Mass. Senate rejects EBT, hospital amendments - Boston News, Weather, Sports | FOX 25 | MyFoxBoston

Mass. Senate rejects EBT, hospital amendments

The Massachusetts Senate has rejected Gov. Deval Patrick's budget proposals to restrict businesses that can accept welfare benefits and to close a psychiatric hospital in Taunton.

State senators rejected the welfare measure in a voice vote during their Thursday session. They also voted unanimously to override the governor's budget veto that would have closed Taunton State Hospital.

Both proposals were shot down in the House of Representatives on Wednesday.

With the override, lawmakers ensured that $5.1 million to support 45 beds at the hospital will remain in the new state budget.

Prior to the Senate session, Patrick told reporters his welfare proposal would have created a practical way to combat fraud, but lawmakers criticized the amendment for weakening their proposed restrictions.

The welfare amendment now heads back to Patrick for consideration.