Governor gets $420m spending bill
The Legislature sent Governor Deval Patrick a $420 million spending bill yesterday designed to prevent layoffs and service reductions while pouring nearly $200 million into the state’s dwindling rainy day fund. The governor has 10 days to sign, amend, or veto portions of the bill, meaning that final action will probably occur just before Election Day. Patrick and legislative leaders urged rapid passage of the bill when it was unveiled two weeks ago, saying it was crucial to preventing prison closings, supporting homeless shelter services, and maintaining health care benefits for low-income, disabled, and elderly residents. 
