The Massachusetts House and Senate have approved a $58 billion state budget deal that includes a plan for free community colleges and would allow the Massachusetts Lottery to move some of its products online. The budget approved Friday would set aside more than $117 million for the free community college program, covering tuition and fees. The 15 community colleges in Massachusetts serve more than 90,000 students, about 70% of of whom attend school part-time, juggling work and family. The budget would also allow online lottery sales. raising the age to 21 to anyone buying online lottery products. The budget would also ban predatory advertising to minors.
