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MA Gov. Patrick Delivers Final Budget

http://www.mass.gov/governor/pressoffice/portraits/

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick delivered his final state budget to Beacon Hill lawmakers, which proposes increasing spending by 4.9 percent over the current fiscal year. The 2015 fiscal year spending plan expands early education, helps close the achievement gap in schools, ensures affordable health care, and addresses youth and urban violence.

The plan includes a $205 million increase in education funding, with money for full-day kindergarten.

The plan also increases funding for the state transportation department and the MBTA by $141 million to end what Patrick called the costly practice of paying for transportation staff on the capital budget.

Patrick is again proposing $57 million in new tax revenues by applying the state's sales tax to candy and soda.

“It’s a sensible budget,” Patrick said. “But, remember that last year the Legislature did raise taxes. I don’t think we can come back year after year asking for significant tax increases.”

The budget now heads to the Legislature.

Audio courtesy of Newschannel 13 WNYT.

Jim is WAMC’s Associate News Director and hosts WAMC's flagship news programs: Midday Magazine, Northeast Report and Northeast Report Late Edition. Email: jlevulis@wamc.org