655 million for Massachusetts.

The U.S. House passed a bill yesterday extending $26.1 billion to states, including roughly $200 million in education money and $450 million in Medicaid cash for Massachusetts. Patrick said he believes state lawmakers will have to return to dole out the federal dough to several state agencies.

“I assume that would require formal session,” said Patrick, who also urged the Legislature to take up his casino plan authorizing three resort casinos but no slots.

A bill legalizing three casinos and two slot licenses was all but dead last week after Patrick sent it back without the slot parlors. Legislators ended formal session July 31, so two-thirds of them would have to agree to return to formal session to take up either the federal aid appropriation or the casino bill.

Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) said state departments could go without the federal money until lawmakers come back into session in January.

Another bail out for our State which should help schools, cops and fireman. Lets see how Beacon Hill deals with this and if indeed they come back to formal session. Another crack at casinos may be in the works.