Patrick Slices Budget Again to Stem Deficit Growth

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BOSTON — With another budget gap growing larger by the day, Gov. Deval Patrick is hoping to fill the hole with 750 state positions and an influx of federal monies.

A grim Patrick laid out his plans on Tuesday to stem the latest deficit — a $156 million gap that could grow another $400 million by the end of the fiscal year in June.

A continuing and precipitous drop in state revenues because of the ongoing global financial crisis has forced the Patrick administration to cut $2.1 billion in spending since last October.

The cuts have caused trepidation in cities and towns across the state that are building budgets on tentative state aid numbers.

"The historic downturn is hitting state government especially hard, leaving us with tough choices among miserable options," said Patrick at a press conference at the State House on Tuesday. "We must take these painful but necessary steps today if we are going to position Massachusetts for recovery and long-term economic success."

To help close the immediate budget gap, Patrick said he will use a mixture of federal recovery funds, budget cuts and spending controls, mandatory staff furloughs, and the elimination of more than 750 additional state positions through layoffs, attrition, and stringent new hiring limits for state agencies. 

Additionally, he has tasked Administration and Finance Secretary Leslie Kirwan with beginning negotiations with state collective bargaining units over a full range of potential cost-cutting initiatives.

 
The plan includes using $128 million in federal recovery funds, $16 million in additional budget cuts and spending controls, and $12 million in savings from furloughs and work-force reductions.

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The governor said he is committed to working with the Legislature to solve the growing budget deficit.

The executive branch has already slashed 836 positions, said Patrick, and is on track by the end of this fiscal year to reach the approximately 1,000 positions announced last October.

The governor said the three- to five-day furloughs being imposed on managers will affect the state's top executives, too.

"The lieutenant governor and I will take five-day furloughs, as well," said Patrick.
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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.
 
This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.
 
The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.
 
DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.
 
"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths. 
 
"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."
 
Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.
 
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