Gov. Patrick vs. the legislature.
Governor Deval Patrick may soon learn what happens when the politics of hope and change collide with the fiscal realities of shrinking revenues, a looming economic recession, and a skeptical Legislature.In the budget he unveiled earlier this week and began championing in his annual State of the State address last night, Patrick included a political wish list of expanded social and law enforcement programs, depending heavily on possible casino fees and new tax revenues from business that have uncertain prospects among lawmakers.
Critics from both sides of the political spectrum found fault with his $28.2 billion budget plan yesterday. They said Patrick dodged many of the difficult choices facing state government and produced an unrealistic spending plan, built on shaky revenue estimates and failing to prepare the state for a recession.
"Optimism and hope for the future is one thing," said Representative Marty Walz, a Boston Democrat who supported Patrick's election in 2006. "But we have to be clear-eyed when putting together the budget and making sure it's balanced. I'd rather be more conservative in an uncertain economic climate."
UPDATE: More from the Globe, Michael Graham, the Herald and Adrian Walker.
SECOND UPDATE: More from the Globe, Squaring the Globe and Joan Vennochi.
