Massachusetts Lawmakers Rushing To Pass Budget

Massachusetts lawmakers are rushing to get a final state budget approved as the clock ticks down on the end of the 2014 fiscal year.

A six-member conference committee has been trying to hammer out a compromise version of the spending plan, which tops $36 billion dollars.

Monday is the end of the fiscal year - although a bill has already passed to continue the operation of state government until the new budget becomes law.

One amendment approved by the Senate would expand the state's nickel deposit law to include bottled water and other noncarbonated beverages.

The Senate has voted in the past to expand the law, but the measure hasn't advanced in the House.

Gov. Deval Patrick has up to 10 days to review and sign the budget, and make any vetoes to the plan.