Massive cuts coming to balance budget

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - Governor Deval Patrick announced on Thursday that he plans to cut 2,000 jobs and about $277 million from executive offices he controls. He also asked Legislature for authority to make $75 million in cuts to legislative, judicial and other state departments.

Governor Patrick said it's the best way to make up for a $600 million hole in the state budget and that it will spare other crucial programs. Some areas the governor is hoping to preserve are full funding for Chapter 70 education aid, Pre-K and Head Start programs, and family shelters.

On Thursday at the Log Cabin in Holyke, Lt. Gov. Tim Murray told 22News the choices were difficult ones. He said the state has to live within its means, just like people do at home.

"We've got to manage on a budget just the way families do at their kitchen tables,” he said.

Murray said the administration will work with several unions to talk about concessions and revisions that could help keep the number of necessary state layoffs on the lower end.

In western Massachusetts, people told 22News the governor's latest round of job cuts only indicate what they already knew -- the economy is getting worse, not better.

"Look at all the people who are without a job. Even people with jobs! Employers are cutting back on 401k's they're cutting back on your insurance, they're not giving raises, so how can they say the recession is getting better?" said Terry Santaniello of Feeding Hills.