House Adds Funds For Veterans, Environment in State Budget

BOSTON (AP) — House lawmakers have tacked more than $20 million on to the proposed state budget as they continue debate on the nearly $40 billion spending plan.

The House on Tuesday unanimously approved an amendment adding about $15.3 million for social services and veterans programs. Also approved was an amendment adding nearly $5.5 billion for environmental, recreational and agricultural programs, including funds for coastal water quality monitoring in Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound and seasonal staffing at several Boston-area beaches.

House leaders are expected to wrap up work on the spending package as early as Wednesday. It will then go to the Senate.

Lawmakers hope to put a final version on Republican Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk before the start of the state’s new fiscal year on July 1.