After days of debate, the Massachusetts Senate has passed their budget for the 2019 fiscal year.
After days of debate, the Massachusetts Senate has passed their budget for the 2019 fiscal year.
After senators added $75.5 million dollars in spending, the Ways and Means Committee tallied the budget at $41.49 billion.
The budget debate wrapped up at 12:38 a.m. Friday after three days.
According to State House News, Senate President Harriette Chandler called the process "one of the smoothest budget processes to date."
The budget allows for $88 million for regional transit authorities and the establishment of a task force on RTA performance funding.
Health and Human Services and local aid are also a focal point with the budget, allocating more than $140 million for a wide range of substance abuse treatment and recovery services. The budget also provides $156 million for emergency assistance and family shelters.
There is also significant funding in the areas of elementary and secondary education which includes more than $500 million in funding for the University of Massachusetts, $282 million for community colleges, and $259 million for state colleges and universities.
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A committee will now work out the differences between the Senate and House versions of the budget.
The new budget will take effect on July 1.
