Senate budget debate day 2 recap
BOSTON (WWLP) – The Senate is almost done with its budget negotiations after adding $74 million to the bottom line, and mostly Republican amendments remain on the table.
The original bottom line of this budget is $61.32 billion, and senators have been considering 1,058 amendments that would add at least $2 billion more.
During Wednesday's debates, senators dealt with more than 300 of these amendments.
Senators chose to add funding for reduced fares for students on public transportation, regional libraries, a jail diversion program, and pediatric palliative care.
The proceedings also included a rare real debate, instead of just pre-written remarks. Senators argued back and forth for 90 minutes on prescription drug price caps, which ultimately passed. Opponents expressed worries about passing the policy-heavy amendment without public hearings.
Westfield Senator John Velis took the floor to change a policy that ends benefits for Gold-Star spouses should they remarry.
The Senate president says the amendment is common sense. 'It makes no sense, we changed that so the surviving spouse can keep the benefits. That's important to families,' said Senate President Karen Spilka.
Senators still need to make a decision on 156 amendments,142 of which were filed by Republicans, and the vast majority of which were filed by minority leader Bruce Tarr. Once the remaining 156 amendments are settled, the House and Senate will need to reconcile their differences and send a compromise budget to the governor's desk.
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