By Bob Katzen

Senate 39-0, approved, House approved on a voice vote without a roll call, and Gov. Maura Healey signed into law a $189.6 fiscal 2025 supplemental budget that provides $95.6 million for the Department of Children and Families and Department of Transitional Assistance-related childcare, and another $94 million for income-eligible childcare.

Supporters said the additional funding is necessary because of the difficulty of advance funding, with precision, these childcare accounts that are “caseload driven.”

“For our early education and care providers, without the authorization of such spending, our providers will not receive their scheduled June childcare financial assistance that’s due them,” said Senate Ways and Means Chair Sen Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport).

“Passing this supplemental budget ensures families across Massachusetts continue to receive the affordable, high-quality childcare they depend on,” said Sen. Dylan Fernandes (D-Falmouth). “Investing in early education and care isn’t just about helping children thrive — it’s about supporting working parents and building a stronger economy.”

The Senate approved the bill as Rodrigues was showing visiting New Bedford fourth graders around the Senate chamber. “Just like that, we spent $189 million,” Rodrigues told them.

(A “Yes” vote is for the $189.6 million for childcare.)

Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes