Mass. Lawmakers Back Plan To Balance Budget

House and Senate lawmakers have backed a plan to help balance the Massachusetts state budget for the current fiscal year amid declining tax revenues.

The supplemental budget includes a $327 million draw from the state's dwindling rainy day fund.

The savings is being combined with about $533 million in federal stimulus money to close most of the estimated $1.1 billion hole in the 2009 budget.

The plan approved by lawmakers also had some spending in it, including more than $100 million for the depleted ice and snow removal fund.

Lawmakers put off action on Gov. Deval Patrick's proposal to raise new revenues by hiking taxes on candy, alcohol and soda.