"Patrick faults transport measures; Says lawmakers watered down cost-savings bills" by Matt Viser, Globe Staff | April 14, 2009
Patrick administration officials today are expected to lower the revenue estimates for this fiscal year for the third time, which will cause a further gap of about $500 million that will likely need to be closed using state reserves, federal stimulus money, and possibly more midyear budget cuts.
What "reserves?" WTF?
House lawmakers tomorrow are scheduled to release a budget proposal for next year that one lawmaker described as "the worst budget in state history."
Yeah, it'll kill ya I heard!
House lawmakers decided to prohibit any amendments that would insert revenues for casino gambling or slot machines, a debate that is expected to take place later this year but could bog down the budget discussions....
After we voted down the dog racing?
We DON'T WANT GAMBLING HERE, dammit!!!!
Governor Deval Patrick cut an additional 750 jobs from state government yesterday and said he will furlough 5,000 executive branch employees for up to five days, a response to relentlessly plunging state revenues that have forced the governor to make an unprecedented series of spending reductions.
It was the third time in seven months Patrick has announced emergency budget cuts, and there was no indication it is over. Patrick's actions yesterday are part of a plan to close a $156 million deficit, but he said that gap could grow by another $400 million before July 1.
"The economic downturn is hitting state government especially hard, leaving us with tough choices among miserable options," Patrick said during a State House press conference....
Related:
Pigs at the State Trough
A Slow Saturday Special: Statehouse Slush Fund
Hollywood S***s on Massachusetts
How many times I gotta put them up?
Of course, you know what Taxachushitts answer is to all this:
Increasing the sales tax by 1 percentage point could raise about $750 million, according to some estimates. "We've talked about [a sales tax increase] in individual groups," said Representative Cory Atkins, Democrat of Concord. "Given the options, where would you go? A sales tax is a decent choice."
How about NO SALES TAX AT ALL, like NH?!!!!
The House budget has been shrouded in secrecy, with conflicting rumors spreading about how deep the budget cuts will be. House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo and Representative Charles Murphy, chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, have declined multiple requests for comment....
As they formulate their spending plans, the lawmakers have also been raising campaign money, a Beacon Hill tradition at budget season.
Ready to get ANGRY, readers?
Murphy hosted a fund-raiser last week at the Liberty Hotel ballroom, complete with meatball sliders and lamb chops....
EAT the POLITICIANS!! They TASTE LIKE PORK!!!
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