Boston, MA - Republican proposals were successfully integrated into the Emergency Assistance Commission’s final report—a significant victory for common-sense reform. Among the recommendations for the emergency shelter program, which is projected to exceed $1 billion in costs this fiscal year and drain billions more in the coming years, were the following:

1. Codify Governor Healey’s August 1, 2024, Emergency Assistance Placement Prioritization Directive which were originally proposed by the Republicans in the  state legislature such as priority preference to veterans seeking emergency shelter. 

2. Establish a six-month residency requirement for Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter applications.

3. Reduce the EA length-of-stay policy to six months.

These reforms, championed by Senator Ryan Fattman (R-Worcester and Hampden) and Representative Paul Frost (R-7th Worcester)-the only Republicans on the 12-member commission-represent a major step toward accountability and fiscal responsibility. Their leadership has compelled Democrats to confront and consider long-overdue reforms to the EA system. It is now up to the legislature to adopt these much needed reforms. 

Senator Ryan Fattman emphasized the urgent need for action, stating: “Come January 1st, the funding pool sustaining the migrant crisis will be depleted. This leaves the Democratic supermajority with two choices: raising taxes or slashing critical programs that directly impact Massachusetts residents. The only viable solution is reform, and it’s clear that Democrats are finally beginning to recognize this reality. While their acknowledgment comes about 18 months too late, we’re encouraged to see progress in the right direction.”

Representative Paul Frost echoed Senator Fattman’s call for urgent reform, stating: “As it stands, people from out of state or out of country can arrive in Massachusetts and immediately gain access to extensive and costly services and push current Massachusetts families in need aside for our emergency housing system.  This legislative session, reform is not just an option-it’s a necessity. Implementing a six-month residency requirement for emergency housing eligibility is critical to refocusing on protecting Massachusetts residents and upholding the original intent of the right-to-shelter program.”