Current:Home > MarketsMassachusetts lawmakers overcome efforts to block money for temporary shelters for migrant families-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Massachusetts lawmakers overcome efforts to block money for temporary shelters for migrant families
View Date:2024-12-23 23:18:04
BOSTON (AP) — A spending bill that includes money for temporary shelter spaces for migrant homeless families cleared the Massachusetts House on Monday after more than 100 Democratic lawmakers showed up at an informal session of the chamber to overcome efforts by House Republicans to block the bill.
Republicans had been repeatedly blocking efforts to pass the bill since last week, arguing the measure should be brought up in a formal legislative session to allow for debate and roll call votes.
The move forced Democrats to bring in dozens of legislators to overcome the parliamentary hurdle. In an informal session, debate and roll call votes aren’t allowed and a single lawmaker can block a bill, giving Republicans, in the minority in both chambers, leverage to block efforts to pass legislation.
Democrats are pushing the $2.8 billion spending bill which sets aside $250 million to help provide shelter for vulnerable families, including up to $50 million for an overflow site for homeless families stuck on a state wait list. The state’s emergency shelters are buckling under a crush of migrant and homeless families.
Minority Leader Bradley Jones defended the actions of Republicans saying they were trying to press Democrats to take debate the bill in an formal session.
Demand for shelter has increased as temperatures drop and the state struggles to find newly arriving migrants places to stay after hitting a state-imposed limit of 7,500 families in its emergency homeless shelter system last month.
Over 100 families were waiting for emergency shelter spaces as of Friday. About 500 families have exited shelters since Sept. 1, making room for other families.
To create more space in the shelter system, the state has worked with federal officials to help migrants get work authorizations needed to find a job.
The surge in shelter demand is being driven in part by migrant families entering the state, officials said.
The state launched a $5 million grant program last month to help local groups provide overflow shelter spaces for those on the wait list. The state is also letting up to 25 homeless families stay overnight in the state transportation building in Boston during the evening and overnight hours.
veryGood! (88)
Related
- Ariana Grande Shares Dad's Emotional Reaction to Using His Last Name in Wicked Credits
- They met on a dating app and realized they were born on same day at same hospital. And that's not where their similarities end.
- The New America’s Team: How the Chiefs have become the new ‘it team’ in professional sports
- Ayo Edebiri confronts Nikki Haley, 'SNL' receives backlash for cameo
- Eva Longoria calls US 'dystopian' under Trump, has moved with husband and son
- Man gets 12 years in prison in insurance scheme after posing as patients, including NBA player
- A stolen digital memory card with gruesome recordings leads to a double murder trial in Alaska
- Travel-Friendly Water Bottles That Don't Spill, Leak or Get Moldy & Gross
- Kalen DeBoer, Jalen Milroe save Alabama football season, as LSU's Brian Kelly goes splat
- How to watch and stream the Grammy Awards, including red carpet arrivals and interviews
Ranking
- Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin to kick off fundraising effort for Ohio women’s suffrage monument
- What's going on at the border? A dramatic standoff between Texas and the White House.
- Prosecutor appeals manslaughter charge against ex-Detroit police officer
- Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick rule at pre-Grammy gala hosted by Clive Davis
- How Jersey Shore's Sammi Sweetheart Giancola's Fiancé Justin May Supports Her on IVF Journey
- FOX debuts Caitlin Clark cam during Iowa's women's basketball game against Maryland
- Unfortunate. That describes Joel Embiid injury, games played rule, and NBA awards mess
- Smith-Wade delivers big play on defense, National beats American 16-7 in Senior Bowl
Recommendation
-
Texas mother sentenced to 50 years for leaving kids in dire conditions as son’s body decomposed
-
Do your kids want a dog? Science may be on their side
-
Hiring is booming. So why aren't more Americans feeling better?
-
A guide to the perfect Valentine's Day nails, from pink French tips to dark looks
-
Worker trapped under rubble after construction accident in Kentucky
-
Abortion access on the ballot in 2024
-
What's your favorite Lunar New Year dish? Tell us about it.
-
Mark Zuckerberg to families of exploited kids: 'I'm sorry for everything you've been through'