Budgeting process in Massachusetts reaches final stages
May 30, 2011
BOSTON, Massachusetts: Last Thursday the Massachusetts State Senate passed its version of the state budget for fiscal year 2012.[1]
Now, the budget moves to a conference committee where Senate and House leaders will negotiate the discrepancies between the two legislative documents.[2]
"We have completed another budget, but it has been an extremely difficult budget, and while we've acted cautiously, I know we would all like to have done more," said Therese Murray (D), Senate President.[3]
Neither chamber's budget plan increases taxes. Both use $440 million in onetime revenue to help balance the $1.9 billion spending gab.[1] Additionally, the Senate and House maintained the new provisions that will curtail unions ability to collectively bargain for health care benefits at the local level. Officials have said this will save $100 million for municipalities.[3]
After the conference committee reconciles the two document, it will head to Governor Deval Patrick's desk for signature. He will have 10 days to approve the appropriations bill.[1]
See also
Footnotes
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- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Boston Globe, "Mass. Senate OKs $30.5 billion state budget," May 27, 2011
- ↑ Boston Herald, "Mass. budget debate entering critical, final stage," May 28, 2011
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Masslive, "Senate's $30.5 billion budget, passed late Thursday, includes cuts to local aid, health care," May 27, 2011
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