Senate lawmakers passed a $425 million spending bill Wednesday that shuttles money to cash-starved emergency shelters after an hours-long debate that showed cracks among Democrats over universal background checks and an independent review of state spending.
Immigration
Massachusetts reports spending nearly $500M so far in FY25 on state-run shelters
Gov. Maura Healey’s administration has spent nearly $500 million on the state-run shelter system in fiscal year 2025, according to state data released more than a week after budget writers said they ran out of cash to pay for the emergency assistance program.
Pam Bondi freezes DOJ funding for sanctuary cities, as Michelle Wu gets date to testify in front of Congress
Pam Bondi freezes DOJ funding for sanctuary cities, as Boston Mayor Michelle Wu gets date to testify in front of Congress
House Democrats want to temporarily block non-Massachusetts residents from taxpayer-funded shelters
Top House budget writers released a $425 million spending bill to fund state-run shelters that seeks to temporarily cap the emergency assistance program at 4,000 families starting later this year and allow the state to block from the system anyone who is not a Massachusetts resident.
Families who claim eligibility for state-run shelter handed month-long benefits worth $15K
Families seeking access to taxpayer-funded shelters who claim eligibility for benefits receive up to $15,000 in services and housing during the month it takes state officials to determine whether they actually belong in the emergency assistance program, the Healey administration said.
Massachusetts Attorney General Campbell releases guidance for schools on federal deportation efforts
In light of new policies under the Trump administration allowing ICE agents to make arrests within schools, the Massachusetts AG released guidance for the state’s schools to protect all students’ right to a free public education.