House Releases $32.2B State Budget
BOSTON (AP) — Democratic leaders in the Massachusetts House have unveiled a $32.2 billion state budget plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Bernice Corpuz reports
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House Ways and Means Chairman Brian Dempsey said the proposal is about 5 percent higher than the current budget and $191 million less than the Gov. Deval Patrick's proposed budget.
The House plan includes increased funding for local aid and $61 million in new spending for community colleges, state universities and the University of Massachusetts system.
It also includes extra money for substance abuse programs. There are no new taxes hikes in the proposal.
The budget quickly came under criticism from youth advocates, who said it would cut funding for more than 1,000 summer jobs.
House Republicans also faulted Democrats for blocking amendments on local aid, education spending, and the state's welfare system.
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