By Bob Katzen

The Senate 8-31, rejected an amendment that would require resettlement agencies to consult on a monthly basis with the Governor’s Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to ascertain the projected availability of space in the state’s shelter system. It also prohibits resettlement agencies from undertaking resettlement activity when it is foreseeable that the shelter system will exceed capacity.

“By directing resettlement agencies to work more closely with the Healey Administration, [the amendment] would have helped the commonwealth better forecast its shelter capacity and ensure that we always have space for those who need it most,” said Sen. Mike Moore (D-Millbury) who voted in favor of the amendment. “I believe this would’ve been key to ensuring that our emergency shelter system is not overrun and that we can keep costs from spiraling out of control.”

Amendment opponents said the amendment is unnecessary and argued the resettlement agencies do a great job and should not be handcuffed and tied up with the bureaucracy.

Sen. Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), the sponsor of the amendment and Sen. Cindy Friedman (D-Arlington) who opposed the amendment did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking them to explain why they voted the way they did.

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.)

Sen. Patricia Jehlen No