Massachusetts House lawmakers are returning for a third day of debate on their proposed $30.4 billion state budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts House lawmakers are returning for a third day of debate on their proposed $30.4 billion state budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
On Tuesday lawmakers adopted an amendment to bar welfare recipients from using their state-issued electronic benefits cards to buy alcohol, tobacco or lottery tickets.
Supporters of the ban say it safeguards tax dollars.
The House approved a second amendment Tuesday that would repeal a law requiring medical companies to disclose to state regulators all gifts over $50 given to doctors while banning other kinds of gifts outright.
Democratic House leaders say their proposed budget trims spending and dips deeper into the state's reserve fund.
It also offers local communities relief from soaring municipal health insurance costs at the expense of some union bargaining rights.