Here’s Who Pays for Massachusetts Governor Healey’s Trip to Italy

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey seems to be among the most-traveled chief executives in recent memory, given the number of trips she has taken in the short time she has been in office.

When you think she is home to stay for a while, she is off again on another adventure. Some of it is even business-related.

Since assuming office on January 5, 2023, Healey has racked up the frequent flier miles.

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In March 2024, Healey's handlers and some in the press had a dust-up over whether the governor should have to announce when she is leaving town and where she goes. The administration blinked.

In the first 16 months of her administration, Healey traveled to Florida, Washington, North Carolina, Ireland, Puerto Rico and New Hampshire, that I can recall. She has been to DC at least a couple of times.

A March 19, 2024 report by Politico said up to that point, "Healey has spent at least 47 nights and 65 days out of state since taking office, according to a Playbook analysis of her calendars, news reports, and information from the governor's office."

Upon completing a trade mission to Ireland last year, Healey bypassed Massachusetts on the return trip and spent the following week vacationing in Rhode Island.

Healey's Irish sojourn cost an estimated $83,000, paid for with state funds and some private dollars. 

Maura's next big adventure is on you.

From May 14-17, 2024, Governor Healey, her climate chief Melissa Hoffer and three aides will visit Rome. The trip is paid for with taxpayer money from the Massachusetts Tourism Trust Fund, the intent of which is to "promote tourism in the state and help regional tourism councils."  

The trip includes a private meeting with Pope Francis.  

State House News Service reported Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu will "provide a keynote address at the opening session of a climate-focused conference hosted by the Vatican." Boston taxpayers will foot the bill for Wu's expenses.

The governor's office won't know how much you and I are on the hook for until the trip ends.