Speaker Sal Dimasi outlined key framework points that will be included in the House budget currently under preparation. The Speaker continued his political dance with Governor Patrick, giving him a victory on closing corporate tax loopholes while not giving the governor much in the way of support on his casino proposal. From the Boston Globe:

House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi sketched out a set of budget priorities yesterday that would deeply cut the state corporate tax rate over the next three years. At the same time, he extended a peace offering to Governor Deval Patrick by embracing one of the governor’s key initiatives, tightening corporate tax laws to make it harder for companies to avoid state taxes.
Laying out the broad outlines of his plan before legislative budget hearings even begin, DiMasi proposed cutting the state’s corporate income tax from 9.5 percent to 7 percent, while reversing his stance against closing what Patrick has described as corporate tax loopholes.

“He should take this as a victory; they should be very happy,” DiMasi said of Patrick and his staff.

A key element of the Speaker’s proposal is to fully fund the lottery account without including the casino licensing revenue included in the governor’s budget submission. I think it is safe to say that we all anticipated that move by the Speaker, and the localities will be happy about the lottery money being included, regardless of the source. The Massachusetts Municipal Association offered support for the Speaker’s proposals.

On behalf of the cities and towns of the Commonwealth, the Massachusetts Municipal
Association applauds the House budget framework announced today by Speaker Salvatore
DiMasi, and in particular expresses appreciation and thanks for the commitment to fully fund the
$935 million Lottery aid account and the scheduled $223 million increase in Chapter 70
education aid.
The House budget framework commits to funding these two vital local aid programs
within the fiscal 2009 state budget act, without relying on separate legislation or revenue sources.
This is an important and welcome step that will provide certainty and predictability for cities and
towns as they work to balance their own budgets during an exceedingly difficult and challenging
budget year.
Communities are essential to our state’s economic health, delivering the vital services
that keep and attract families and businesses to Massachusetts. Left unchecked, the fiscal
distress confronting our localities will continue to weaken and damage our economy. Municipal
leaders look forward to working in close partnership with the Speaker, the Senate President, the
Ways and Means Committees, all members of the House and Senate, and the Patrick-Murray
Administration to build a stronger economy and a brighter future for the communities, residents
and businesses of Massachusetts.
-End

I have included a pdf containing key elements of the Speakers proposals.

Speaker Budget Framework