Billion-dollar life sciences bill passes Senate; governor to sign Monday

Proponents of the bill said today in Senate debate that the bill would boost the state's economy while developing life-saving treatments.

"This isn't just for one industry. This will have an enormous impact over a longer run," said Senator Harriette Chandler, a Worcester Democrat. She said the bill would also have an "absolutely revolutionary" impact on healthcare.

Senate minority leader Richard Tisei told members that the bill was an example of "pork barrel spending.

"I just remind you that it's the taxpayers that are paying. ... It's taxpayers' money, it doesn't grow on trees," he said.