Gov. Announces Big Cuts At Expo
Gov. Patrick at the New England Expo. He announced $352 million in cuts to state government spending.
During remarks at the New England Business Expo today, Gov. Deval Patrick announced $352 million in cuts to state government.
Of the $352 million, $277 million will be cut from the executive branch. The remaining $75 million will be cut from non-executive branch agencies such as the legislature, judiciary, constitutional officers, sheriffs and district attorneys.
The cuts are aimed at closing a reported $600 million mid-year budget gap.
Patrick began his remarks highlighting the Bay State's strengths as an innovator. However, he said those economic strengths won't allow Massachusetts to be immune from the current climate.
"As good as we are, we cannot fuel the future on the fumes of the past," he said.
According to a press release released during his remarks, an additional $35 million in cuts will come from state agency personnel reductions. The governor has asked unions to agree to contract revisions to reduce costs. If those concessions aren't made, the state will have to lay off up to 2,000 employees.
"We must share in this sacrifice," he said.
The governor also pledged to preserve the following:
- $970 million for state colleges
- $4.037 billion in state education aid
- $16 million for universal pre-K and Head Start
- $936 million for local aid to cities and towns
- Maintained eligibility for MassHealth and Commonwealth Care
- $10 million for Department of Mental Health club houses
- Preserved funding for family shelters, rental vouches and local housing authorities
- Avoided closing any correctional facilities
A list of full reductions can be viewed here.
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