Posted on 07/14/2008 7:02:39 AM PDT by pabianice
Signaling a potential state money meltdown, Gov. Deval Patrick is asking lawmakers to grant him extraordinary budget-slashing power to make emergency cuts if the economy takes another turn for the worse.
In addition to bracing for the effects of the shaky stock market, state officials are working furiously to secure a Medicaid reimbursement for the state’s new Universal Health Care Law worth hundreds of millions in federal dollars.
“It’s an ugly scene to say the least,” said Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
Patrick vetoed $122.5 million from the pork-packed budget yesterday, but financial watchdogs say the reduction isn’t nearly enough to stave off additional cuts in a few short months.
“We called for cuts of more than double this,” Widmer said.
Patrick echoed the likelihood of additional cutbacks as he signed the budget and asked lawmakers to give him the power to make sweeping cuts later in the year.
“Granting that authority now, before the end of legislative session, allows us to respond quickly and responsibly in the event of a serious downturn,” Patrick said. “We’ve got to prepare for the economic trouble ahead.”
A supplemental budget Patrick filed yesterday would expand his so-called 9C cuts, which are emergency powers allowing the governor to cut within executive agencies to balance the budget. The expansion would allow Patrick to cut all state agencies.
Patrick cut three times more than he did in last year’s budget, targeting 260 legislative pet projects, but the vetoes still only make up less than 1 percent of the $28.1 billion budget.
The budget is balanced using hundreds of millions in federal Medicaid funds. The state is negotiating a three-year extension for the reimbursement, but has not reached a settlement and has already blown by two deadlines as of today.
Depending on how much the feds award the state, lawmakers could be facing a steep budget gap.
Given the tough projections for both tax revenues and the federal aid, pols signaled early support of Patrick’s expanded power.
“A fiscal downturn could come upon us very quickly, and I think we need to be ready for it if that is the case,” said Senate Ways and Means chairman Steven Panagiotakos.
He said the Legislature will be out of formal session and may not be able to approve cuts quickly after July 31. Former Gov. Mitt Romney was granted expanded cutting power during the recession in 2003, but his powers weren’t as expansive as the ones Patrick is requesting.
Lawmakers didn’t appear fazed by the vetoes.
“I figured it would be something like that,” said Rep. Brian Wallace (D-Boston) when told of the $122.5 million in vetoes. That doesn’t mean he was pleased. “No one likes to get their programs cut, and it’s important in a special election year.”
Well, yes, why not make all taxpayers pay for Mitt's socialized medicine. We gotta keep those subsized abortions available don't we?
Can't wait for the apocalyptic ads this fall from the Usual Suspects.
Is Gov. Patrick really going to spend less in the next fiscal year than he is in the current fiscal year? If that’s the case, then he deserves praise!
I cannot wait to vote to abolish the income tax.I know full well the they will ignore and repeal the vote, but at least I’ll be able to watch them all scramble for a few weeks..............
Does this mean Deval’s shopping spree for a private jet is off?
Wow, if this keeps up he may have to scuttle his plans for free tuition for illegal immigrants - now that would break his heart.
One doubts that his calls for “eloquent rapists” and
hoards of criminal illegals will change.
Saving money as far as govt goes is so easy. Every govt office at every level is at least 100% over-hired. Simply lay off all manager types since all govt promotions are always given to the worst employees who suck butt rather than produce anything. Then get rid of 50% of the rest. Problem solved.
Since the politicians are always telling us how great govt employees are these laid off people should have no trouble selling their skills in the private sector. (/sarc)
Attention Massachusettes-— Michigan begins with an ‘M’ too!
Can’t help but notice that the Gay Marriage states of Taxxachusettes and Californicata are both facing severe budget crisis. Ahh the joys of liberal govt. taking for the people, from the people and over the people!
Hey “Coupe” Deval, Where’s my Property Tax Relief that you promised me and All the Moonbats during your campaign?
Also all of the criminals that voted for you are wondering where that CORI Reform promise went.
Don’t blame me I voted for Muffy.
And didn’t this state just issue a $1 BILLION bond for ECSR? Idiots.
no, when liberals say budget cut what they mean is they wanted to increase the budget by 10% but they only raised the budget by 4% which is a 6% "budget cut"
get it
That’s exactly what a “Budget Cut” here in MA means.
no, when liberals [and most Republicans, such as as Bush and McCain] say budget cut what they mean is they wanted to increase the budget by 10% but they only raised the budget by 4% which is a 6% "budget cut"
that is why even though you always hear in the news about the evil republican budget cuts the budget has not decreased since the end of WWII just take a look at the last fourteen years
United States federal budget, 2009 - $3.10 trillion
United States federal budget, 2008 - $2.90 trillion
United States federal budget, 2007 - $2.77 trillion
United States federal budget, 2006 - $2.7 trillion
United States federal budget, 2005 - $2.4 trillion
United States federal budget, 2004 - $2.3 trillion
United States federal budget, 2003 - $2.2 trillion
United States federal budget, 2002 - $2.0 trillion
United States federal budget, 2001 - $1.9 trillion
United States federal budget, 2000 - $1.8 trillion
United States federal budget, 1999 - $1.7 trillion
United States federal budget, 1998 - $1.7 trillion
United States federal budget, 1997 - $1.6 trillion
United States federal budget, 1996 - $1.6 trillion
A friend of mine is on the school committee in a snobby MA town (that shall remain nameless). Whenever someone on the school committee states in a public hearing that "we've cut the budget by 6%," he asks them for a clarification. "Do you mean that the existing budget was cut by 6%, or that the 10% increase was reduced by 6%?"
It really frosts them.
Hey, you take any victory you can get here in MA.
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