Revenue Shortfall Prompts Gov. Patrick to Order Budget Cuts

Gov. Deval Patrick has ordered spending cuts across state government in response to slower-than-expected growth in state tax collections.

    Patrick said Tuesday that his administration is revising its revenue estimate downward by $540 million for the fiscal year that started on July 1.

    The governor is using his authority under state law to cut executive branch spending by $225 million.

    He's also asking the Legislature to approve a 1 percent reduction in the budgets of the judiciary and other constitutional offices, and for a $9 million cut in unrestricted local aid to cities and towns.

    He also plans to take $200 million from the state's rainy day fund.

    Patrick says he believes the shortfall in revenue is largely due to worries over the looming ``fiscal cliff'' if President Barack Obama and Congress are unable to reach a deal.
(Associated Press)