As Massachusetts prepares for the 2026 elections, voters may face numerous ballot initiatives, with Governor Maura Healey already forming clear opinions on two significant proposals.
Transparency Support and Rent Control Opposition
During a Tuesday radio appearance on WGBH-FM's "Boston Public Radio," Healey expressed support for extending open records laws to the governor's office and legislature, though with certain limitations. However, she firmly rejected the proposal to legalize statewide rent control, despite its popularity.
"I'm a 'no' because, if you look at the studies you effectively halt [housing] production," Healey told the station. "I will tell you that investors in housing have already pulled out of Massachusetts because they're concerned about rent control."
The governor explained her position stems from concerns about housing production, particularly following legislation she signed last year addressing affordability issues. "We need to have housing production move forward," she said. "I also understand what's driving rent control. I want to work together to do something that's sensible, that creates more homes, and lowers costs for people."
Rent Control Details and Opposition
The proposed rent control measure would restrict annual increases to either the Consumer Price Index or 5%, whichever is lower, using January 31, 2026 rents as baseline figures according to State House News Service reports.
Healey's stance aligns with business leaders like Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce CEO James B. Rooney, who criticized rent control during an August television appearance. "I mean, owners don't invest in the properties. The non-rent control prices go up. People stay in those units − they don't turn over. They just get occupied, and people stay," Rooney said. "If you read the data, the history of ... rent control is just so bad."
Supporters' Perspective
Rent control advocates recently gathered at the State House, sharing experiences with rising housing costs and urging reconsideration of the policy. New England Community Project Executive Director Noemi Ramos described the proposal as "a 21st-century rent control" different from past versions, emphasizing protections for both tenants and small property owners.
Massachusetts has prohibited rent control since 1994, and the concept continues facing legislative resistance. House Speaker Ron Mariano questioned ongoing efforts, noting previous rejections: "We had a vote on it. What has been the barrier for them in finding out that people just don't support it?"
Transparency Initiative
State Auditor Diana DiZoglio is leading the transparency proposal that would permit legislative audits, a measure Healey supports despite acknowledging limited influence. "I don't have any power, any authority in this space," she said regarding advancing the issue through the legislature.
When questioned about using her position to advocate for transparency, Healey responded: "Well, I've already said I'd do everything I can to produce public records and be as transparent as we can as a governor's office." She noted potential legal conflicts between DiZoglio and legislative leaders over separation of powers concerns.
