Baker Signs Overdue State Budget, Announces Vetoes

BOSTON (AP) - Nearly one month into the state's new fiscal year, Massachusetts finally has a budget.

Republican Gov. Charlie Baker signed the nearly $42 billion spending package into law on Thursday, ending the state's status as the only one in the nation without a permanent budget in place.Baker vetoed nearly $50 million in spending from the plan.

 He also rejected a proposed pilot plan to discount tolls for motorists who commute during off-peak hours.The state's fiscal year began on July 1 but lawmakers did not agree on a budget until 18 days later.

By signing the plan on Thursday, Baker is giving the Democratic-controlled Legislature a few more days to consider any veto overrides. 

He could have waited until Saturday to sign the budget.The Legislature ends formal sessions for the year on Tuesday.

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