Senate Addresses Prescription Drug Costs, Gold Star Benefits, Pediatric Care in Second Day of Debate

 Senate Addresses Prescription Drug Costs, Gold Star Benefits, Pediatric Care in Second Day of Debate 

Senate moves through 902 amendments in two days of debate 

(BOSTON—5/21/2025) The Massachusetts Senate today added provisions to the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget to lower prescription drug costs, expand benefits for Gold Star spouses, and increase funding for pediatric palliative care, among other amendments adopted during debate.

In total, the Senate has moved through 902 amendments during the first two days of debate. The Chamber has adopted 456 amendments and rejected 262 amendments. 156 amendments remain pending.  

“This is a budget to be proud of. In the face of federal threats, we are lifting up people and families around the entire state,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Amendments that were adopted today are only making this proposal stronger, and I look forward to continuing our work tomorrow.” 

“The Senate, continuing the substantive debate put forth on day one of the FY26 budget, added more beneficial and impactful amendments concerning equitable attorney fees for the Committee on Public Counsel Services, increased funding for trial court maintenance, and lowered the high cost of prescription drugs in the Commonwealth. I’m very impressed by the high level of debate and engagement by my colleagues, as we have thoroughly and efficiently reconciled over 80% of the 1,000+ amendments filed,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Addressing the escalating cost of health care in Massachusetts is one of the top priorities of this Chamber, and I’m pleased we have passed a major prescription drug cost control measure, an initiative seniors will especially appreciate.” 

Among the amendments passed by the Senate are:   

Amendment 541, Lowering Prescription Drug Costs 

Creates a process for the Health Policy Commission to monitor pharmaceuticals and apply an upper payment limit if they believe it substantially exceeds specific parameters.  Adopted on a roll call vote, 34-5. 

Amendment 803, Annuity Eligibility for Gold Star Spouses 

Following the Senate's leadership on supporting military families in Massachusetts, this provision would allow Gold Star Family spouses to remarry without the penalty of losing their annuity benefit. Adopted on a roll call vote, 40-0. 

Amendment 524, Pediatric Palliative Care 

Increases funding by $400,000 to help address workforce needs and help 200 children with life-limiting illnesses who are eligible for services and currently on the state’s waitlist. The successful amendment brings total funding to $10.8 million. Adopted on a roll call vote, 39-0. 

Amendment 559, ROCA Young Mothers Experiencing Acute Trauma Pilot Program 

$1.25 million to support the Young Mothers Experiencing Acute Trauma Pilot Program, a behavioral intervention program that works to stabilize and support young women, most of whom are mothers, who are traumatized survivors of abuse and neglect. 

Amendment 833, Income Eligible Fare Program 

$100,000 for a public awareness campaign to be administered by the MBTA, in consultation with municipalities and community-based organizations, to promote awareness of and increase participation in the income-eligible reduced fare program. 

Amendment 863, CPCS Admin and Private Attorney Fees 

$7 million to effectuate increases for attorney fees for cases involving murder, mental health, and Superior Court cases. 

Amendment 864, Trial Court Maintenance 

An additional $7.23 million to support workforce and lease expenses for the Commonwealth’s Trial Court. 

Amendment 908, Shannon Community Safety Grants 

A $542,000 increase in funding for the Shannon Grant Program, which provides funding to local communities around the Commonwealth to reduce gang and youth violence. This successful amendment boosts the program to $13.4 million.  

Amendment 428, Housing First Responders 

A $500,000 increase for Housing Consumer Education Centers in order to ensure that Housing First Responders can continue to provide support to those in need of housing assistance.  

Amendment 646, Civics Education 

A $500,000 increase to support civics education initiatives and programming in public schools. With adoption of the amendment, the Senate budget provides $3 million bolstering civics education for Massachusetts students during a critical period for American democracy.  

Amendment 508, Boys & Girls Clubs 

A $800,000 increase brings support for Boys & Girls Clubs across Massachusetts up to $3 million. Boys & Girls Clubs provide assistance to working families with after school programs and educational and recreational programming in many communities.  Adopted on a roll call vote, 39-0. 

Amendment 615, State Aid to Regional Public Libraries 

A $500,000 increase that brings total state aid to regional public libraries up to $19.5 million.  

Amendment 324, Department of Conservation and Recreation 

A $500,000 boost for the operation of the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s state parks.  Adopted on a roll call vote, 39-0. 

A full list of amendments to the Senate’s budget and their status is available online.  

The Senate’s budget debate will continue tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. and be livestreamed online.