Mass. passes painful state budget

BOSTON, June 20 (UPI) -- Massachusetts lawmakers have OK'd a budget for the next fiscal year that trims everything from anti-violence programs for teens to motor vehicles offices.

The $27.4 billion spending plan passed the House 110-46 and the Senate 31-8 Friday, The Boston Globe reported.

Gov. Deval Patrick has 10 days to sign or veto the budget. He can also send proposals for changes back to the Legislature.

Patrick has said he would veto a 1.25 percent hike in the sales tax unless legislators make changes in ethics and transportation laws.

Cuts in local aid are forcing town officials to make difficult choices. North Adams in the northwest part of the state closed a middle school this week.

"It's depressing; it really is depressing,'' Mayor John Barrett told the Globe. "There is no light at the end of the tunnel, not even a flicker of hope. It looks like it's going to be worse next year. There's no real revenue stream that's going to be improving.''

The budget includes additional aid for the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, which must hold off on toll hikes for a year. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority also got more money but not enough to avoid a fare increase.