Today, facing one of the worst fiscal crises in state history, Governor Deval Patrick called for $352 million in immediate reductions to the current Fiscal Year 2010 (FY10) state budget under his 9C authority, a statutory power to decrease spending when state revenue estimates no longer support projected spending. The governor plans to reduce spending by $277 million across executive agencies and to seek additional authority to cut another $75 million in other areas of government.

The governor’s announcement came in response to a projected $600 million budget deficit. Tax revenues for the first quarter of the fiscal year are reported to be $212 million lower than expected. Click here for more information on the 9C process and here for a complete list of spending reductions.

The Department of Early Education and Care’s (EEC) FY10 budget will be reduced by $16.4 million (3%) through the following line items:

- EEC Administration (3000-1000): Reduction of $322,000 to $11.62 million

- Access Management (3000-2000): Reduction of $4.42 million to $5.36 million

- Income Eligible Child Care (3000-4060): Reduction of $11.61 million to $261.95 million

- Quality Supports (3000-6000): Reduction of $48,300 to $14.03 million

Click here for more detailed information on spending reductions in early education and care.

These budget cuts take effect immediately. We will continue to monitor the state budget and share further information in our next edition of EEA News. Please contact Chad d’Entremont, SFC/EEA’s research and policy director, at 617-330-7389 for additional information.

Thank you.

Sincerely, 

Paul O'Brien, Campaign Co-Chair
Mara Aspinall, Campaign Co-Chair
Amy O'Leary, Campaign Director