Legislature Approves $1.25B Temporary Budget

With fewer than half a dozen members on hand in both branches, the House and Senate approved a $1.25 billion spending bill, providing enough money for state government to pay its bills for 10 days.

The temporary budget was approved because it appears the Legislature will not pass its annual budget on time.

A six-member conference committee is working privately to come up with a consensus budget. While budget negotiators hope to have an agreement this week, a temporary budget would likely be needed since Gov. Deval Patrick is afforded 10 days to review the budget.

Patrick filed the budget and his signature on it will effectively give his Democratic colleagues in the Legislature an extended deadline.

One of the Senate's three budget negotiators said talks about a deal with the House are "moving along" with the new fiscal year six days away.

"We’re hopeful this will be the week to get it done," Sen. Michael Knapik (R-Westfield) told the News Service during a break in Monday's session.

Sen. Stephen Brewer and Rep. Brian Dempsey are the chief Senate and House budget negotiators.