Tarr and Jones Push State Migrant Shelter Changes in Filing and Letter to Healey

Sen. Bruce E. Tarr, a Gloucester Republican, delivers remarks during Seafood Day at the State House on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. (Alison Kuznitz/SHNS.)

Senate Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr, of Gloucester, and House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones Jr., of North Reading, said Tuesday they are following through on two promises made last month to address safety and sustainability of the state’s migrant shelter system.

They sent a letter to Gov. Maura T. Healey and filed legislation on behalf of the House and Senate Republican Caucus.

“House and Senate Republicans are advocating for a multi-faceted approach to address the many problems plaguing the state’s emergency shelter system,” said Jones. “The reforms we are calling for are long overdue, and will help to enhance transparency, accountability, public safety and fiscal responsibility within the program.”

An Act relative to public safety, fiscal responsibility and emergency assistance was filed Jan. 17 in the Senate. It calls for multiple policy changes to protect public safety and promote accountability within the state’s emergency shelter system, which is costing Massachusetts taxpayers more than $1 billion a year. It also includes language authorizing, but not requiring, police and the courts to honor detainer requests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for those with violent criminal backgrounds.

“By addressing inefficiencies, promoting transparency and providing clear authority for law enforcement and courts to cooperate with federal immigration officials in cases involving violent offenders, we are not only protecting the safety of our communities, but the long-term sustainability of the state’s budget, as well,” Tarr said.

In the Healey letter, Republicans asked for regular monthly meetings with legislators and new Emergency Assistance Director Adit Basheer to improve communication and transparency; share a monthly accounting of related state costs; create a plan to reduce reliance on hotels and motels; and continue collaboration between the executive branch and legislators to achieve accountability, cost reduction and informed decision-making.

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