Budget Amendments

The big one is, of course, the immigration reform amendment.  Noah Bierman and Maria Sacchetti look at how it hits illegal residents of Massachusetts.

In a measure of just how politically potent illegal immigration has become, the Senate, on a 28-10 vote, replaced a far milder budget amendment it had passed Wednesday. The sweeping provision, if it makes it into law, would toughen or expand rules that bar illegal immigrants from public health care, housing, and higher education benefits.

The amendment would also clear the way for courts, the state attorney general, and even average citizens to get new tools, including an anonymous hot line, to report illegal immigrants or companies that employ them to the government.

The prospects for the measure to become law, however, are uncertain. Not only would it have to make the final budget plan lawmakers approve for next fiscal year, but it would also have to survive a possible veto by Governor Deval Patrick, who has been cool to such initiatives.

 The Massachusetts Liberal calls this new, stronger amendment pandering to the Tea Party.

Hillary Chabot notes that the Senate passed an amendment that would make inmates pay rent for staying in prison.

And the Associated Press reports that the Senate has voted to eliminate the "hack holidays" of Evacuation Day and Bunker Hill Day.