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House Democrats Reject Giving Massachusetts Homeless Veterans Preference Over Migrants in Shelter System
House Democrats on Friday defeated a Republican bid to restrict migrants’ access to the state’s overflowing emergency family shelter system, a day after the Legislature shipped a supplemental budget to Gov. Maura Healey that would impose a new nine-month limit on shelter stays.
With House Speaker Ron Mariano at the rostrum, lawmakers rejected amendments from Rep. Paul Frost that aimed to install a three-month residency requirement for family shelter and to prioritize Massachusetts residents on the shelter waitlist. Lawmakers rejected Amendment 1393, emergency housing assistance requirements, on a 30-127 roll call vote, and they rejected Amendment 1394, prioritizing Massachusetts residents on the waitlist for emergency housing assistance, on a 27-131 roll call vote.
“I ask that the members consider this amendment so that a family that does need to get emergency shelter can get it, which would not have been a problem a year or so ago, especially those who’ve been here for a long period of time,” Frost, an Auburn Republican, said. “We should give priority to those who have been here longer and longtime residents of Massachusetts, versus a family that just arrived and has been here for an hour. And I think that’s a fair and reasonable thing to do.”
Assistant Majority Leader Alice Peisch argued Frost’s proposals could result in court challenges.
“I would also just like to underscore, as I did a moment ago, that no families — whether they are longtime Massachusetts residents or families that are new to the state — are being put out on the street,” Peisch said. “We do have these overflow shelters. I don’t want anyone to be operating under the assumption that we have Massachusetts residents who are being left out on the street, so once again, I ask you please for the fourth time to reject the residency requirement.”
Anti-homelessness advocates have said that families on the shelter waitlist continue to sleep at Logan Airport, an outcome that lawmakers have tried to avoid as they have injected more and more money into the system and supported new overflow sites.
Democrats also thwarted an amendment from House Minority Leader Bradley Jones to prioritize shelter access for homeless veterans. Amendment 698, homeless veterans prioritization for shelter assistance, was rejected on a 27-129 roll call vote.
Rep. Gerard Cassidy, co-chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, previewed a veterans bill being readied for May that will address programs and benefits extensions.
“This is not a veterans’ bill. This is basically a political ploy to bring the veterans in,” Cassidy said of Jones’ proposal. “This bill that will be coming out is more in tune to what we’re doing.”
As the third day of budget deliberations unfolded, the House unanimously adopted Consolidated Amendment F on a roll call vote, which added more than $8.2 million in housing and energy and environmental affairs investments. The consolidated amendment also removed from the budget proposal a $175 million withdrawal from the Transitional Escrow Fund to be put towards the shelter crisis in fiscal 2025. Legislative Democrats instead authorized that withdrawal in the supplemental budget they passed Thursday.
The amendment includes a bevy of local spending items, including $250,000 to help the City of Quincy manage ferry service at Squantum Point Park, $50,000 for a statue of Sarah Bradlee Fulton in Medford, $62,000 for kitchen equipment at Sudbury’s emergency shelter, and $50,000 to grow the tree canopy in East Boston. Some of the policy provisions impose fines on people who intentionally release helium balloons and establish a deer population control commission.
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Fed Up
April 26, 2024 at 5:27 pm
Keep voting for Democrats they really care about Massachusetts citizens clowns
Keith Kennedy
April 27, 2024 at 1:11 pm
Let’s Face it. MA Liberals do not care about Veterans in any way.
If veterans keep living under bridges and killing themselves, then so be it with
the Left-Wing CORRUPT State.
Keith Kennedy
Jim Morey
April 27, 2024 at 5:01 pm
No Bro, that is not what it means at all. The “liberals” you are so quick to insult are only saying everyone matters in Massachusetts. Noone will be left out in the cold. Have a heart. You sound like Trump when say cruel things like that
Cheryl
April 28, 2024 at 11:01 am
Life long residents and US citizen should be the priority. If housing is needed fir the illegals let this administration open his doors of his home.
Fred
April 28, 2024 at 5:01 pm
US citizens MUST always be Top priority with US veterans even MORE of a local regional & National priority over ALL others, Period! Lets get it done both here in MA & nationwide.
Mary Doblander
May 2, 2024 at 1:13 pm
Oh that would never happen, they’re too SPECIAL. But they want us to do it. Just like the jab and Obamacare, they didn’t want either but forced it on us. Now millions are dying because of it!!
Chad 0311
April 28, 2024 at 9:43 pm
You sure bruh? Multiple articles say it exactly: does not put citizens and veterans ahead of illegals Bruh. Looking forward to reading it in it entirety. Most taxpayers are not happy with that Bruh. It doesn’t mean they don’t have a heart, it means they might have their own lives to support. Some of you Lefty’s really need to be curb stomped. No respect for your country, veterans, citizens, or your neighbors hard earned money.
Mary Doblander
May 2, 2024 at 1:16 pm
I totally agree…Do you think if we were homeless in another country we would be put ahead of their citizens…NOPE wouldnt happen!
Nick
April 28, 2024 at 11:24 pm
Jim,
I understand and appreciate your view but under no circumstance should any “migrant” individual or family receive housing before a veteran. Once all veterans are off the streets and taken care of then we can address the remaining people in need. Veterans and active military personnel are the only reason this country is what it is and why people are flocking here.
Mary Doblander
May 2, 2024 at 1:19 pm
Totally agree. They are disrespected, spit on, protesters at their funerals. It needs to STOP!! What would we do without those that risk their lives for us to remain safe. Even these stupid politicians that are voting against them. Vote them ALL out that voted for this in the next election!
Sandy Gouveia
May 12, 2024 at 4:11 pm
Well said.
Concerned citizen
April 29, 2024 at 12:34 am
How about someone who served their country falls on hard times and they don’t get to go to the front of the line. That to me is wrong. I feel for all people but the reality is these people are here illegally. There are many imagrants that went through the proper channels to be here and they feel as this country has been unfair to them. They did the work to be here and they can’t get benefits because others who just ran through the border are getting the benefits. So there are two groups of people that deserve those benefits before those who just showed up.
Mary Doblander
May 2, 2024 at 1:21 pm
Agree…
Ce ce Lorain
April 29, 2024 at 10:19 am
She’s absolutely correct about the left
Not giving a damn shoot about oits citizens, and people like you are what’s making them thrive even further into their madness than seeing any good, and clear honest judgements, for the people of America, it simply sickens me, to hear what they are passing votes on
John D
May 1, 2024 at 3:46 pm
No, what these liberals mean is that everyone matters…after illegal immigrants get their share. People like you are the reason this country is facing these problems. You’re so concerned about virtue signaling that you’ve lost the plot lol you’ve become the bad guys and you do t even realize it
Mary Doblander
May 2, 2024 at 1:23 pm
Yup!
Mary Doblander
May 2, 2024 at 1:08 pm
They will leave veterans out in the cold…that’s why they don’t have priority!! If you think people coming here illegally should get priority over a veteran that fought for our country, you’re part of the problem. Trump cares about Vets. That’s why he cleaned up the VA because they weren’t getting the medical care they deserved. I’m glad I don’t live in rhat state anymore. Used to be a great traditional family friendly state, but the radicals have taken over…it’s all about power and money…plain and simple.
Proud to be a Veteran
May 7, 2024 at 9:47 am
Any Veteran that wants help can get it. There are issues of substance abuse, and mental health that stop some from coming in or accepting help. That is the Elephant in the Room for not only Veterans but all of our homeless. Noone can make this choice for them. They have to choose. Its not so simple. Everyone needs advocacy and compassion no matter where they come from. Those that take help and succeed add to our community. Those that don’t, may the powers that be guide them. Choice. Thats why I spent 20 years serving our country.
Bryan G
May 29, 2024 at 10:04 am
Bro, Mexico is hot if they would have still did they wouldn’t be left in the cold here why should we carried a heavy load on our backs if they want better and change in a country they should have a civil war like we did other than that everybody comes here come from countries with a 1% controls everything that a pool gets nothing so let’s go to America we get everything fuck that!
Mary Doblander
June 16, 2024 at 7:27 pm
Trump cares about the Vets…the only one in years that has. Under Obama and Joey, they cut brnefits the the VA. Neither give a crap about the American people. Look at the MESS Joey has got us into internationaly…and don’t get me started on gas, food, utilities that has SKYROCKETED UNDER both!!
Leonard Ossick
May 1, 2024 at 4:00 pm
The thought of putting veterans & locals over immigrants is really stupid ~ these immigrants have done nothing for our country, and probably never will, except take a ride on the train grab all the freebies they can & send all of that too the country if their choice @@ & that’s another story 😉 ~¤
William Peter
May 29, 2024 at 5:10 am
It is a game to play both parties,because both parties are Communist Party. They are collude and fabricate all thing..lol
We call it politic
GOP is a Communist
Democrats is a Socialist Party
Bryan G
May 29, 2024 at 10:09 am
I think the reason why they let the migrants true is because during covage real estate lost billions and the politicians kisses real estate companies asses so by letting these people in getting a free housing which we’re paying for everybody’s happy the bank still it’s a big guys and the politicians why we Scramble for leftover Foods in the garbage ain’t that a bitch
David
April 27, 2024 at 8:25 pm
Let’s face it, the democrats and all of there far left friends think this world is a result of us republican people who fought and ultimately freed the slaves from the democrats are a bunch of war mungers. Maybe you should look into a little bit of American history and figure out what the American flag really stands for.
You can still have your one sided opinions and burn our flags. But please consider all of the men and woman who have fought and sacrificed for my freedom as well as yours before you light that match to my flag
Joe
April 29, 2024 at 8:26 am
The left takes our veterans sacrifices and our freedom for granted. Socialism only works until you run out of other people’s money. It will come full cycle. Our ancestors came to this country on their own dime. And earned everything that they have. End the freebies and illegal immigration will end over night. To put ant illegal migrant infront of any US taxpayer is absurd and immoral.
Mary Doblander
May 2, 2024 at 1:37 pm
I totally agree!!
Jim
April 30, 2024 at 11:12 pm
Disgraceful, send them for a tour of duty in a war zone. Veterans deserve better than these feckless Democrats (Demonrats).
Mary Doblander
May 2, 2024 at 1:10 pm
Haven’t there in quite awhile. Even the Childrens Hospital is going WOKE, giving YOUNG kids sex changes…makes me sick!!
And homes and taxes are WAAAY overpriced!!
Bryan G
May 29, 2024 at 10:01 am
To the veterans thank you for saving our country however you don’t need you anymore so have a happy life not to the migrants welcome to United States of
A-STUPID-CA,Here’s your home and some spending cash, now get it together so you could get to work worky.
Accuano
April 26, 2024 at 7:51 pm
I agree with you on that, it’s just absolutely ridiculous that citizens of this state always get the shit end of the stick
Gary Dunn
April 26, 2024 at 11:38 pm
Wow that’s crazy vote red everyone we need to help the veterans so 😢
Sherry Duchaine
April 27, 2024 at 7:38 am
Karma, it gets everyone … even those who just “think” they’ve done Just & Right things while hanging from the strings of the rich that feed off War and the suffering, maiming and killing their puppets do to make the Rich RICHER! But I suppose they had no other choice? Of course they did. As they say, you make your own bed so now it’s time to lay in it. U.S. wars have destroyed people’s homes/countries causing major migrations … so they CAUSED the things that are going on NOW. What do people not get about “there are consequences to their actions that may not show up for some time”? I have no empathy for those without foresight. Once you’ve been USED, you become a disposable rag as more naive ones with no foresight, no learning from the PAST replace them and so they keep the Ball rolling thus Evolution of the Human Species as a whole is a Bogus Concept. The world Sucks because of you and you all think you’re owed something for it? We’re ONE Species who can’t grow the “F” UP!!!!! And War is just the tip of the Iceburg of archaic “Neanderthal” Cave Man UNCIVILIZED BEHAVIOR.
Chad 0311
April 28, 2024 at 9:30 pm
First you really need to take your medications.The ravings of a lunatic.Cat lady. Then go spray that thing out, call Tyrone and get your guts turned inside out.There is really something wrong with you people who think that illegal immigrants rate with citizens.People who were willing to write a check with their flesh. None realize if it wasn’t for men who went out and fought,you would not be living how you do.We could be a catyclysmic event away from women being property, and men without a real trade or profession, being killed or turned fluffers. This is history, and reality. So be grateful for them.
Kenneth Branco
April 27, 2024 at 8:58 am
This is the results of being a 1 party state there are no checks and balances never ever vote for a party vote on the issues is it good or bad for mass. I would let you consider your own fate vote republican or primary another dem.one last thing to mention are taxes and fees are going to be going up fee is another three letter word that means tax.
Trump loves the poorly educated suckers.....
April 27, 2024 at 9:37 am
Of course the fools above didn’t read the article that said there’s going to be another bill to address the veterans issues because this isn’t a veterans bill. Republicans started this to get all their low IQ followers to believe nothing’s being done.
https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-launches-campaign-to-end-veteran-homelessness-in-massachusetts#:~:text=The%20End%20Veteran%20Homelessness%20campaign,housing%2C%20access%20to%20behavioral%20health
scottishscone
April 27, 2024 at 11:52 am
Look around … The vets are the reason “everyone” gets free speech including you. I do not think there is ever enough to be done for our veterans… You, I am assuming did not serve? I say the money being poured into Ukraine and other things are better served here in the US.
Anyone that knows about homelessness looks at the whole picture….. we have Americans that are also in need of homes .. Entire families so why does MA insist on housing illegal immigrants????? first????
Smitty
April 27, 2024 at 12:48 pm
AMEN, Scottishscone! And THANK YOU!
RedPilled
April 27, 2024 at 1:40 pm
That you Mayor Coogan ?
Biden loves you
April 27, 2024 at 5:09 pm
The state currently spends about $75 million each month — or about $10,000 per family — on the 7,500 migrant and local families that are living in emergency shelters across the state. Way more than 20 million, yes?
Trump loves Dems too. Unfortunately
Trump loves me
April 27, 2024 at 7:57 pm
They gave illegals way more than vets
JA
April 28, 2024 at 8:53 am
By harboring these fugitives (illegal migrants), all MA is doing currently is incentivizing more illegals to come thinking life is free. Where does it end and where do you draw the line, when MA is completely bankrupt? I know quite a few MA taxpaying residents who are struggling amidst all of this to not become a homeless statistic and are barely staying afloat. Especially our elderly on fixed incomes but who is looking out for them? Healey/Driscoll may be trying to end Veterans homelessness, and I hope they do however if you keep pandering to these illegals it will never come to fruition as sooner or later those funds and attempts will be abandoned to help non-MA residents. To all MA voters… think before you check that box. Voting has consequences.
Al
April 28, 2024 at 8:36 pm
Ja, you are mostly correct.Half the state budget is for Medicaid, Whether healcare or housing buy for recipients that need it and for people that never earned it. Baker Administration left 4 billion +
In the rainy day fund even reimbursement to the over paid taxes the real tax Payers paid to much for.
The State is looking at a shortfall of 2 Billion next year. Hmmm. Wonder why, and who is paying for it??,Businesses are moving Elsewhere, citizens are as Well..
Great State we are in..over flow the School systems, take away from your Children.
Government 39Trillion in Debt. Keep kicking the can down that road!!
Good luck and hopefully people wake up! 🙏🇺🇲🇺🇲🇮🇪👍
Mary Doblander
May 2, 2024 at 1:43 pm
I certainly hope they will…we are in a very, very bad state of affairs. Just heard Blackrock is funding the CCP military…Now that’s REALLY SCARY!!!
B
April 29, 2024 at 2:29 pm
JA, I agree, I’d also like to say that everyone should do research before commenting on a subject after reading 1 story or opinion. There is no shortage of information on every subject that effects all of us. I am the wife of a veteran and the fact that we have to fight for the ability to eat when we allow foreigners even though fleeing from war, to come into areas that are already having major financial and homeless issues is just down right “Un-American”. At least if they are going to act the part of “having a heart”, at least have a heart for the people who already are here, struggling to survive, especially the ones that made it possible for any of us to have a place to go. If they want to help, at least send the migrants to places that aren’t so overwhelmed or already over populated!
Mary Doblander
May 2, 2024 at 1:37 pm
Yes it does, but many voters get information from Soros paid media who don’t report in the real news. They think Biden is in GREAT shape mentally and physically. Now that’s comical!!
ROSCO17
April 27, 2024 at 9:43 am
Un-freaking believable !!!!!!!
paul lachapelle
April 27, 2024 at 11:09 am
What a bunch of Communists here in the Democratic Party
Andy
April 27, 2024 at 12:11 pm
Bleep Maura Healey and these bleeping democrats.
Smitty
April 27, 2024 at 12:47 pm
Proof we’re run by A*******! Just when you think these jack***** can’t possibly get any worse …
Larry
April 27, 2024 at 4:43 pm
Massachusetts sucks with the Democrat crazies in charge. Look at all the people the governor has put into all the highest positions…. they all look the same and they’re all vile people who want to take everything away from the working class and give it away to the infiltrating criminal illegal immigrants. THANKS BRANDON, HEALEY, POCAHONTAS AND ALL THE OTHER FRIGHTENING DEMOCRATS OF MASSACHUSETTS AND THE USA.
😳
April 27, 2024 at 5:05 pm
I can’t even wrap my brain around this anymore. MAGA is all I can say.
Barrack Warren
April 27, 2024 at 8:12 pm
What a way to gaslight a story. All lives matter. Homeless veterans matter as much as newly arrived Americans.
Nobody is losing anything, we’ve created parity for all.
Todd M Titus
April 27, 2024 at 8:29 pm
If we take migrants before veterans, we have lost our way. Plain and simple.
Donna
April 28, 2024 at 8:01 pm
These are not newly arrived Americans. These people broke into our country. They are not here legally. They are not Anericans, they are not Citizens, they are criminals who broke our laws. We owe them nothing.
Fed Up Too
April 29, 2024 at 4:33 am
“Parity for all” Idiotic. There’s zero comparison between people breaking our laws and acting entitled to collect benefits from the citizens they just violated, and others who were willing to face their own death to protect those same citizens. Ridiculous. Healey and her herd is telling people exactly what she thinks of veterans and they should believe her.
Mary Doblander
May 2, 2024 at 1:53 pm
Don’t call them Americans..they’re ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS who have come across our border..ILLEGALLY. Don’t you kniw they need to be vetted and APPLY FOR CITIZENSHIP!
Not only that, WE are paying for them to live here. We give them FREE housing, FREE food (some of which complain it’s not food of their culture),FREE healthcare and EBT cards. Some HOMELESS Americans don’t even get that. UNBELIEVABLE!!
David Carroll
April 28, 2024 at 7:12 am
This country had been flipped on its ass with the liberal mentality that helping trespassers over veterans is okay. You 2dems are sick and deserve nothing!!
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Tina
April 28, 2024 at 7:51 am
Until every homeless Massachusetts veteran has a roof over their head and food to eat no tax money should be spent on any newly arriving individuals to the state of Massachusetts.
Mary Doblander
May 2, 2024 at 1:55 pm
Agree!!
Steve F
April 28, 2024 at 11:03 am
As a disabled veteran I’m appaled that veterans get a mere $20 million and illegal immigrants get over a billion, thank you Democratic slobs for nothing.
Fred
April 28, 2024 at 5:04 pm
Agree 200%
Bry
April 29, 2024 at 7:29 am
This is exactly to radical nut jobs that got in office have to go, not only that you see the red wave coming like the union boss in NYC said they forced us far far away when the act with no respect or common sense at all.
Bob White
April 29, 2024 at 7:33 pm
I got to a certain age and started to realize all the s*** bums around me are democrats.
Larry Ackman
April 30, 2024 at 7:37 am
Unacceptable some moron from Somalia vocally opposing the logic behind someone who risks dying for their country should not come first over illegal grifters from Haiti….because vets speak English? Unbecoming and insulting and people like that shouldn’t have a voice
Gennaro Bavangu
April 30, 2024 at 4:38 pm
Veterans and t citizens should always be serviced before illegal immigrants. After all, we are still a country whether you liberal retards realize it or not. This has nothing to do with politics; just common sense and common decency for fellow countrymen.
Mary Doblander
May 2, 2024 at 2:03 pm
Larry, I totally agree. The reason is they take prioriry over a US citizen now. They WANT America to be a communist state so we have NO rights, no property, no assets. Look at what happened when a journalist from NY carrying an American flag through a protest for Free Palestine and started opening it. First he was beaten, then arrested by the NY police!!
Sally
April 30, 2024 at 4:35 pm
Omg this is a disgrace if it was not for our veterans there would be no United States
🇺🇸 please pray for our veterans
Thes migrants need to go back and come here the right way
Such a messed up world
Healey should let them stay in her house 😢😢😢😢🇺🇸🙏🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏🙏
Danielle Freda
May 1, 2024 at 10:50 pm
She should be impeached as MA governor. How dare anyone put illegals over any American ESPECIALLY veterans!!! Get rid of dems and Maura Healey!!! Need Patriots in office
Mary Doblander
May 2, 2024 at 2:05 pm
Daniella, I agree with you, but unfortunately Mass has turned so left, I don’t think it will ever happen.
CHARLES E. PAPASODORO
May 3, 2024 at 6:08 am
WHY IS THE MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATIC HOUSE ALWAYS AGAINST THE WORKING PEOPLE OF OUR STATE AND ESPECIALLY OUR VETERANS!
Karen Boutin
May 5, 2024 at 9:03 am
I’m wondering why the Democrats would consider migrants come first. I believe Veteran’s should be our top priority, find them housing and give them food, shelter and what ever they need. Why are we catering to undocumented immigrants. I’m actually ashamed that I live in Massachusetts. Help American’s
first. Everyone needs to really look at who they are voting for. I think the only person to fix this is God. I support our Veterans. USA