December 30, 2008 Gov. Patrick warns of new budget cuts Play video

(Stephen Iandoli, NECN: Boston, MA) - The economic crisis continues to take its toll on the Bay State. Today Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick gave a dire warning, up to a billion dollars in new cuts may be needed.

Budget cuts round two with everybody hoping it's not a 12-round fight. Many already feel knocked out by the economic crisis and now, news from Governor Deval Patrick that he's preparing for up to a billion dollars in additional, mid-year, cuts.

While details weren't released these cuts, like the ones announced a couple months ago, come as state tax revenue falls even further...to the tune of 130 million dollars less this December than the same time in 2007. Fueling speculation local aid will take a hit this time around.

House Speaker Sal DiMasi wasn't as hesitant with his forecast. In a statement he said, in part: "cities and towns - just like state government - should be preparing for these potential cuts and a local aid cut of between 5 percent and 10 percent for the next fiscal year."

House Republicans say they understand the necessity of the state to tighten its belt during these tough economic times. But, they say, the magnitude of this new round of cuts wouldn't be so severe if spending had been controlled earlier this year.

MA Taxpayers Association's Michael Widmer says people need to learn how to deal with the upcoming round of cuts, wherever they hit, because it's not the last time we're going to hear it.