Senate debates $1.3B in supplemental spending

BOSTON (WWLP) - The Massachusetts Senate spent their Thursday amending and debating a $1.3 billion supplemental spending bill, which relies primarily on extra millionaire's tax funds.

This millionaire's tax, also known as the surplus spending tax, splits funds between education and transportation. It's the House and Senate's job to determine what proportion of this money goes to each category.

The House voted to designate $790 million to the MBTA, which only serves Boston and the surrounding communities. The Senate is seeking to send just $370 million to the MBTA, with $400 million going to regional transportation.

One senator defended funding rural transit as it will also help Boston.

"Robust public transportation in Fitchburg and Southbridge, and Springfield means a possibility of more housing production and easing density in Boston," said Senator Robyn Kennedy.

In the context of this bill, regional transportation includes transit authorities and road and bridge repair, in order to ensure rural areas receive the support they need.

One senator says this bill may not be a good idea in a time of great uncertainty regarding federal funding.

 "If this policy continues without stability, I will eat my words if we do not see an inflationary environment worse than it is today," said Senator Mark Montigny.

The Senate's plan sends the remaining $613 million to education initiatives, with a focus on special education.

Following Senate passage of the bill, the two branches will need to create a compromise version before it can be signed into law.