With Gov. Charlie Baker considering where and how deep to cut spending from the current fiscal 2016 budget, December tax collections could help crystallize some the decisions the governor is expected to finalize “shortly.”
The Department of Revenue is expected to release a revenue report for the month of December on Wednesday, figures that Baker said Monday he and Legislative leaders were waiting on before moving forward with mid-year budget corrections. This is the second year in a row Baker has had to tinker with the state budget while also preparing his own budget proposal for next year, but so far has resisted placing any blame on lawmakers who overrode tens of millions of dollars in spending vetoes.
When November revenues came in $55 million short of targets, officials explained that $20 million to $30 million of withholding collections were deferred to December due to the timing of a new tax collection system roll-out
The Legislature also formally returns to action on Wednesday after its winter recess, and will officially inform the governor that they are back and open for business, even if the Senate doesn’t have a formal session scheduled until Jan. 21.
