassHealth enrollment ~2M after Medicaid unwinding (down from 2.4M peak Apr 2023). Uninsured rate 2.1% — well below 8.2% national average. Managed Steward Health Care hospital crisis — $30M state support for 6 hospital transitions, signed PE oversight law. HHS Sec. Kate Walsh departed Jul 2025 amid Steward crisis. FY2025 supplemental: $2.05B MassHealth funding. Near-universal coverage maintained but rising costs and federal policy changes threaten sustainability.

MA EOHHS; CHIA health insurance survey Dec 2025; Steward hospital transition data

Environmental compliance

EPA Region 1 compliance maintained. Signed sweeping clean energy law (Nov 2024) — solar/wind permitting reform, Office of Environmental Justice and Equity created, cumulative impact analysis required for large projects. Mass Leads Act: $400M climatetech investment, new climatetech tax incentives. MassDEP enforcing greenhouse gas reporting under Global Warming Solutions Act. Strong environmental policy leadership aligned with MA climate goals for 2050.

EPA Region 1; MA DEP; clean energy law Nov 2024; Mass Leads Act climatetech

Transportation project delivery

SIGNIFICANT MBTA TURNAROUND under Healey. Hired GM Phil Eng (2023) who launched Track Improvement Program — 248,000 feet of track replaced, 200+ slow zones cleared. All subway slow zones eliminated Dec 2024 — first commute without speed restrictions in 20 years. FTA praised 'new era' and found no issues in fall 2024 audit. $765M MBTA investment in FY2026. BUT: two transportation secretaries departed (Gorzkowicz, Tibbits-Nutt). MassDOT plaza contract procurement flawed per OIG.

MBTA Track Improvement Program; FTA audit 2024; FY2026 budget; OIG report

Unemployment insurance system

UI system modernization (EMT project) launched Sep 2023 but execution poor. Jun-Oct 2025: 40%+ of eligible new claims unpaid after 35 days — worst in nation. Massachusetts ranked worst-performing state for UI payment timeliness during that span. Improved to 74% timely payments by Dec 2025 but significant damage to claimants during transition. Full employer system migration completed May 2025. Ambitious modernization with troubled implementation.

CommonWealth Beacon UI investigation; MA DUA; News From The States

Veterans services

New $483M Holyoke Veterans Home construction progressing — 'topping off' ceremony Nov 2024, 234 long-term care beds, memory care floor, Adult Day Health Program. Replaces facility where 76 veterans died in 2020 COVID outbreak. Veterans Secretary Jon Santiago departed Aug 2025. New electronic medical records system implemented, first-ever DPH license obtained. State exploring possible third veterans' home. Veterans services elevated to cabinet-level position under reform law.

Mass.gov Holyoke Veterans Home; NEPM construction update; Santiago departure

Housing/homelessness

EMERGENCY SHELTER CRISIS — defining issue of Healey tenure. State spent $856M (FY2024) + $978M (FY2025) = $1.83B+ in two years. Cost: $3,496/week per family ($1,000/person/week). Peak caseload 7,500 families — reduced to ~4,000 by mid-2025 through 9-month limit, work requirements, hotel shelter closures. Right-to-shelter mandate + migrant influx overwhelmed system. State of emergency Aug 2023-Aug 2025. $5.16B Affordable Homes Act (Aug 2024) — long-term fix targeting 65,000 homes. Median home price $600K+, rental vacancy <1% in Boston.

Boston Herald shelter data; Mass Fiscal Alliance; Mass.gov emergency declaration; Affordable Homes Act

Corrections system

No DOJ interventions in Massachusetts corrections during Healey tenure. State prison system operating within constitutional norms. No PREA violations or court-ordered reforms. Massachusetts incarceration rates below national average. Criminal justice reform efforts continuing — criminal justice data dashboard expanded with charge/conviction data. AG Campbell maintaining prosecution standards. No major corrections controversies.

MA DOC; DOJ Civil Rights Division; criminal justice data dashboard

Federal Relations — 9/15 (60%) 5 metrics

Federal funding captured

Massachusetts capturing federal formula and competitive grants. Won $20M federal shelter funding, $10M literacy tutoring grant, $38.4M federal literacy grant (5-year). Legislature passed bill unlocking state matching funds for federal competitive grants. FY2025 supplemental: $2.05B MassHealth (most federally reimbursed). However, Trump administration federal funding cuts and ICE confrontation create major risk — legislature overriding Healey FY2026 vetoes to preserve funding for potential federal cuts.

USASpending.gov; Mass.gov grant announcements; Boston Globe Oct 2025 veto overrides

Corrective action compliance

No federal corrective actions during Healey tenure. FTA MBTA safety audit (fall 2024) found no issues requiring corrective action — praised 'new era.' This was major improvement from 2022 FTA investigation that found staffing shortages, communications problems, and mismanagement. DPU oversight now meeting federal standards. No other federal agencies requiring corrective actions from Massachusetts state agencies.

FTA MBTA audit 2024; federal grant compliance records; DPU oversight

Interstate compacts/cooperation

Active participant in New England Governors Conference. Regional cooperation on energy (New England grid coordination), transportation, and opioid crisis response. Clean energy law enables regional renewable energy collaboration. Northeast multi-state climate coalition participation. Interstate compact compliance maintained. No interstate disputes or cooperation failures during tenure.

New England Governors Conference; interstate compact registries; regional energy coordination

State-local government relations

Generally cooperative with municipalities. FY2026 budget includes local aid investments. Affordable Homes Act mandates ADU legalization statewide — some local resistance to zoning preemption. Municipal cybersecurity training grants awarded in 2024. Shelter crisis created tension with host communities (hotels converted to shelters). MMA (Municipal Association) engaged on budget and housing policy. Clean energy law's 12-month consolidated permitting mandate overrides some local authority.

MA Municipal Association; FY2026 local aid; Affordable Homes Act ADU provisions

Litigation cost to state

ICE confrontation consuming significant state legal resources. Executive order (Jan 2026) barring ICE from state buildings. PROTECT Act legislation filed to ban ICE from schools, hospitals, courthouses. Warrantless ICE arrests at MA courthouses tripled in 2025. AG Campbell's office filing lawsuits and issuing guidance blocking enforcement cooperation. Federal-state tensions at highest level in modern MA history. Litigation costs rising. Trump administration may use funding leverage against MA.

WBUR Feb 2026; Mass.gov executive order; AG Campbell enforcement guidance; ICE arrest data

Constituent Service — 10/15 (67%) 5 metrics

Constituent response time

Governor's constituent services office maintaining standard response operations. Western MA office staffed (LaMar Cook terminated Oct 2025 — replacement hired). RMV AI virtual assistant launched Apr 2025 serving 400,000+ customers, improving constituent experience. 60+ RMV transactions available online. Shelter crisis generated high-volume constituent inquiries from both shelter-hosting communities and families seeking placement.

MA Governor's Office constituent services; RMV AI assistant data

Town halls/public engagement

Active public engagement schedule. Bill signing ceremonies across the state (Affordable Homes Act, Mass Leads Act, clean energy law). Literacy Launch events at schools. Community college visits for MassReconnect/MassEducate. MBTA slow zone elimination celebration (Dec 2024). Veterans Home topping-off ceremony (Nov 2024). Steward hospital transition community meetings. Regular availability to MA media. Some criticism that national media appearances reduce state-level engagement.

Mass.gov public schedule; event coverage across WBUR, Boston Globe, GBH

Satisfaction/approval rating

Approval actually IMPROVING — Morning Consult Q4 2025: 62% approve, 28% disapprove (up from 59% Q2-Q3). Ranked 10th most popular governor nationally, 5th most popular Democrat. MassINC poll Sep 2025: just over 50% approve. UNH poll: comfortable majority support reelection. However, early 2025 saw lows — Boston Herald May 2025: less than half approved. Recovery attributed to anti-Trump ICE stance boosting Democratic base support. Announced reelection bid Feb 2025.

Morning Consult Q4 2025; MassINC Sep 2025; New Bedford Guide Feb 2026; Boston Herald May 2025

ADA/accessibility compliance

No reported ADA compliance issues. State buildings and services maintaining accessibility standards. RMV online services and AI assistant improve access for mobility-limited constituents. Mass.gov website meets accessibility standards. Spanish language services added to UI modernization system. Community college programs (MassReconnect/MassEducate) designed for broad accessibility. No ADA lawsuits against governor's office.

MA Governor's Office; ADA compliance records; RMV accessibility features

Electoral mandate/succession

Won 2022 election with 63.7% of vote vs Republican Geoff Diehl's 34.6% — 29-point margin. Strongest Democratic gubernatorial performance since Dukakis 1986. First woman and first openly lesbian governor elected in Massachusetts and US history. Harvard '92 graduate, former professional basketball player (Austria), AG 2015-2023. Announced 2026 reelection bid Feb 2025. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll as running mate. Clear electoral mandate.

MA Secretary of State 2022 results; NPR election coverage; GBH reelection Feb 2025

Section B — State Outcomes 506/975

13 categories measuring real-world outcomes: economic performance, population trends, fiscal health, public safety, education, healthcare, infrastructure, cost of living, transparency, controversy, historical context, constituent satisfaction, and immigration compliance.

Economic Performance — 40/75 (53%)

MA GDP growth lagging national average — 1.1% vs 2.3% nationally in Q4 2024 (Pioneer Institute). Unemployment rising to 4.1% (BLS 2025). BU Questrom School warns of recession probability by Q3 2026. Per capita income among highest nationally ($70K+) but job creation anemic. Fair Share surtax collected $2.98B FY2025 and $2.46B FY2024 — exceeding projections but potentially deterring business investment. IRS data (2023): Massachusetts saw net outflow of $4.2 billion in adjusted gross income — among highest in the nation — following implementation of the millionaire surtax, as wealthy residents relocated to lower-tax states. Mass Leads Act ($4B) targets innovation economy retention. Housing costs ($600K+ median home) deterring talent recruitment. Life sciences and tech sectors strong but growth concentrated in Greater Boston.

Population & Demographics — 35/75 (47%)

Census 2025: MA population 7,154,084 — grew just 0.2% (2024-2025), down sharply from 1.0% growth in 2023-2024 (largest increase in 60 years). Net domestic outmigration of -33,340 in 2025 — 4th worst nationally. Offset by international immigration of 40,240 (down sharply from 77,957 in 2024 peak and 90,217 in 2023-2024). Population growing only through international arrivals, not retention. IRS data confirms $4.2 billion net AGI outflow in 2023 — among highest in nation — wealthy exodus accelerated by Fair Share millionaire surtax. Fair Share surtax ($2.98B collected FY2025) may accelerate high-earner departure — MA ranked among top 5 most moved-from states. Housing costs ($600K+ median home) are primary domestic outmigration driver.

Budget & Fiscal Health — 40/75 (53%)

Strong credit rating maintained (AA+/Aa1). Fair Share surtax exceeding projections ($2.98B). $8B stabilization fund. But shelter spending nearly $2B over two years. Multiple supplemental budgets needed. Debt per capita high. $9B in new bond authorizations. IRS data: $4.2B net AGI outflow in 2023 raises tax base sustainability concerns — wealthy residents leaving faster than surtax revenue can compensate. Recession risk threatens revenue.

Public Safety — 50/75 (67%)

Preliminary 2024 data: Part One crimes declined 4.4%, total crimes down 6.5% — continuing downward trend. Crime rate fell from 3,532.6 to 3,301.9 per 100K. Homicides dropped 11.4% (132 incidents, below 5-year average of 146). Anti-Semitic hate crimes surged 20.5%, surpassing anti-Black incidents for first time since tracking began in 1991. Opioid crisis severe: 2,125 annual fatalities, overdose death rate 32.1 per 100K (55% above national average), fentanyl present in 92% of opioid deaths. BUT 2024 marked turning point — fatalities declined from 2022 peak of 2,357. Xylazine found in 34% of drug samples and 16% of overdose deaths.

Education Outcomes — 55/75 (73%)

Massachusetts consistently #1 or top-3 NAEP scores nationally across reading and math categories — best public education outcomes in the U.S. Free school meals program (universal K-12, launched 2023). MassReconnect: free community college for MA residents 25+; MassEducate expands to all ages. Literacy Launch Initiative targets early childhood reading. Student Opportunity Act (Ch. 132, 2019) investments accelerating. Per-pupil spending among highest nationally (~$19K). BUT: achievement gaps persist between suburban and urban districts. MCAS reform debated. Teacher pipeline challenges. Boston Public Schools face declining enrollment despite high spending.

Healthcare Access — 55/75 (73%)

Near-universal health coverage: MassHealth covers 2M+ residents (~28% of population), uninsured rate ~2.5% (lowest in nation). Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham & Women's, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute among world's best healthcare institutions. Life expectancy above national average. Steward Health Care system collapse (2024) required emergency intervention — 9 hospitals restructured/sold. BUT: healthcare costs among highest nationally. Opioid crisis: overdose death rate 32.1 per 100K (55% above national average), 2,125 annual opioid fatalities, fentanyl in 92% of deaths. 2024 marked turning point with declining fatalities from 2022 peak of 2,357.

Infrastructure Quality — 35/75 (47%)

MBTA: slow zones ELIMINATED (Dec 2024 celebration) — major turnaround after FTA safety audit found 'new era' of improvement (fall 2024, no corrective actions required). BUT: two transportation secretaries departed during reform, reliability challenges persist, $8B/10-year transit plan announced (Jan 2025). FTA 2022 investigation had found staffing shortages, communications problems, and mismanagement. Affordable Homes Act mandates ADU legalization statewide. $4B Mass Leads Act invests in business/innovation infrastructure. RMV AI virtual assistant launched (Apr 2025) serving 400,000+ customers. Broadband improving. BUT: transit crisis was significant liability for major metro state.

Cost of Living — 25/75 (33%)

Among most expensive states (BEA RPP ~112, 5th highest nationally). Median home price $600K+ — among highest in nation. Rental vacancy below 1% in Boston metro. Emergency shelter spending $1.83B+ (FY2024-25) reflects acute affordability crisis driven by right-to-shelter mandate (1983 consent decree). Fair Share surtax (4% on income above $1M) collected $2.98B FY2025 — adds to tax burden but funds transportation/education. Energy costs high (New England grid constraints). First tax cuts in 20 years (Child and Family Tax Credit) partially offset burden. $5B Affordable Homes Act signed but impact years away.

Transparency & Accountability — 50/75 (67%)

Boston Globe investigation (Mar 2026): only 50% of public records requests to state agencies resulted in records released in 2024 — down dramatically from 90% success rate in 2017. Requests doubled to 44,000+ in 2024. Complaints about FOIA non-compliance also doubled. Supervisor of Records lacks enforcement power; AG rarely prosecutes. Boston responded 100+ days late to 10 Globe requests in 2025. Clean personal ethics for Healey herself — no scandals, no corruption allegations. But transparency infrastructure declining under volume pressure. ICE transparency demands cut both ways — Healey demanded ICE transparency while state compliance with public records declined.

Controversy & Scandal — 40/75 (53%)

Shelter crisis ($1.83B+ over FY2024-25, $75M/month, second-highest after NYC) — major political liability. Cabinet exodus: 8 of ~11 secretaries departed — worst retention rate vs any recent predecessor (Baker, Patrick, Romney). Deputy Director LaMar Cook arrested Oct 2025 for trafficking 20+ kg cocaine and unlawful firearm possession — terminated immediately. ICE confrontations polarizing: Jan 2026 executive order barring ICE from state buildings, PROTECT Act filed. Warrantless ICE arrests at MA courthouses tripled in 2025. National anti-Trump profile divides opinion. UI modernization caused worst-in-nation payment delays (4 in 10 claims unpaid after 35 days). But no personal corruption or major ethical violations for Healey herself.

Historical Context — 40/75 (53%)

Historic as first woman and first openly LGBTQ governor elected in MA (and first openly lesbian governor in U.S. history). Won 2022 with 63.7% — strongest Democratic gubernatorial performance since Dukakis 1986 (29-point margin). Predecessor Charlie Baker (R) was among most popular governors nationally; Healey shifted policy dramatically leftward. Signed $5B Affordable Homes Act (largest housing investment in MA history), $4B Mass Leads Act (business/innovation), clean energy law with nation's first cabinet-level Climate Chief (Day 1 appointment). First tax cuts in 20 years including most generous Child and Family Tax Credit nationally. Announced $8B/10-year transit plan (Jan 2025). BUT: shelter crisis ($1.83B+ in 2 years), extraordinary cabinet exodus (8 of ~11 departed), economic slowdown (GDP lagging national 1.1% vs 2.3%), and staffer cocaine trafficking charge cloud legacy.

Constituent Verdict — 35/75 (47%)

Approval RECOVERING after mid-term dip: Morning Consult Q4 2025 shows 62% approve / 28% disapprove — ranked 10th most popular governor nationally, 5th most popular Democrat. MassINC poll (Sep 2025): just over 50% approve. UNH poll shows comfortable majority support reelection. BUT Boston Herald (May 2025): less than half approved at nadir. Recovery attributed to anti-Trump ICE stance boosting Democratic base. Won 2022 with 63.7% — strong mandate. Announced reelection bid Feb 2025 with Lt. Gov. Driscoll. Anti-Trump profile energizes base but shelter crisis ($2B), cabinet exodus, and economic slowdown create headwinds.

Immigration & Law Compliance — 6/75 (8%)

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Section C — Oath Fidelity -20 (-378 to +378)

126 items scored -3 to +3 measuring fidelity to constitutional oath. Grounded in Supreme Court precedent and constitutional text.

+3Exemplary +2Strong +1Adequate 0Neutral -1Concerning -2Failing -3Hostile

Protection of Life

Declaration of Independence; 5th/14th Amendments

Score: 15 Range: -93 to 93 Items: 31

Violent crime rate trend

MA violent crime rate ~327 per 100K (2023), below national average of 364. Rate has been relatively stable with modest decrease during Healey's tenure. Boston crime declining in 2024-2025.

FBI UCR/NIBRS; MA State Police UCR

Homicide rate relative to national average

MA homicide rate approximately 2.5-3.0 per 100K, well below national average of ~6.3. More than 50% below national average. Boston homicides declined in 2024.

FBI UCR; CDC WONDER

Homicide clearance rate

MA homicide clearance rate approximately 55-60%. Above national average of ~50%. Boston PD has improved clearance rates with investment in detective resources.

FBI UCR; Boston PD data

Law enforcement staffing adequacy

MA law enforcement staffing approximately 2.2 per 1,000 residents. Near lower end of IACP guideline range. Some recruitment challenges, particularly for state police post-overtime scandal.

FBI LEOKA; BJS Census

Drug overdose death rate trend

MA opioid death rate approximately 30 per 100K. High but has stabilized and shows modest decline from peak. State has invested significantly in treatment and harm reduction. Improving but still elevated.

CDC WONDER; MA DPH opioid data

-1

Emergency management preparedness

MEMA well-resourced and EMAP accredited. Strong coastal storm and winter storm preparedness. Meets 90%+ of FEMA capability targets. Good coordination between state and local emergency management.

FEMA SPR; MEMA reports; EMAP

Preventable mass-casualty event response

No major mass-casualty events during Healey tenure. State maintains proactive preparedness including updated emergency plans. Response to severe winter storms adequate.

MEMA after-action reports

Infrastructure safety — bridge and road conditions

MA structurally deficient bridges approximately 8% — near national average and improving. Road conditions mixed with ~20% poor. Significant MassDOT investment in bridge repairs.

FHWA NBI; ASCE MA report card

Water and dam safety compliance

MA water systems generally compliant. MWRA system serves metro Boston reliably. Some aging infrastructure in smaller communities. Dam safety program adequate. No contamination crises.

EPA SDWIS; MA DCR Dam Safety

Healthcare access — uninsured rate

MA uninsured rate approximately 2.5-3% — lowest or near-lowest in the nation. Health Connector exchange highly effective. Medicaid expansion comprehensive. National model for healthcare access.

Census ACS; KFF; CMS

Maternal mortality rate

MA maternal mortality rate approximately 10-15 per 100K live births, below national average. Strong hospital network and prenatal care access contribute to good outcomes.

CDC WONDER; NCHS; MA DPH

Infant mortality rate

MA infant mortality rate approximately 3.5-4.0 per 1,000 live births — among lowest in nation. Below 4.0 threshold. Strong neonatal care infrastructure.

CDC WONDER; NCHS

Self-defense rights — Castle Doctrine / Stand Your Ground

MA has limited Castle Doctrine and imposes duty to retreat everywhere including (in practice) the home. No Stand Your Ground. Self-defense claims face high prosecutorial scrutiny. Among most restrictive states.

MA General Laws; NRA-ILA; Commonwealth v. Shaffer

-2

Death penalty procedural safeguards

MA abolished death penalty in 1984. LWOP available. Victim restitution programs funded. Innocence Project access. Adequate victim services through AG's office.

MA General Laws; Death Penalty Information Center

Suicide prevention program funding and outcomes

MA suicide rate approximately 9-10 per 100K — below national average of ~14. Funded suicide prevention plan in place. 988 integration completed. Good outcomes.

CDC WISQARS; AFSP MA fact sheet

911/emergency response time adequacy

MA EMS response times adequate. Urban areas achieve under 8-minute response. NFPA compliance above 80%. State EMS system well-organized.

NFPA; MA OEMS

Opioid/fentanyl interdiction and treatment funding

MA has comprehensive Chapter 55 opioid strategy with significant funding. Treatment capacity expanded. Overdose deaths showing modest decline from peak. Model harm reduction programs.

SAMHSA; MA DPH Chapter 55 reports

Veteran suicide and healthcare access

MA has funded veteran services through Executive Office of Veterans' Services. Chelsea Soldiers' Home rebuilt after COVID tragedy (under previous administration). Veteran homelessness declining.

VA SAIL; MA EOVS; HUD PIT

Food safety and foodborne illness enforcement

MA DPH food safety program meets most FDA conformance standards. Inspection frequency on target. No major outbreak events linked to inspection failures.

FDA Conformance; MA DPH

Workplace fatality rate

MA workplace fatality rate approximately 2.0-2.5 per 100K FTE — among lowest in nation. Service-based economy and strong OSHA enforcement contribute.

BLS CFOI; OSHA MA data

Domestic violence fatality rate and funding

MA has DV fatality review team. Jane Doe Inc. receives state funding. Shelter capacity generally adequate. DV homicide rate below national average.

Jane Doe Inc.; NNEDV; MA DV data

Correctional facility death rate and conditions

MA DOC death rates near national average. Some facility condition concerns. No active DOJ CRIPA investigation. Post-Souza-Baranowski reforms ongoing.

BJS; MA DOC

Pollution-related mortality and environmental health

MA has some nonattainment areas in eastern part of state. Superfund cleanup on schedule. Climate initiatives strong but not directly pollution-mortality focused.

EPA Green Book; EPA Superfund; MA DEP

Pedestrian and traffic fatality rate

MA traffic fatality rate approximately 0.6-0.8 per 100M VMT — among lowest in nation. Dense urban development and lower speeds contribute. Below 0.8 threshold.

NHTSA FARS; MassDOT

Sanctity of life legislative framework

MA removed all gestational limits via ROE Act (2020, enacted over veto before Healey). Healey actively promotes expanded abortion access. No clinic safety regulations beyond basic licensing. State funds used to promote abortion access. Used state funds for abortion travel assistance post-Dobbs.

Guttmacher; MA ROE Act; Dobbs v. Jackson (2022)

-3

Homeless mortality — exposure deaths, overdoses in encampments, violence

53% increase in homeless population 2023-2024. Halted right-to-shelter law. Reduced shelter units from 7,500 to 4,000. Imposed 6-month limits.

Mass.gov; Boston Globe; CommonWealth Beacon

-1

Population loss impact on services — EMS/hospital closures, tax base erosion

Lost 33,340 net domestic migrants in 2025, 5th nationally. Lost 182,000 domestically 2020-2025. Younger workers leaving.

Fox Business; Boston Globe; Census Bureau

-1

Police staffing/funding — governor's direct actions on law enforcement

Delivered $5.7M for police/fire staffing. Launched Project Safe Neighborhood. Violent crime dropped ~10% over two years.

Mass.gov; Boston Herald

Criminal recidivism from early release — parole/clemency, no-cash-bail

Issued clemency guidelines addressing systemic bias, pardoned 7. Called for higher bail in street takeover case. Mixed approach.

Mass.gov; Boston Herald

Prison/shelter housing — biological males in women's facilities

2018 law allows male offenders in women's prisons based on self-ID without dysphoria diagnosis. Reports of biological males with intact genitalia at MCI-Framingham. Healey has not acted to change.

Town Hall; The Hill; Western Journal

-3

Mental health crisis system — involuntary commitment reform, crisis intervention

Proposed closing two mental health hospitals. Proposed slashing DMH case managers from 340 to 170 (50% cut). Cut $15M from jail diversion. Only reversed hospital closures after backlash.

Boston Herald; CommonWealth Beacon

-2

Constitutional Rights

Bill of Rights (Amendments I-X); 14th Amendment incorporation

Score: -32 Range: -87 to 87 Items: 29

Second Amendment — right to carry status

MA enacted most restrictive gun law in nation (Aug 2024) — effectively banning carry in most public places. New law requires licensing with discretionary denial. Directly conflicts with Bruen ruling on public carry rights. De facto carry prohibition in many settings.

MA Ch. 135 Acts 2024; NYSRPA v. Bruen (2022)

-3

Second Amendment — semi-automatic rifle restrictions

MA has comprehensive assault weapons ban since 1998. Healey as AG expanded enforcement via 2016 notice banning copies/duplicates. As governor, signed 2024 law further tightening restrictions. Criminal penalties for possession.

MA Gen. Laws Ch. 140 s.131M; AG enforcement notice 2016; Ch. 135 Acts 2024

-3

Second Amendment — magazine capacity restrictions

MA has 10-round magazine capacity limit with pre-ban exemption. 2024 law tightened enforcement. Criminal penalties for possession of post-ban magazines over 10 rounds.

MA Gen. Laws; Ch. 135 Acts 2024

-2

Second Amendment — Red Flag / ERPO due process

MA ERPO (2018) allows ex parte temporary orders. Hearing within 10 days but preponderance standard. No appointed counsel guaranteed. Limited due process protections. 2024 law expanded ERPO categories.

MA Gen. Laws Ch. 140 s.131T; ERPO data

-1

First Amendment — campus free speech protections

MA has no campus free speech statute. Multiple documented suppression incidents at public universities. FIRE gives UMass and other public universities below-average ratings. DEI statements required for some hiring.

FIRE campus rankings; MA legislation

-1

First Amendment — anti-SLAPP protections

MA has a moderately strong anti-SLAPP statute (Ch. 231 s.59H) with special motion to dismiss for petitioning activity. Fee-shifting available. Expanded by court interpretation.

MA Gen. Laws Ch. 231 s.59H; Public Participation Project

First Amendment — religious liberty protections

MA has no state RFRA. COVID-era church restrictions applied differently than secular activities (Healey as AG enforced). Some documented conflicts with faith-based organizations over anti-discrimination policies.

MA Constitution; Becket Fund

-1

Fourth Amendment — warrant requirements for digital surveillance

MA has some state electronic privacy protections exceeding federal baseline. SJC has interpreted state constitution to provide stronger privacy protections in some contexts (Commonwealth v. Augustine).

Commonwealth v. Augustine; EFF; ACLU MA

Fourth Amendment — civil asset forfeiture reform

MA has moderate civil forfeiture protections. Requires criminal proceedings but not conviction for forfeiture. Some transparency requirements. Federal equitable sharing participation continues.

Institute for Justice; MA forfeiture statutes

Fifth Amendment — eminent domain protections post-Kelo

MA enacted moderate Kelo reform but with broader blight definitions that could allow economic development takings. Not among strongest post-Kelo states.

MA eminent domain statutes; Castle Coalition

Due process — regulatory takings and permitting timelines

MA has significant regulatory burden. Environmental permitting (MEPA) timelines frequently exceeded. Housing permitting under Ch. 40B contentious. Some systematic delays.

State auditor reports; MEPA data

-1

Tenth Amendment — federal overreach resistance

Healey generally acquiesces to federal authority. As AG, opposed state sovereignty arguments. As governor, cooperative posture on all federal programs. No pushback on potentially overreaching mandates.

AG litigation history; governor's executive orders

-1

Equal Protection — state contracting nondiscrimination

MA maintains active race-conscious programs post-SFFA. Supplier Diversity Office maintains MBE/WBE targets. No documented SFFA compliance review. Continues pre-SFFA framework.

MA SDO; state procurement data

-1

Second Amendment — state preemption of local firearms laws

MA repealed firearms preemption in 2024 law, allowing localities to impose additional restrictions beyond state law. Encouraged local firearms bans. Significant erosion of uniform state firearms policy.

Ch. 135 Acts 2024; NRA-ILA preemption data

-2

First Amendment — government transparency and FOIA compliance

MA legislature remains exempt from public records law. Governor's office compliance improved but documented delays persist. Healey supported some transparency reforms but legislature exemption remains.

MA Public Records Law; RCFP; Boston Globe FOIA audits

-1

Sixth Amendment — public defender funding adequacy

CPCS (Committee for Public Counsel Services) caseloads exceed recommended maximums. Chronic underfunding documented by Sixth Amendment Center. Some salary improvements in recent budgets but still inadequate.

Sixth Amendment Center MA evaluation; CPCS reports

-1

Eighth Amendment — bail reform and pretrial detention

MA implemented risk-based pretrial assessment (Dangerousness hearings under Ch. 276 s.58A). Balance between public safety detention and indigent protections. Brangan v. Commonwealth enhanced protections.

Pretrial Justice Institute; Brangan v. Commonwealth; MA court data

Property rights — regulatory burden and economic freedom

MA ranks in top 5 nationally for regulatory burden. Housing regulations, environmental restrictions, and permitting requirements among most burdensome in nation. Limited reform under Healey.

Mercatus RegData; Cato Economic Freedom rankings

-2

Second Amendment — governor's litigation posture on firearms cases

Healey as AG was among most aggressive anti-2A litigators in nation. Led assault weapons ban expansion. Filed amicus briefs opposing Bruen. As governor, signed most restrictive gun law in nation (2024). AG's office continues anti-2A litigation.

AG litigation history; Ch. 135 Acts 2024; amicus filings

-3

First Amendment — compelled speech protections

MA has compelled speech elements in professional licensing including mandatory DEI training. Some healthcare workers required to provide information inconsistent with religious beliefs. School pronoun policies mandate use of preferred pronouns.

MA professional licensing; school district policies; FIRE

-2

Commerce Clause compliance — interstate trade barriers

MA has some protectionist regulations. State contractor requirements favor in-state firms. Limited license reciprocity. Some interstate commerce friction in insurance and financial services regulation.

IJ; court rulings; MA procurement regulations

-1

Privileges and Immunities — occupational licensing reform

MA has high occupational licensing burden but enacted some reform including military spouse licensing. Auto reform bill (2024) reduced some barriers. Average progress on licensing reform.

IJ License to Work; NCSL; MA DPL

Contract Clause — state compliance with contractual obligations

MA pension systems approximately 65% funded aggregate. PRIT fund making required contributions. Bond ratings stable at AA+/Aa1. Contracts generally honored. Pension underfunding is moderate concern.

Pew pension data; PRIT CAFR; bond ratings

Jury trial rights — civil and criminal jury access

MA has standard jury trial access. Trial Court system adequately accessible. No documented jury access crisis. Some COVID-era backlog reduced.

MA Trial Court annual reports; NCSC

Immigration law compliance — Supremacy Clause adherence

MA is a sanctuary state. Healey declared emergency over migrant crisis (Aug 2023) while maintaining sanctuary policies. State spends $900M+ annually on migrant shelters. No ICE cooperation. In-state tuition for illegal aliens. Driver's licenses for illegal aliens (2023). Active obstruction of federal immigration enforcement while simultaneously demanding federal aid for migrant costs.

8 USC 1373; FAIR sanctuary database; MA Executive Order; emergency shelter spending data

-3

Qualified immunity / due process for officers

No action on qualified immunity. Status quo maintained.

General research

Voter ID and ballot chain-of-custody

No photo voter ID. Has not pursued voter ID. Focused on voter 'protection' not security.

Mass.gov; Ballotpedia

-2

Non-citizen voting prevention

No proof-of-citizenship requirement. Has not pursued prevention measures. Sanctuary state increases non-citizen population.

FAIR; CBS Boston

-1

Women's sports / Title IX — biological sex protections in state-funded athletics

Actively supports transgender athletes. Called women's sports bills a 'Republican game.' Appointed biological male to vice chair of Women's Commission. Under federal Title IX investigation.

Mass.gov; WBSM; Boston Globe; Daily Signal

-3

Child Welfare & Parental Rights

Meyer v. Nebraska; Pierce v. Society of Sisters; Troxel v. Granville; 14th Amendment

Score: 7 Range: -75 to 75 Items: 25

Parental rights legislation — statutory recognition

MA has no Parental Bill of Rights statute. Some administrative policies override parental authority in education settings. School transgender policies may conceal student gender identity from parents.

MA legislation; DESE guidance

-1

Education choice — school choice programs

MA has a restrictive charter school cap (net cap of 120 statewide). No ESA/voucher programs. Strong teachers' union opposition to school choice backed by Healey. Despite best-in-nation NAEP scores, choice options severely limited.

EdChoice MA guide; NAPCS rankings; MA charter cap law

-2

Parental notification/consent for medical procedures on minors

MA allows minors to consent to reproductive health, mental health, and substance abuse treatment without parental notification. Mature minor doctrine broadly applied. Schools may facilitate referrals without parental knowledge.

MA minor consent statutes; Guttmacher; DESE

-2

Gender-transition procedures for minors — restrictions

MA has no restrictions on gender-transition procedures for minors. State Medicaid covers puberty blockers, hormones, and surgical procedures. Enacted shield law protecting providers. Schools facilitate social transition without parental notification in some districts.

MA shield law; CMS Medicaid data; DESE guidance

-2

Child abuse and neglect — substantiated case rate trend

MA child maltreatment rate near national average. DCF has improved investigation timeliness from historically troubled system. No significant trend change during Healey tenure.

ACF NCANDS; MA DCF data

Foster care — CFSR conformity assessment

MA DCF has made progress from historically troubled system. CFSR results mixed but improving. Past class action (Connor B.) resolved. Current performance near average.

ACF CFSR; MA DCF; Connor B. settlement

Foster care — permanency outcomes

MA foster care permanency outcomes near national average. Median time to permanency approximately 18-20 months. Adoption rates adequate. System stability improved.

ACF AFCARS; MA DCF annual report

Child trafficking prevention and prosecution

MA has comprehensive child trafficking statute. AG's office actively prosecutes trafficking cases. Safe harbor provisions in place. ICAC task force well-funded. Boston hub for prosecution.

Polaris Project; Shared Hope International; MA AG data

Education outcomes — 4th grade NAEP reading proficiency

MA has highest or near-highest 4th grade NAEP reading proficiency in nation — approximately 45% at or above proficient (2022). National model. Consistently #1 or #2 among states.

NCES NAEP 2022

Education outcomes — 8th grade NAEP math proficiency

MA has highest 8th grade NAEP math proficiency in nation — approximately 41% at or above proficient (2022). National model. Consistently #1 among states.

NCES NAEP 2022

Parental curriculum transparency

MA has no statutory parental curriculum transparency law. Some districts implement gender/sexuality curriculum without parental notification. DESE guidance allows schools to conceal student gender identity from parents. Documented cases of parents not informed of school policies.

MA DESE guidance; school district policies

-2

Social media — minor protections

MA relies primarily on federal COPPA baseline. AG's office has investigated social media companies but no state minor protection legislation enacted.

NCSL; MA AG investigations

Juvenile justice — age-appropriate treatment

MA raised age of juvenile jurisdiction to 18 (2013) and to 20 for non-violent offenses (2022). Rehabilitation-focused approach. DYS programs well-funded. Declining juvenile incarceration.

JJDPA; OJJDP MA profile; DYS data

Child poverty rate and state response

MA child poverty rate approximately 10% (2023 ACS) — well below national average of 16%. Strong social safety net and high median income contribute.

Census ACS SAIPE; KIDS COUNT

Adoption and permanency — adoptive family support

MA has standard adoption subsidy programs. Processing times average. Catholic Charities and other faith-based agencies exited adoption services over anti-discrimination mandates.

ACF AFCARS; MA DCF adoption; Catholic Charities MA

Homeschool rights and protections

MA requires prior approval from local school committee for homeschooling. Assessment required. More restrictive than most states. Some districts impose additional curriculum requirements.

HSLDA MA; Care and Protection of Charles (1987)

-1

Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) enforcement

MA AG's office actively participates in ICAC task force. Proactive enforcement on CSAM cases. Mandatory reporting compliance high. Adequate prosecution resources.

ICAC; NCMEC; MA AG data

School safety — violence prevention and incident response

MA has school safety grants program. SRO presence in most larger districts. Threat assessment protocols mandated. Generally well-funded school safety framework.

NASRO; MA DESE school safety

Children's mental health services access

MA school counselor ratio approximately 300:1 — better than national average. Funded children's mental health programs. School-based mental health services expanding. Behavioral health access still challenging in some areas.

ASCA; SAMHSA MA profile

Childhood vaccination — parental choice protections

MA has medical exemptions only for school immunization. Religious exemption eliminated. No philosophical exemption. State review of medical exemptions. Among most restrictive parental choice environments.

NCSL vaccination data; CDC; MA immunization statutes

-2

Child care affordability and access

MA enacted significant child care investment. Subsidy at 200%+ FPL. CommonStart initiative proposed. Quality rating system (QRIS) in place. High cost but expanding access.

ACF CCDF; MA EEC; CommonStart proposal

Education — teacher quality and retention

MA teacher quality among best in nation. High certification standards (MTEL). Vacancy rates moderate (~4-5%). Salary competitive for region. Retention above 90%.

NCES; MA DESE workforce data; NEA salary rankings

Child nutrition — food insecurity rate

MA child food insecurity approximately 9% — below national average. Universal free school meals enacted (2023). School meal participation above 85% for eligible. National model for school nutrition.

USDA ERS; Feeding America; MA DESE universal meals

Custody and family court — due process in child removal

MA Probate and Family Court has robust due process framework. CAFL (Children and Family Law Division) provides appointed counsel. 72-hour hearing requirement. Ombudsman available.

MA Probate and Family Court; CAFL; ABA

Children with disabilities — IDEA compliance

MA rated 'Meets Requirements' by OSEP. Strong special education framework. High per-pupil special education spending. Most districts compliant.

OSEP annual determinations; IDEA Part B data

Faithful Discharge of Duties

Gubernatorial oath; Art. IV Sec. 4; state constitutional requirements

Score: -10 Range: -123 to 123 Items: 41

Budget balance — structural surplus/deficit

MA budget generally balanced but emergency shelter costs ($978M vs $639M budgeted FY2025) created structural pressure. $2.45B supplemental budget needed. Fair Share surtax revenue offset some gaps but spending growth outpacing revenue.

MA CAFR; NASBO; supplemental budget data

State credit rating stability

MA holds AA+/Aa1/AA+ ratings — stable outlook. Strong but not AAA. Pension liabilities and debt levels prevent top-tier rating. No downgrades under Healey.

S&P; Moody's; Fitch

Rainy day / budget stabilization fund adequacy

MA Stabilization Fund approximately $8.3B — record level, approximately 13% of general fund. Growing during Healey tenure. Strong fiscal reserves.

NASBO; MA Comptroller; Pew rainy day data

Pension system funding responsibility

MA pension systems approximately 65% funded aggregate. PRIT making full required contributions. Reform plan targets full funding by 2040. Moderate underfunding but on improvement trajectory.

Pew pension; PERAC; PRIT CAFR

State debt burden

MA has among highest state debt per capita in nation — top quartile. Debt-to-GDP approximately 10-12%. Significant borrowing for MBTA, higher education, and capital projects.

Census; Moody's; MA State Treasurer

-1

Government efficiency — state employee headcount per capita

MA state employee headcount per capita near national median. No significant efficiency reforms or notable expansion during Healey tenure.

Census Public Employment Survey; BLS

Inspector General / state auditor independence

MA Office of Inspector General independent and well-funded. State Auditor (Diana DiZoglio) actively pursues investigations. Healey generally responsive to findings.

MA OIG; State Auditor reports

Ethics violations and personal scandals

Healey has maintained clean ethical record as governor. No ethics complaints upheld. Full financial disclosure. No scandals. Clean personal conduct in office.

MA State Ethics Commission; financial disclosures

Executive order restraint

Healey's EO usage within historical norms. Migrant emergency declaration debatable but not struck down. No EOs overturned by courts.

MA Governor's executive orders; court records

Emergency powers — adherence to statutory limits

Healey declared migrant/shelter emergency (Aug 2023) and maintained expanded powers for extended period. Emergency has been extended repeatedly to manage $900M+ shelter costs. Powers used for non-traditional emergency purpose.

MA emergency declarations; legislative records

-1

Legislative cooperation — veto override rate

Healey works very cooperatively with Democratic supermajority legislature. Very few vetoes; virtually zero overrides. Productive legislative relationship.

MA General Court records

Judicial appointments — qualifications and process integrity

Healey follows Judicial Nominating Commission process. Appointees generally meet qualification standards. No documented patronage or removal for cause.

MA JNC; state bar; judicial discipline records

Timely execution of laws — implementation of enacted legislation

Generally adequate implementation but sanctuary policies constitute deliberate non-enforcement of federal immigration law while simultaneously demanding federal funds for migrant costs. Selective non-enforcement documented.

State agency data; ICE detainer compliance

-1

Federal fund utilization — grant management

MA federal grant management generally adequate. ARPA utilization on track. No major clawbacks. Emergency shelter costs strain federal/state cost-sharing.

Federal Audit Clearinghouse; MA CAFR

Public approval as competence indicator

Healey approval ratings approximately 42-48% (Morning Consult). Moderate approval. Migrant crisis has impacted ratings. Generally viewed as competent but polarizing on sanctuary issues.

Morning Consult; in-state polls

State IT security and data protection

MA has CISO and invested in cybersecurity. MassIT/EOTSS framework adequate. No major breaches during Healey tenure. Budget growing.

NASCIO; MA EOTSS

Infrastructure spending — capital budget execution

Capital budget execution mixed. MBTA safety issues and service disruptions ongoing. Bridge investment adequate. ASCE grade C+ for MA infrastructure. Significant backlog in transit.

ASCE MA report; MassDOT; MBTA

Disaster fund readiness

MA has adequate emergency reserves. FEMA cost-share obligations met. Strong stabilization fund provides disaster buffer. Pre-positioned resources for winter storms.

FEMA data; MA emergency funds

Workforce development — unemployment system integrity

MA UI trust fund rebuilt after pandemic. Fraud rates moderate — pandemic-era fraud significant but improving. Processing times returned to normal. DUA system modernization in progress.

DOL UI Data; MA DUA

Medicaid program integrity

MA MassHealth expanded to cover migrants under emergency, straining budget. Error rates above national average in some categories. $978M shelter overspend partially driven by Medicaid-adjacent costs.

CMS PERM; MassHealth data

-1

Election administration — constitutional compliance

MA does not require photo voter ID. Paper ballot trail exists. Same-day voter registration enacted. Post-election audits conducted. Voter roll maintenance adequate but no proactive photo ID requirement creates integrity gap.

EAC EAVS; Verified Voting; MA Secretary of State

-1

Transparency — state budget accessibility

MA has Open Checkbook online portal with spending data. Budget documents accessible. CTHRU tool provides some checkbook-level data. Above average transparency.

U.S. PIRG; MA Open Checkbook; CTHRU

Intergovernmental cooperation — federal compliance balanced with sovereignty

Sanctuary policies constitute systematic non-compliance with federal immigration law while demanding federal funding for migrant costs. Active obstruction of ICE operations. Declared migrant emergency while maintaining policies that attract migrants. Contradictory posture.

DOJ sanctuary data; ICE detainer compliance; federal court records

-2

Gubernatorial succession and continuity planning

Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll confirmed. Clear succession statute. COOP plan in place. Adequate continuity framework.

MA Constitution; FEMA COOP

Anti-corruption — state procurement integrity

MA procurement generally transparent with competitive bidding above 80%. OIG provides oversight. No major procurement scandals under Healey. Standard performance.

MA procurement data; OIG reports

Gas price burden — state gas taxes, refinery regulations, cap-and-trade

MA gas tax 24 cents/gallon, near average. Gas prices above average due to regional factors but not extreme state policy.

Massachusetts tax data

Energy affordability — residential electricity costs from state policy

Among highest electricity rates nationally ~30.88 cents/kWh. Bills climbed from $113 (2014) to $204 (2025). Renewable mandates added $44/month.

Boston Herald; Boston Globe; WBUR

-2

Energy policy competence — forced mandates without infrastructure readiness

Aggressive clean energy mandates contributing to highest costs. Signed EO for 10 GW new energy by 2035. Rates nearly doubled since 2014.

Mass.gov; Boston Herald; Boston Globe

-1

Property tax burden — effective rate vs national median

Above-average property taxes. MBTA Communities Act imposes zoning requirements on 177 communities, declared unfunded mandate by auditor.

WBUR; CommonWealth Beacon; MMA

-1

Regulatory cost burden — permits, compliance costs per household/business

MBTA Communities Act requires 177 municipalities to rezone. Healthcare oversight adds requirements. Energy mandates increase compliance costs.

WBUR; Mass.gov; MassFiscal

-1

Unfunded mandates on municipalities

MBTA Communities Act officially declared unfunded mandate by Auditor DiZoglio. Five communities filed lawsuits.

WBUR; CommonWealth Beacon

-1

Cost of living trajectory — policy-driven affordability trend

33,340 net domestic out-migrants in 2025. Housing, taxes, healthcare cited as top reasons. Energy bills among highest.

Boston Globe; Fox Business; Pioneer Institute

-1

Immigration fiscal burden — taxpayer cost of sanctuary/benefits policies

De facto sanctuary state. Initially vowed to 'shield' undocumented. Migrant shelter spending at $325M. Signed bill penalizing ICE business partners.

FAIR; CBS Boston; Boston Globe

-1

Homelessness spending accountability — spending vs measurable outcomes

Homeless up 53%. Shelter spending $325M. Halted right-to-shelter. Outcomes worsening despite spending.

Mass.gov; CommonWealth Beacon

-1

Encampment enforcement — response to SCOTUS Grants Pass ruling

No specific encampment enforcement under Healey post-Grants Pass. Relies on shelter system.

General research

Net domestic migration trend — people leaving vs arriving

Lost 33,340 net domestic migrants in 2025. 182,000 over 5 years. Ranked 5th for out-migration. Only sustained by international immigration. IRS data: $4.2B net AGI outflow in 2023 — among highest in nation — wealthy exodus accelerated after millionaire surtax implementation.

Fox Business; Boston Globe; Census Bureau; IRS SOI Migration Data 2023

-2

Business exodus — corporate HQ and jobs relocating due to policy

Domestic out-migration hollowing workforce. Younger, higher-earning residents leaving. Pioneer Institute warns it threatens competitiveness. IRS confirms $4.2B in AGI left Massachusetts in 2023 — millionaire surtax cited as accelerant of wealthy taxpayer exodus to lower-tax states.

Pioneer Institute; Boston Indicators; GBH; IRS SOI Migration Data 2023

-1

DA accountability — governor's power to remove rogue prosecutors

No DA accountability actions found.

General research

Election infrastructure — ballot harvesting, drop box security, audit transparency

No voter ID. No chain-of-custody reforms. No ballot security enhancements. Among weakest election integrity frameworks.

Ballotpedia; Mass.gov

-2

Weaponization of state agencies — using AG/regulatory bodies against political opponents

Used state resources to oppose federal policies. Known for aggressive partisan legal actions as AG. Using office for political positioning against Trump/Musk.

WBUR; Boston Herald; MassGOP

-1

Foreign adversary protections — Chinese land, TikTok bans, Confucius Institutes

No state-level foreign adversary protections.

General research

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