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‘Really hard choices’ ahead as state faces $1 billion budget shortfall

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker could face another budget shortfall. Charles Krupa, File / AP

A business-backed watchdog group warns that Massachusetts could face up to a $1 billion budget shortfall this coming fiscal year, The Boston Globe reports.

Although the state could see tax revenue increases of about $1 billion, The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation says increasing health care costs and the reliance on one-time funds could mean that the state faces a significant shortfall come budget time.

The state has “gotten to the point where we have to make really hard choices,’’ state budget chief Kristen Lepore said.

In the last three fiscal years, Massachusetts legislators have used $2.2 billion from the state’s rainy day fund to plug budget holes in a growing economy. The rainy day fund is supposed to be used in times of unexpected economic downturn, the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation has warned.

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You can read the full story at The Boston Globe.

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