Politics & Government

MA Legislators Approve $34 Billion Budget

Budget would reportedly prevent a tuition hike for in-state students attending UMass schools.

By Jake O'Donnell

Beacon Hill legislators approved a new $34 billion budget Monday for fiscal year 2014, according to an Associated Press story published by the Boston Herald.

According to the report, the House voted 123-29 and the Senate 36-3 to approve the spending plan.

Several details about the budget had been made public through multiple published reports Monday including by the Boston Globe and the Associated Press.

The Globe reported the budget includes a $39 million increase in funding for the University of Massachusetts system meant to prevent a tuition hike for in-state students, $25 million more for early education and salary hikes for judges. 

The AP report included details on $21 million in new unrestricted aid spending for cities and towns plus $110 million more for Chapter 70 assistance for public education.

A conference committee of House and Senate members agreed to the budget proposal late Sunday night, according to the AP.

As of Monday afternoon there had yet to be an agreement between lawmakers and Gov. Deval Patrick on one of the biggest and most contentious issues facing them this year: transportation funding, according to the Globe.

As part of the spending plan, the Globe reported the Legislature has agreed to changes to state Electronic Benefits Transfer cards, including the requiring of photo identification on the cards.


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