The governor today held a press conference to talk about his emergency recovery plan. The state has been trying to make up budget deficits since last fall when the governor first announced serious cuts to state programs to close a budget gap of $1.4 billion.
This time around, state aid to towns — which was not touched last time — will go on the chopping block to the tune of $128 million.
Other key elements:
- A proposal to eliminate the state’s exemption on candy, soda and alcohol as a means to generate more revenue.
- $63 million in cuts to state executive agencies.
- A 1 cent increase in the state’s meals and hotel tax.
- Elimination of the property tax exemption for the phone company.
The Eagle-Tribune newsroom this evening is working on local reaction to these measures and what they mean for our communitys. Full coverage will be available online tomorrow morning.
UPDATE:
Noah R. Bombard is the new media editor for The Eagle-Tribune in North Andover. He is a former award-winning newspaper and magazine editor who has been covering news in Massachusetts since 1997.