October 29, 2009 Gov. Patrick to eliminate up to 2,000 state jobs in Mass. Play video

(NECN: Worcester, Mass.) - Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick this afternoon delivered some grim news about the state budget.

In Worcester, Patrick announced how he will cut $600 million from the budget.

"We will not shortchange our childrens' future," said Patrick. "We will not cut local aid."

"We are regretably having to prepare to eliminate up to 2,000 additional positions," said Patrick. He has told state agencies to prepare for $35 million in personnel savings.

Click here for more information.

The state had already laid off 726 employees as of mid-October, after four rounds of budget cuts in the fiscal year that ended June 30.

Patrick said he will cut about $277 million from executive offices he controls, and is asking the Legislature for authority to make $75 million in cuts to legislative, judicial and other state departments.

He's also proposing a tax amnesty program to bring in revenue.

*Material from The Associated Press used in this report*