Mass. House Considers Boosting State Reserves

Massachusetts lawmakers are deciding whether to put away more of the state's money for a rainy day. The House of Representatives is scheduled to debate a supplemental budget on Wednesday that includes a $350 million deposit into the state's reserve fund, commonly known as the "Rainy Day Fund."

The fund has been tapped several times during the recession. If the deposit is approved, Massachusetts would be among only four states with a reserve fund exceeding $1 billion.

Gov. Deval Patrick had originally requested $300 million, but the House Ways and Means Committee boosted the figure by $50 million.

The supplemental budget - which taps surplus revenue from the last fiscal year - also includes $10 million for communities still recovering from the June 1 tornadoes and other severe storms.