By Bob Katzen
The House 126-26, approved and sent to the Senate a fiscal 2025 supplemental budget that includes $425 million to fund the state’s family shelter system and make some changes to tighten eligibility. The vote was almost strictly along party lines with all Repubicans voting against it and all but two Democrats voting for it. The Democrats say the measure makes major reforms while the GOP says the bill does not go far enough.
“From the beginning of the shelter system crisis, the House has worked to reform the emergency assistance program to ensure that it remains financially viable,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). “That’s why the House led the effort to cap the maximum length of stay, and to require job training programs for folks in the shelter system, reforms that this supplemental budget builds on. By creating stricter eligibility requirements, along with increased security measures, this supplemental budget is the latest iteration of the House’s continued commitment to protecting vulnerable children and families in Massachusetts in a fiscally sustainable manner.”
“Over the past several years, as the population of the emergency shelter system has grown, the House has attempted to uphold the commonwealth’s right to shelter law while also being mindful of the long-term fiscal sustainability of the program,” said Rep. Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston), Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means. “The reforms contained in this bill will ensure that right to shelter is maintained by further capping the length of stay and verifying eligibility, while also enacting stricter background checks on those who enter the shelter system to better protect the families who need these services the most.”
“I voted against [the bill] because Massachusetts cannot continue pouring taxpayer money into the emergency shelter system without implementing real, lasting reforms,” said Rep. Steven Xiarhos (R-Barnstable). “As a former police officer with 40 years of experience, I know firsthand how proper criminal background checks should be conducted, and the simple CORI check outlined in this bill doesn’t even come close. Without comprehensive background screenings at the state, federal and international levels, we risk compromising public safety and failing to protect the communities we serve.”
“Though there were some small reforms to the shelter system, they were only temporary and fell far short of what was necessary to address the problems associated with the program,” said Rep. Joseph McKenna (R-Sutton). “Without substantial and permanent reforms, many of which were proposed by Republican amendments that were unfortunately rejected out of hand without even cursory consideration, this was not a bill that will adequately address the long-term financial stability of the EA shelter program, so was not a bill I could support.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.)
Rep. Christine Barber Yes Rep. Mike Connolly Yes Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Yes