Massachusetts Senate GOP to push for tougher Lawrence bill

BOSTON (FOX25, myfoxboston) - Republicans in the Massachusetts Senate are pushing to require the state to immediately appoint a control board to take over Lawrence's finances.

Republicans say they'll file an amendment Tuesday when the Senate is scheduled to debate a bill that would allow Lawrence to seek an additional $35 million in bonds to balance its budget.

The House bill approved last week would require the state to immediately appoint an overseer. It would not take the extra step of appointing a finance control board unless the overseer determined the city couldn't manage its finances.

Senate Ways and Means Chairman Steven Panagiotakos (pan-ah-gee-oh-TAH'-kos), a Lowell Democrat, said the Senate bill will have more restrictions than the House, but won't immediately name a control board.

There are just four Republicans left in the 40-seat state Senate.