By Bob Katzen

The House 154-0, approved an amendment that would require any funds spent for providing food for people through the program be subject to a competitive bidding process.

Amendment supporters said that according to news reports, the state is currently spending $64 a day per person to feed people in the Emergency Assistance Housing Program under a six-month, $10 million no-bid contract, including $16 for breakfast, $17 for lunch and $31 for dinner.

“These meal costs far exceed the necessary funds to feed families in the Emergency Assistance Housing Program and go well beyond what most families in the commonwealth can afford to feed their own families,” said amendment sponsor House GOP Minority Leader Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “At a time when state revenues are declining, we must ensure that we spend responsibly and conserve our resources to best serve the residents of Massachusetts. By requiring a competitive bidding process, we can ensure that the state is getting the best price, and that spending is brought down to a more reasonable level.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.)

Rep. Christine Barber Yes Rep. Mike Connolly Yes Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Yes