Government & Politics

Gov. Maura Healey filed a supplemental spending bill Monday, seeking another $425 million from a reserve account to keep the maxed-out emergency assistance shelter program running for the next six months.

The state auditor found a key industry watchdog was not properly holding the hospitals to account, which are claims the watchdog agency disputes.

This second round of funding awarded on Dec. 23 followed an application process announced in September. 

The governor's office said about 280 people who were facing disqualification will be sent letters starting Thursday informing them that they no longer need to worry due to the new law. Another 65 drivers will benefit from the law after they address other outstanding obligations, Healey's office said.

Lawmakers rushed a hospital oversight bill to Gov. Maura Healey on Monday, agreeing on policy responses to the Steward Health Care crisis that aim to better regulate private equity firms and stiffen penalties for entities that fail to submit required information.

Some reports have suggested task force members -- who stretch across a range of professional backgrounds and industry interests -- have been split over how far their recommendations to the governor should go.

Top Democrats needed a few extra months to reach agreements on major laws this session, but wrapped up business for the term with almost a day to spare and New Year's Eve plans intact.  

The MNA has filed a sixth round of complaints to state and federal regulators regarding Saint Vincent Hospital.

Rep. John Lawn of Watertown and Sen. Cindy Friedman of Arlington said the bills represent the Legislature's response to the ongoing fallout from the collapse of Steward Health Care and the ever-increasing health care costs consumers face.

Thursday's action included three bills newly advanced by the Senate Ways and Means Committee.