Massachusetts: Lawmakers approve final state budget

Massachusetts lawmakers have approved a final version of a $32.5 billion state budget proposal.

State senators voted in favor of the proposed budget Thursday, shortly after the measure passed in the House of Representatives.

It now heads to Gov. Deval Patrick who has 10 days to review, sign it and issue any vetoes.

The spending plan includes $898 million in local aid for cities and towns, tightens restrictions on the use of Electronic Benefit

Transfer cards by welfare recipients, and maintains 45 beds at Taunton State Hospital, which Patrick planned to close.

The budget doesn’t include any new taxes or fees, but relies on $516 million in one-time funds, including $350 million from the state’s rainy day fund.

The new fiscal year begins Sunday.

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