Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick on Friday signed a $33.6 million state budget for the 2014 fiscal year, while vetoing $417 million in transportation and local aid pending the fate of a separate transportation financing bill.
The spending plan is for the fiscal year that started July 1.
Patrick said he hoped some of the vetoed spending could be restored if a dispute over the transportation bill is resolved. Patrick has asked lawmakers to amend the bill. Legislative leaders oppose the change.
Patrick said the transportation bill includes about $500 million in new taxes needed to balance the budget.
Patrick approved portions of the budget that call for increased local aid to cities and towns. He also approved the full appropriation for state universities, which means a freeze in tuition and fees for students in the new academic year.
The budget increases education funding by $130 million to $4.2 billion. Read more about Patrick's plan for education funding here.
Patrick joined Boston Public Radio on Thursday and discussed the budget with Jim Braude and Margery Eagan. Read/listen to his comments here.
