BOSTON (WWLP) – Beacon Hill was abuzz with holiday joy this week, as state officials tie up loose ends before the New Year.
Lawmakers looked ahead to some new health care regulations created by the passage of laws allowing qualified internationally-trained physicians to practice medicine in the state and improving the systems in place for maternal health care support.
New emergency shelter rules took effect this week, but advocates say they more families will end up on the streets.
“I think the criteria don’t really seem to match what families need are when it comes to being able to safely exit a shelter for permanent housing,” Andrea Park, the Director of Community Driven Advocacy for the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, told 22News.
The new regulations feature a two-track system based on each family’s level of need. The Massachusetts GOP joined in on the debate about when ballot question 1 takes effect, which allows the state auditor to examine the finances of the legislature.