Governor Deval Patrick is detailing his proposed $34.8 billion state budget, which he says focuses on nurturing the Massachusetts economy.
The spending plan includes $1.2 billion in net revenues from tax changes Patrick proposed last week. Those include a hike in the income tax rate, from 5.25 percent to 6.25 percent, and a sales tax cut, from 6.25 percent to 4.5 percent.
Patrick said the net revenue increase would go toward improving transportation and education.
Patrick said his budget would increase local education funding by $226 million over the current year and set total local aid to cities and towns at nearly $5.6 billion, about 14.6 percent of all state spending.
Lawmakers are expected to spend months reviewing Patrick's plan before proposing their own budgets for the fiscal year which starts July 1.
Governor Deval Patrick's proposed $34.8 billion state budget is meeting with mixed reviews on Beacon Hill.
Rep. Bradley Jones, the House Republican leader, said the governor's plan to raise $1.2 billion through tax changes and tapping the state's 'rainy day' fund for $400 million was "shortsighted and extremely irresponsible."
Michael Widmer, president of the business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, called it an "aggressive budget" that could put the state's economic recovery at risk.
But others praised the governor's plan to invest in transportation and education.
Noah Berger, president of the independent Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, said Patrick's spending plan "addresses immediate needs" that will improve the economy and create jobs.
Campaign for our Communities, a coalition of teachers unions and other groups, praised the governor for committing to strong schools and more reliable transportation systems.
