Senate Ways and Means Proposes Budget

The Massachusetts Senate Ways and Means Committee unveiled their $26.7 billion 2008 budget proposal Wednesday.

The budget provides for the hiring of 100 new police officers, short of Governor Deval Patrick's proposed 250. It also includes $6.9 million of the governor's proposed $13 million increase to kindergarten expansion grants.

Ways and Means Chairman Steven Panagiotakos described the budget as "fiscally realistic," cutting administrative expenses in lieu of programs where possible.

Panagiotakos says he hopes his colleagues keep changes to a minimum when the plan goes to floor debate next week.