It’s one of the weirdest stories to come out of Beacon Hill in recent memory. During the pandemic, Massachusetts somehow paid $2.5 billion in unemployment benefits from federal funds instead of state funds, and now, we may have to pay some or all of that money back.
The error has provoked very varied responses. The state’s Democratic congressional delegation blames former Republican Gov. Charlie Baker and urges the feds to find a solution that “minimizes.”[s] impact on working people and small businesses.” Meanwhile, the state’s business community argues it shouldn’t be forced to pay more to cover any refunds. But so far, Gov. Maura Healey, the president House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka aren’t pointing fingers at the Baker administration.They don’t seem particularly worried about what the future holds.
How does such a massive error occur? Why wasn’t it caught earlier? And what does the wide range of reactions tell us about the political landscape in Massachusetts? Adam Reilly is joined by GBH News State House reporter Katie Lannan and Samuel Gebru, the managing director of Black Lion Strategies and a professor at Tufts University, to discuss.
Confused by the status error? Or does the fact that it took place during the chaos of the pandemic make you inclined to cut Beacon Hill a little? Email us at TalkingPolitics@wgbh.org or share them via the Talking Politics page.
You can watch the discussion below right now or catch the full show at 7pm on GBH 2. Subscribe to GBH News YouTube Channel to be alert for future episodes.
