Patrick speech on budget to be televised

Governor Deval Patrick will give a televised speech on his fiscal 2008 spending plan Tuesday at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building in Melrose.

New England Cable News has agreed to broadcast the 7 p.m. address. Several other Boston television stations also expressed interest, but have not yet committed to covering it live, Patrick's press aides said yesterday.

In his speech, the governor will explain how he plans to balance an approximately $26 billion budget in the face of an estimated $1.3 billion budget deficit. Financial aides say the governor's spending plan will dedicate money to several key initiatives that he highlighted in his campaign. Yesterday Patrick's budget chief said that spending would increase about 4 percent from the current fiscal year.

The speech will be followed by a town hall-style discussion with the governor.

Seating will be limited, with tickets available online at mass.gov. Doors open at 6 p.m.

FRANK PHILLIPS