When the Senate took up the bill, Sen. Vinny deMacedo proposed an amendment requiring supplemental security income to be counted in determining TAFDC benefits, similar to Baker's recommendations. Sen. Patrick O'Connor added a further amendment attempting to strike a compromise on when SSI benefits would begin to be counted. The Senate rejected both measures.
"We are thrilled that the legislative leadership chose to act so quickly on this important legislation," said Arline Isaacson, co-chair of the Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus.