Mass. Gov. Patrick Signs $34 Billion State Budget

Gov. Deval Patrick has signed a $34 billion state budget while vetoing $417 million in transportation and local aid pending the fate of a separate transportation financing bill.

Patrick said he hoped some of the vetoed spending could be restored if a dispute over the transportation bill is resolved. Patrick has asked lawmakers to amend the bill. Legislative leaders oppose the change.

The transportation bill includes about $500 million in new taxes needed to balance the budget.

The head of the Massachusetts Municipal Association said the local aid cut would be devastating for cities and towns.

Patrick approved portions of the budget that call for increased education aid for public schools. He also approved the full appropriation for state universities, which means a freeze in tuition and fees for students in the new academic year.

[Associated Press]