By Bob Katzen

The Senate 8-30, rejected an amendment that would require that the state prioritize giving long term shelter to legal Massachusetts residents whose initial cause of homelessness and application for shelter occurred while they were residing legally in Massachusetts.”

Amendment supporters said it is fair to give Bay State residents priority over people who recently came here from other states.

Sen. Peter Durant (R-Spencer), the sponsor of the amendment, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him to comment on the defeat of his amendment.

Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport) said the amendment is extremely broad and applies not only to emergency assistance but to all state-funded housing programs. He noted it could cause confusion and negatively impact residents at state housing. He asked senators to Imagine a single mother with a child fleeing a domestic violence situation in a neighboring state. This would prohibit them from seeking safe shelter in Massachusetts.

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment giving priority to Massachusetts residents. A ”No” vote is against giving priority.)

Sen. Patricia Jehlen No