BOSTON (AP) - Lawmakers will be hearing from top Massachusetts officials as they begin a review of Gov. Charlie Baker's $38 billion state budget proposal.
The House and Senate Ways and Means Committees will hold their first public hearing Tuesday on the spending plan filed by the Republican governor.
Baker has said the budget closes a $1.8 billion structural gap between anticipated revenues and spending in the fiscal year starting July 1.
Most state programs would be funded at the same level as in the current fiscal year, though Baker has called for increases in some areas including local aid and education.
Among those scheduled to testify at the Statehouse hearing is the governor's top budget official, Secretary of Administration and Finance Kristen Lepore. State Treasurer Deb Goldberg and Auditor Suzanne Bump, both Democrats, are also expected to appear.
