BOSTON (AP) - Legislation that would abolish a Massachusetts rule that denies additional welfare benefits to children born into families already receiving public assistance is once again headed toward Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk.
The Senate voted 37-1 on Thursday to lift the so-called Cap on Kids, following a similarly overwhelming vote in the House last week.
Under the current rule, welfare recipients do not receive any additional cash benefits if another child is born. The rule was intended to discourage people from having more children while on public assistance, but critics say the policy is outdated and hurts thousands of low-income children.
Lawmakers voted last year to lift the cap but Baker vetoed the measure after the legislative session had ended. The Republican said he wanted the change tied to other welfare eligibility reforms.
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