Truce in Beacon Hill budget battle?
The Senate has given initial approval to a $420 million supplemental spending bill after Republicans dropped their opposition.
The bill now moves back to the House for final approval there, before its last vote in the Senate.
It's unclear if Representative Karyn Polito, a Shrewsbury Republican running for state treasurer, will continue to block the measure.
Both she and Senator Richard Tisei have been stalling the bill, saying it includes unnecessary spending and should be debated in a full, formal legislative session. Tisei requested additional information before he let it pass Friday.
The Patrick administration argues the two are grandstanding and jeopardizing federal funds to prevent prison closings and State Police cuts.
Tisei is a Wakefield Republican and running mate to GOP gubernatorial candidate Charles Baker.
