The Senate begins its budget process today, with the release of the Senate Ways and Means proposal. The SWM budget follows a similar script to the House, foregoing a tax relief proposal put forward by Governor Baker and including hundreds of millions in new investments. Like earlier proposals, the SWM budget makes a historic new investment in K-12 education and includes an $880 million hospital assessment and reinvestment proposal. The SWM budget stands out from other budgets for investments in child care, scholarships, and support for low-income communities.