Governor Deval Patrick today signed a budget
… that cuts aid to cities and towns
pares back programs throughout state government
and imposes $1 billion in additional taxes
on Massachusetts residents, shoppers, and visitors
In signing the $27 billion budget
which is $400 million less than the proposal
approved this month by House and Senate lawmakers
Patrick issued vetoes that cut funding in a number of areas
He said the budget “reflects the stark economic realities of the time.”
…thanks in part to $167 million in federal stimulus money…
Patrick's plan restores health care coverage for 30,000 legal immigrants
and provides a record-high $4 billion in education funding
for cities and towns
It also includes more than $1 billion in new taxes
His budget calls for nearly $150 million in line-item vetoes
eliminating or slashing programs that the Legislature approved
In addition, it eliminates $217 million in funding for county sheriffs
according to an administration official briefed on the budget
…The budget includes more than $1 billion in tax increases
which include new taxes on hotels, alcohol, meals, and satellite dishes
The new sales tax rate
which will increase from 5 percent to 6.25 percent
will go into effect Aug 1
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