Mass. Senate Passes Municipal Relief Bill

The Massachusetts Senate has passed a bill that will allow municipalities to save money by paying their pension obligations at a slower rate and offering early retirement programs.

The Senate approved Thursday what has been called a "municipal relief" bill. The legislation was a compromise between bills the House and Senate passed earlier this legislative session.

Municipalities can now out extend out their pension payment schedules from 2030 to 2040.

Senate Republicans expressed dismay that the bill does not give municipalities the power redesign their health care plans without going through collective bargaining with unions.

The bill will now be sent to Gov. Deval Patrick.

Patrick has expressed support for a number of the bill's initiatives.