Senate accepts $259 million midyear supplemental budget including indigent-defense and education protections

The Massachusetts Senate accepted a conference committee report on a $259 million midyear supplemental budget that funds a range of near-term needs, most notably measures to strengthen indigent defense, home care and other social programs, and a new state-level codification of education protections for English learners and students with disabilities.

Senators said the report funds ‘‘critical deficiencies across government’’ and addresses an ongoing work stoppage among private-bar advocates. "We provide fiscally responsible and sustainable rate increases for private bar advocates across all categories by $10 per hour each year for the next two years," Senator Roderick, chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, said while outlining the package on the floor.

Key appropriations and policy elements listed during the floor explanation include: - $259,000,000 total supplemental appropriation intended to pay bills and fund critical deficiencies; the administration may…