House approves supplemental budget adding raises for private bar advocates and funding for public defenders

The Massachusetts House accepted a conference report on a supplemental appropriations bill that adds $259,000,000 in spending for fiscal 2025 and includes an immediate plan to raise pay for private bar advocates and expand public defender staffing. Representative Mike Wits of Boston presented the conference report and asked the House to approve it.

The measure matters because it couples a short-term response to a labor stoppage affecting indigent defense with longer-term investments in public defender staffing. Supporters said the package is intended to restore representation for people who rely on court-appointed counsel and to reduce reliance on private contractors.

Representative Mike Wits of Boston, speaking for the conference report, said, “this legislation that is before you today makes timely investments that will better position the Commonwealth in the coming weeks and months ahead.” He…