The Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance today criticized Governor Maura Healey for her inconsistent leadership on public safety following the largest single-day dismissal of criminal cases in Massachusetts since the ongoing court crisis began in May.
As reported by WCVB, roughly 200 criminal cases, including charges for assaulting police officers, domestic violence, and gun offenses, were dismissed Tuesday because defendants have gone more than 45 days without a court-appointed attorney. The statewide shortage of bar advocates has now led to nearly 1,600 total dismissals.
Meanwhile, Governor Healey has spent the past week touting a "crackdown" on illegal street takeovers and boasting about "doubling down" on enforcement efforts
"Governor Healey talks tough at press conferences about public safety, but her record tells another story. You can’t claim to be tough on crime while presiding over the largest collapse of justice in state history. Hundreds of violent cases are being tossed out, victims are being retraumatized, and offenders are walking free because State House leaders are failing to do their job. The Governor is quick to pounce on Republicans in Washington and blame them for shutting down the federal government but here in Massachusetts, it's these same state leaders who are allowing our state judicial system to be effectively shut down. The worst part in all this, is that it’s the offenders who benefit," said Paul Diego Craney, Executive Director for the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance.
The Healey administration and legislature approved a partial pay increase for court-appointed attorneys this summer, but lawyers say it was insufficient to end the crisis. The result has been a breakdown in one of government’s most basic responsibilities, providing timely access to justice.
"This governor has a pattern of ignoring fundamental governance while chasing headlines. From the migrants in hotels to the court system, her administration focuses on public relations over public safety. Massachusetts deserves leadership that can manage the basics before grabbing cameras to talk about crackdowns," Craney continued.
The Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance called on Governor Healey and legislative leaders to stop the political posturing and focus on resolving the courtroom crisis immediately.
"If the governor truly believes in accountability, she should start by fixing the system she’s in charge of. Every day this continues, victims lose faith and public safety erodes further," Craney concluded.