Press Room

Halfway through budget debate, members have boosted veterans’ benefits, HIV/AIDS funding, the TAFDC clothing allowance, substance use programs and statewide YWCAs 

(BOSTON–5/22/2024) Approximately halfway through debate of the Senate’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget, the upper chamber has dealt with 635 amendments, spanning categories including environment, economic development, and health and human services. As of 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the Senate has adopted 245 amendments, rejected 204 amendments and taken 14 roll call votes.  

“The amendments we’ve adopted thus far show where the Senate’s priorities are: supporting local downtowns, our veterans, our young people, our climate, and those who need our support,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I’m looking forward to continuing this good work for the Commonwealth, and I'm thankful to each of our members for their thoughtful contributions and advocacy.” 

“I’m proud of how the FY 25 budget process has gone so far, we’re in great shape, taking up and dispensing half of the 1,100 filed amendments. This inclusive and transparent process the Senate engages in has allowed members to fully articulate the benefit rationale contained within their funding initiatives. We’ve made substantial progress improving upon our economic development, health and human services, and environmental priorities. I thank my Senate colleagues for their always thoughtful input, and President Spilka for her compassionate and resolute leadership as we continue to rebuild our economy and solidify our state’s long-term economic health,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.  

Among the amendments passed by the Senate are:  

Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children clothing allowance -Amendment 552 

Proposed by Senator DiDomenico and adopted by a roll call vote of 39-0, the amendment increases the clothing allowance for children in families receiving Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children from $450 to $500 per child, with a fiscal cost of $3.5M. 

Investing in matched savings programs, to help close racial and other wealth gaps – Amendment 114 

Proposed by Senator Eldridge and adopted, the amendment appropriates $250K for matched-savings programs to help close critical racial and other wealth gaps of low-to-moderate-income households. 

Increasing Veterans’ benefits – Amendment 825 

Proposed by Senator Rush and adopted by the Senate, the amendment increases funding for veterans’ benefits by $2.2M.  

Small business plastics alternative pilot – Amendment 87 

Proposed by Senator Rausch and adopted by a roll call vote of 39-0, the amendment dedicates $150K toward a grant program to help small businesses with shifting to alternatives to single-use plastics, including biodegradable, compostable, or reusable bottles and food service ware.  

Boosting funding for statewide after school programs – Amendment 665 

Proposed by Senator Crighton and adopted by the Senate, the amendment boosts funding for after school programs by $2M.  

Massachusetts downtown initiative – Amendment 250 

Proposed by Senator Payano and adopted by a roll call of 39-0, the amendment allocates $600K to assist municipalities in promoting compact, walkable downtowns that have a vibrant mix of commercial and residential uses, cultural and recreational amenities, and access to public transportation. 

Loan originator administration and consumer counseling - Amendment 353 

Proposed by Senator Edwards and adopted, the amendment dedicates $1.5M toward grants for programs focused on best lending practices, first-time homeowner counseling for nontraditional loans, and foreclosure education centers, putting homeownership and financial health within reach for new families.  

Contingency Management – Amendment 381 

Proposed by Senator Velis and adopted by a roll call vote of 39-0, the amendment dedicates $1M to contingency management programs to support individuals with stimulant use disorder. Contingency management is a type of substance use treatment therapy that rewards patients for not using drugs. 

Boosting YWCA investment – Amendment 509 

Proposed by Senator Kennedy and adopted by a roll call of 39-0, the amendment increases funding for statewide YWCAs by $350K, to a total of $1M. 

Mattress recycling pilot program - Amendment 197 

Proposed by Senator Edward Kennedy and adopted, the amendment allocates $500K for a pilot program for mattress recycling services, with a focus on fostering job security for individuals facing barriers to employment. 

Historic funding for statewide HIV/AIDS programs - Amendment 490  

Proposed by Senator Cyr and adopted by a roll call vote of 39-0, the amendment increases the funding amount for HIV/AIDS programs and services by $1.1M, to a total of $30.5M. 

Boosting state Narcan supply – Amendment 571 

Proposed by Senator Velis and adopted by a roll call vote of 39-0, the amendment increases the funding amount for the Department of Public Health to purchase naloxone by $655K, for a new total of $1.3M. 

The Senate anticipates debate continuing through Wednesday afternoon and into Thursday, before approving a final version of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget.  

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