By Bob Katzen

The Senate 6-32, rejected an amendment that would have required an independent review of the emergency assistance housing program by the Inspector General, to help identify savings and potential cost recovery.

“Two things about the emergency assistance shelter system are clear. First, the costs have skyrocketed well beyond the point of sustainability, and second, we would benefit from fresh eyes and an independent review of the system to help improve the program’s financial sustainability and effectiveness,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Becca Rausch (D-Needham). “We need this review, particularly as additional changes are made to further restrict access to the system, even as we have not seen any cost savings by prior access restriction changes, perhaps because those further imposed rules and restrictions raise administrative costs. The Inspector General and his team are trained experts in this type of work, and it is squarely within their jurisdiction to do the work described in this amendment.”

Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport) said the Inspector General’s office is an independent body not beholden to the Legislature and already has the power to inspect any state agency. He said that it is not the role of the Legislature to direct the Inspector General on what to inspect.

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

Sen. Patricia Jehlen No