Gov. Baker: State Facing New Budget Gap Of Up To $750M

(AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

BOSTON (AP) — Gov. Charlie Baker is working with state lawmakers to close an estimated gap in the new state budget of up to $750 million.

The Republican said Tuesday he’s spoken with leaders in the Democratic-controlled Legislature about the projected slowdown in tax collections.

Baker says those projections reflect an estimated drop-off of between $450 million and $750 million in revenues compared to original estimates for the 2017 fiscal year that begins July 1.

Baker says the number is relatively small considering that the entire budget is about $40 billion.

He also says that it’s easier to close the gap at the beginning of the fiscal year rather than halfway through it.

Lawmakers are still trying to hammer out a final compromise budget to send to Baker.