BOSTON, Mass. /Massachusetts Newswire/ — Governor Deval Patrick signed a $1.25 billion interim budget on Monday (June 27) to ensure that state government has the means to operate and provide critical services through July 10, 2011. “I am hopeful that the Legislature is close to resolving its differences on the budget,” said Governor Patrick. “In the meantime, this interim budget will allow us to continue funding programs that protect public safety and provide critical services to our seniors, children and families.”
The interim budget will ensure that core services such as health care payments to providers for services to children, families, unemployed adults, pregnant women and the disabled, as well as cash assistance for low-income families and seniors do not run out.
The interim budget will also fund emergency services and first responders such as the State Police and will provide funding for state obligations for debt service which must be paid early in FY12.
The interim budget will fund:
•Patrol of all state highways, which will see a considerable spike in traffic during the July 4th weekend.
•State funding for critical first response activities.
•Facilities that care for vulnerable populations, including homes for disabled individuals, in-patient care at hospitals, and correctional facilities.
•Health care payments to providers for services to children, families, unemployed adults, pregnant women and the disabled.
•Cash assistance for low-income families and seniors.
•State obligations for debt service.
View the interim budget act:
http://www.mass.gov/Agov3/docs/Legislation/06272011_Chapter56Actsof2011.pdf .
