Mass Senate considers more than 1,000 budget amendments

BOSTON (WWLP) – The Massachusetts Senate continued its budget debates in the State House on Thursday, where lawmakers are working on 1,100 proposed amendments.

When proposed by Governor Healey, this budget represented a spending plan of nearly $58 billion. Today, more than twenty-four hours after the start of their budget deliberations, senators have considered or withdrawn more than half of the amendments filed.

Among those accepted was Senator John Velis’ amendment “Combating Anti-Semitism,” which passed unanimously.

“Five U.S. states account for more than fifty percent of anti-Semitic incidents. Massachusetts is one of them,” Velis said. “Last night’s amendment was basically saying enough is enough.”

Other amendments passed include increased funding for children’s behavioral health, benefits for women veterans and increased aid for rural schools, such as those in western Massachusetts.

Senate budget deliberations are expected to continue for several more hours, but lawmakers say they plan to wrap up late Thursday or early Friday morning.