Second interim budget funds government through August
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Gov. Charlie Baker
Gov. Charlie Baker filed another one-month spending bill on Tuesday, that would keep state government funded through August with an additional $5.51 billion as the administration and legislative Democrats wait for the state's fuzzy budget picture to come into clearer focus.
The governor also said that in the "coming weeks" he and Democratic leaders in the House and Senate would be finalizing a full-year projection for local aid and Chapter 70 school funding from the state to provide "important clarity" for municipal leaders.
Budget writers have been waiting to see what the state's finances look like after state officials delayed the April 15 tax filing deadline to July 15.
The uncertainty over whether Congress will deliver on another round of relief for state and local governments has also been cited as a reason to delay action on a full-year state budget. The U.S. Senate returned this week from a two-week recess, and state officials are watching closely in anticipation of Republican leadership in the Senate offering a counter-proposal to the $3 trillion bill already passed by the U.S. House.
The one-month spending bill is the second filed by Baker after the Legislature already approve more than $5 billion in spending to keep government running for the month of July. Baker, in his filing letter, said it would cover state services through Aug. 31.
"We also look forward to continuing the important work already underway with you on a full-year local aid and chapter 70 announcement that will be guided by additional information expected from the federal government in the coming weeks," Baker wrote.
"An agreement between both branches and the Administration on a baseline full-year projection will provide important clarity to local officials budget for Fiscal Year 2020," the governor said.
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