October 2, 2008 Patrick: 'Circumstances demand action' in spending cuts Play video

(NECN: Boston, Mass.) - Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick is pushing a series of spending cuts and reforms after state revenues fell $223 million short of expectations in the first quarter.

The slowing economy will force officials to lower their estimate for expected revenue for the rest of this fiscal year.

Reducing the number will give Patrick the authority to make cuts across the executive branch. He's also asking lawmakers for the power to make cuts throughout the rest of state government.

Patrick says he'll also file legislation to dismantle the Turnpike Authority, restructure the Big Dig debt and consolidate other departments.

Patrick said the cuts and consolidations are needed because revenues will likely continue to drop given the nation's ongoing economic crisis.

*Material from the Associated Press used in this report*