By Bob Katzen

The Senate 38-0, approved an amendment that would reinstate the requirement that the Healey Administration submit a biweekly report on the cost and occupancy of the emergency assistance family shelter system. The previous requirement of reports lapsed at the end of fiscal year 2025.

Sen. Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), the sponsor of the amendment, said one of the things both parties have always held as a shared value in the Senate chamber is accountability. He noted that when we entered a difficult time in our shelter system, we required more information about the cost and occupancy of the shelter system. He said it helped us understand what was happening so we knew what we had to plan to do to respond to that crisis. He argued it is time to reinstate that system.

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.)

Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes