Massachusetts Senate Democrats will take up a $57.9 billion budget later this month that does not close a projected budget gap at the MBTA, where officials expect the agency will run a more than $600 million operating deficit come the new fiscal year that starts in July.

Under the Senate’s plans, the new program would cover community college tuition and fees for all residents, while some could receive a stipend of up to $1,200 to cover books, supplies, and other costs.

The Senate budget will also recommend continuing fiscal 2024 higher education investments, such as $18 million in free nursing programs at community colleges and $24 million that the state is currentl

Even in times of economic uncertainty, some investments are worth making, according to state Senate President Karen Spilka. That was the message Spilka shared on Monday after she appeared at Middlesex Community College’s Lowell campus to announce the upper chamber’s plan to provide a free college education to every Massachusetts resident who wants one.