BOSTON (AP) — A top Democrat in the Legislature is calling on Republican Gov. Charlie Baker to file another stopgap budget as negotiations over a permanent state spending plan drag on without resolution.
A spokeswoman for Speaker Robert DeLeo says the House leader believes it would be “prudent” for the governor to submit an interim budget that would keep state government afloat through the end of August. A $5 billion spending authorization currently in place expires July 31.
Baker did not immediately appear inclined to follow DeLeo’s advice. A spokeswoman for the governor said in a brief statement that Baker “looks forward to the Legislature reaching consensus soon.”
Legislative leaders have not said specifically what is holding up agreement on the $42.7 billion spending plan for the fiscal year that started July 1.