Senator Dooner, Senate, House Republicans call for comprehensive reform of Massachusetts emergency shelter program amid migrant crisis

Boston, MA – On Tuesday, Senator Dooner (R-Taunton) hosted a press conference alongside her minority colleagues to call for urgent reforms to the state’s emergency shelter program amid the ongoing migrant crisis. The group states that these reforms aim to ensure transparency, accountability, and the fair prioritization of resources.

“While we recognize the importance of supporting those in need, it is clear that our shelter system is severely strained and urgently requires reform to remain functional and safe for all residents,” said Senator Dooner. “The administration must be held accountable for the more than $1 billion already spent on this crisis, as costs continue to escalate. Public safety must be prioritized, and the people of Massachusetts deserve the support and assistance they need during this critical time.”

Senate and House Republicans have outlined a series of administrative and legislative actions:

Administrative Actions:

1. Monthly Briefings: Establish monthly briefings with the Migrant Crisis Czar, Retired Massachusetts National Guard Adjutant General Scott Rice, to keep legislators informed about the status of the migrant crisis and the shelter system.
2. Cost Accounting: Provide a detailed monthly breakdown of all expenses related to the state’s response to the migrant crisis to enhance transparency.
3. Sustainability Plan: Present a comprehensive plan to transition the emergency shelter system to a more sustainable model by the end of 2025.

Legislative Actions:

1. Prevent Violent Offenders from Reentering Shelters: Enact statutory measures to prevent individuals who commit violent crimes while in shelters from returning to the system.
2. Repeal the “Right to Shelter” Law: Repeal the state’s current “Right to Shelter” law, which has exacerbated overwhelming demand on the shelter system.
3. Competitive Bidding for Shelter Contracts: Require competitive bidding for all state contracts related to the migrant crisis to ensure fiscal responsibility.
4. Prioritize Shelter Placement: Establish prioritization for shelter placement based on factors such as length of residency in Massachusetts and specific vulnerabilities.
5. Public Reporting of Costs: Mandate clear, comprehensive public reporting of all costs associated with the state’s response to the migrant crisis to improve transparency and accountability.

“Our priorities are non-negotiable: safeguarding public safety, demanding full transparency in spending, and ensuring that the needs of our residents are met first and foremost,” Senator Dooner added. “We call on our colleagues in the legislature to take immediate action and collaborate on these critical reforms so we can create a system that truly serves the people of Massachusetts.”

Senator Dooner and fellow Republicans stated that they are commitment to ensuring that the state’s response to the migrant crisis is both effective and equitable, with a focus on the safety and well-being of Massachusetts residents.