By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-0, approved an amendment providing $500,000 to The “Free Period Project” to provide free feminine hygiene products to students and low-income workers across the state. This program currently serves only the South Shore and the additional funding would expand it statewide.

“It’s become apparent that Free Period’s work is needed throughout Massachusetts,” said sponsor Sen. Patrick O’Conner (R-Weymouth). “In a needs assessment conducted in 300 schools throughout the commonwealth, it was found that 92 percent of schools have inadequate funding for feminine hygiene products and many have no funding at all. Over 60 percent of schools rely on school nurses, teachers or parent teacher organizations to step up and provide these products. It’s time for the state to step up.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the $500,000.)

Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes