Regional school districts got a much-needed boost from the Massachusetts State Senate Wednesday night, with passage of a budget amendment co-sponsored by Senator Dan Wolf (D-Harwich) that adds $3 million to next year’s student transportation funding.

Under the Senate plan, state reimbursement for regional school transportation would rise to $43.5 million, up from $40.5 million previously proposed by the House of Representatives.

“With four regional school districts on the Cape and Islands, the impact for our region is huge,” said Wolf. “This is a step towards 100 percent funding of regional school transportation, and frees up money for classrooms and teachers.”

The amendment, sponsored by Senator Benjamin Downing (D-Pittsfield), passed without a dissenting vote.

The transportation funding complemented another successful budget amendment sponsored by Wolf, passed earlier in the day, which ensures that schools in the process of regionalizing are eligible for more state funding for planning and implementation.

“Taken together, these two initiatives bring much-needed support to communities that value education, and are trying to find creative solutions to our funding woes,” added Wolf.