Massachusetts lawmakers are set to take up a budget bill that calls for $115 million in new spending while also transfering money from the state's "rainy day" fund to offset a projected shortfall in tax revenues.
The measure scheduled for debate in the Massachusetts House of Representatives today includes $30 million to cover the initial costs stemming from a state drug lab scandal that has threatened to unravel thousands of criminal cases.
A former chemist, Annie Dookhan, is accused of fabricating drug test results and tampering with evidence.
Gov. Deval Patrick also asked for the $200 million transfer from the state's reserve fund after state officials determined that tax revenues in the current fiscal year ending July 1 were likely to below original expectations.
