State Official Touts Patrick’s Budget in New Bedford

Top officials from Gov. Deval Patrick's administration are fanning out across the state to sell the public on his package of tax hikes and increased spending on education and transportation.

Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Rick Sullivan spoke in New Bedford today, highlighting several ongoing projects in New Bedford as beneficiaries of Patrick's budget proposal.

Sullivan says items like the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal are great investments for the state, because they're not freebies.

Sullivan adds that the ongoing clean-up of New Bedford's harbor, and Southcoast Rail are also primary focuses of the Patrick administration.

Patrick is trying to build support for his plan to increase the income tax but lower the sales tax as lawmakers begin crafting their own state budget proposals.