Massachusetts House Democrats Advance $3 Billion Spending Bill Amid Migrant Crisis

Despite Republican opposition, the bill, which includes $250 million for the state's emergency shelter system, moves to the Senate.

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.