State Budgets: Massachusetts Eliminates Programs; Governor Open to Gas Tax Rise

Gov. Deval Patrick (D) in early December ordered cuts to close a $1.4 billion shortfall in the current budget. The cuts included several programs and $624 million in “9C” cuts whereby the governor can reduce spending without legislative approval. The current budget is $1.3 billion larger than the previous budget. For future years, Patrick has indicated he is open to raising the state gas tax.

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