Overview

• Massachusetts House Democrats have moved a $3 billion spending bill, including $250 million for the state's emergency shelter system, despite opposition from Republicans.
• The bill had stalled three times due to GOP opposition, but was finally advanced by a voice vote to the Senate.
• Republicans have opposed the bill's provision for the state's shelter system, arguing it includes no measures to stem the flow of migrant families that have overwhelmed the program.
• The package would require Governor Maura Healey to open overflow sites by Dec. 31, and keep them operational until the end of the fiscal year.
• Republicans have seized upon the migrant crisis as a rare issue that can attract voters to their side, with some pushing to abolish or modify the state's right-to-shelter law.