Lawmakers Reach Agreement On Fiscal 2016 State Budget

Massachusetts House and Senate budget negotiators have reached a deal on a final version of the state spending plan for the fiscal year that began last week.

The six-member conference committee has been meeting behind closed doors for several weeks to resolve differences over the $38 billion budget.

Both chambers are expected to take an up-or-down vote on the final compromise version on Wednesday. The budget cannot be amended at this step in the process.

The state has been operating since July 1 on a $5.5 billion stopgap budget.

Once the budget is approved, it is sent along to Gov. Charlie Baker, who has 10 days to review it and issue any vetoes to line items before signing the budget.

Lawmakers can vote to override any vetoes. (Associated Press)