Patrick Wields The Axe

Gov. Patrick just announced his proposals for budget cuts in light of the $600m shortfall:

--No cuts to Ch. 70A (schools), higher ed, or local aid;

--Cutting $350m+ from executive branch agencies (specifics to come) -- which will affect services, he says;

--9 more unpaid furlough days for all non-union employees;

--~2000 layoffs, for $35m (b/c unions won't revise contracts, he says);

--asking for ~5% cuts in courts and other non-exec offices;

--begin phase-out of Quinn Bill;

--submitting bill to eliminate "Suffolk holidays" (Bunker Hill/Evacuation);

--also pushing for quick passage Muni Partnership Act II, for local-options taxes.