"Spending Problem"

The Boston Herald reports today that Patrick's budget chief says state could face $1.3 Billion deficit.

"Kirwan cautioned that the state is early in its budget process - she will not file a spending proposal until Jan. 23 - but she made clear yesterday that the projected $1.3 billion deficit is a minimum number that could grow significantly in the months ahead.

'In the short run, we have a spending problem,' she said, referring to growth in health-care costs and other preprogrammed expenses that are expanding faster than state tax revenues."

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