By Bob Katzen

Senate 5-34, rejected an amendment that would strike a section of the bill that provides that any payments made by the federal government to reimburse the Department of Correction for costs associated with executing its responsibilities, must be transferred to and then distributed by the Office for Refugees and Immigrants to designated non-profit organizations which would use the funds to increase access to legal representation for immigrants and refugees in the state.

Amendment supporters said that the amendment would ensure that this money stays with the sheriffs and the Department of Corrections which performed their duties and generated the federal funds rather than being unfairly diverted to nonprofits for a wholly different purpose.

“I voted ‘No’ because taxpayer reimbursement funds should remain focused on core state priorities rather than being automatically redirected to outside nonprofit organizations,” said Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “This amendment improves accountability and gives lawmakers greater flexibility in allocating public funds.”

Amendment opponents said the money would be put to good use by nonprofits to increase access to legal representation for immigrants and refugees who cannot become legal immigrants because they don’t have the money necessary to go through the lengthy and expensive process to do so.

Sen. Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), the sponsor of the amendment, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him why he filed it.

Sen. Cindy Friedman (D-Arlington), the chief opponent of the amendment, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking her why she opposed it.

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment which would require the federal funds to be used by sheriffs and the Department of Corrections. A “No” vote is against the amendment and supports the funds being used to help legal representation for immigrants and refugees.)
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Sen. Patricia Jehlen No