Baker Orders $50M In State Budget Cuts To Help Close Deficit

Gov. Charlie Baker has ordered nearly $50 million in spending cuts as part of a plan to erase a state budget shortfall.

In a letter late Friday to state lawmakers, the Republican said his administration was projecting a $320 million deficit in the budget for the fiscal year that ends July 1, based on current revenue forecasts.

Baker says officials have also identified $55 million in additional non-tax revenues, mostly federal reimbursements.

The governor told lawmakers the administration expects to make an upward revision in tax collections for the remainder of the year, which -- if proven accurate -- would eliminate the need for further cuts.

The cuts outlined Friday include $10 million in Medicaid fee-for-service payments, and $15.3 million in funds that appear tied to last year's early retirement program for state employees.