Budget highlights
Governor Deval Patrick has proposed a number of ways to close a $1.3 billion projected gap in the fiscal 2009 budget.
Top savings and revenue generators:
$124 million generated in casino licensing revenue.
$297 million generated through corporate tax changes.
$370 million used from rainy day funds.
$166 million generated by increasing enforcement on tobacco taxes and escalating penalties against tax delinquents.
$151 million saved through Medicaid changes.
$51 million saved through employee healthcare changes.
$40 million saved through cuts to legislative earmarks.
Here are several areas the governor has identified where he wants to increase spending:
Top areas for new spending:
$100 million increase in public safety, to hire 100 more police officers, combat gang violence, and improve the chief medical examiner's office.
$368 million increase in education spending.
$10 million to help end homelessness.
$7.7 million to allow the Department of Conservation and Recreation to increase staff and revitalize state parkland.
MATT VISER 