By Bob Katzen

Senate 34-4, approved an amendment to the state’s Emergency Assistance Shelter Program for homeless families. The amendment would loosen some of the restrictions lawmakers imposed two years ago, when a surge in demand, including families sleeping at Logan Airport, prompted the state to tighten eligibility and limit stays. The amendment codifies a rapid-track shelter option, extends the length of stay from six months to nine months and expands income eligibility from 115% to 120% of the federal poverty level.

Amendment supporters said the changes better reflect the current housing market, reduce administrative hurdles and help families move toward permanent housing.

Sen. Robyn Kennedy (D-Worcester), the sponsor of the amendment, did not respond to repeated requests from Beacon Hill Roll Call asking her to provide more details about the amendment and the reason she filed it and urged members to vote for it.

“I voted against this amendment because we are changing a significant, bipartisan policy recommendation that was agreed upon after months of meetings and included in the final report of the Emergency Assistance Commission,” said Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton). “Attaching a significant policy change such as this to a closeout supplemental budget bill immediately following an election sends the wrong message. It also erases months of bipartisan policymaking on this issue, in which I participated as a member of the commission.”

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

Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes