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Gov. Patrick Cuts Zoo Funding — Again

Gov. Deval Patrick is insisting on cutting funding for two prominent zoos in Massachusetts.

A supplemental appropriation bill he signed Friday brings state funding for the Franklin Park and Stone zoos to $3.5 million.

That's less than the $6.5 million the Legislature initially provided and more than the $2.5 million Patrick reduced it to. But it's still less than the $5 million lawmakers restored after zoo officials said they might have to euthanize some animals to cope with the funding cut.

Patrick says the money he's providing will support the zoos until they can come up with a plan to rely less on state funding.

The governor also accepted the Legislature's cut in funding for health insurance to legal immigrants. He wanted $70 million but lawmakers gave him $40 million.

They can still override his zoo veto.

This program aired on August 7, 2009. The audio for this program is not available.

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