Massachusetts still doesn’t know the full economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, but one thing is certain: the state will begin fiscal 2021 without a permanent budget as officials wait for more clarity on revenue losses and the possibility of federal relief.
The Baker administration filed a $5.25 billion joint interim budget Friday afternoon, less than two weeks before the start of fiscal 2021. The interim budget, commonly referred to as a one-twelfth, typically approves funding to cover expenses in July at the same funding level that was approved for fiscal 2020.
The interim budget sets aside the funds to maintain operations at statewide departments, boards, commissions and institutions. The funding also applies to dispersing federal grants and Intergovernmental Service Fund expenditures.
The interim budget calls for Treasurer Deborah Goldberg to make some advance payments, including reimbursements, for at least some local municipal, school and technical programs that may face spending gaps, provided that the state Department of Revenue commissioner and Secretary of Administration and Finance approve of the payments.
