Gov. Patrick releases budget, cuts human services

Governor Deval Patrick announced his $28.2 billion House 2 budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2011 on Wednesday, Jan. 27. The document makes substantial cuts to human services, including cuts to programs for individuals with disabilities, at-risk children and those seeking job training.

The Providers' Council released the following statement to media shortly after the Governor's budget announcement.

"We know the economy is bad and Governor Patrick is dealing with a $3 billion budget gap," Weekes said. "He has called for a 'shared sacrifice' when making these difficult decisions, but he has placed the huge burden of balancing this budget on the human services community and avoided cuts to other sectors. That does not, in our judgment, speak to a shared sacrifice. We look to the legislature to restore these important services and help the most vulnerable residents among us."

If you have programs or services that have been affected, please let us know. Contact Michael Ripple by e-mail or at 617-428-3637 x112.