Mass. Senate Unveils State Budget Proposal

The Massachusetts Senate has unveiled a proposed state budget which lawmakers say protects the most vulnerable citizens while still cutting spending.

Senate Ways and Means Committee Chairman Stephen Brewer said Wednesday the budget plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1 spends slightly less than proposals from the House and Gov. Deval Patrick.

The Senate plan includes no new taxes and dips into the state's one-time savings accounts for $440 million.

Brewer said the Senate plan protects key services like adult day care, veteran's services, domestic violence programs and early intervention programs for disabled children.

Like the House and governor's budgets, the Senate plan makes deep cuts to the state's Medicaid program. It cuts $65 million in aid to cities and towns, while revamping the way municipalities provide health care to workers.