By Bob Katzen

The House 26-126 rejected an amendment that would reduce funding for the emergency assistance shelter program from $425 million to $200 million.

“The emergency assistance shelter program continues to cost the state’s taxpayers approximately $1 billion annually, which is not sustainable without implementing substantive reforms to help reduce costs and promote greater transparency,” said amendment sponsor Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “The State Auditor is currently conducting a comprehensive audit of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, including the emergency shelter system, which should help to identify ways to improve efficiency, while recent changes in immigration laws at the federal level should help to lower costs by reducing the number of people coming to Massachusetts seeking shelter. By reducing the shelter program’s funding allocation to $200 million, the state can continue to provide core services to Massachusetts residents in need while allowing additional time to see how the recent changes will impact enrollment.”

Rep. Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston) said he is under no illusion that if the House approves this reduction, the Republicans will actually vote for the bill itself. He noted that reforms we’re implementing in the bill are major and the House needs to give the Healey administration time to see these through. He argued that the bill allows the state to get through the remainder of the fiscal year, and during the upcoming fiscal 2026 budget debate in April we can see how the reforms are going and if we have to make changes.

(A “Yes” vote is for the reduction to $200 million. A “No” vote is against the reduction.)

Rep. Christine Barber No Rep. Mike Connolly No Rep. Paul Donato No Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven No