Mass. lawmakers weigh cuts, taxes as budget looms

BOSTON -- House lawmakers, grappling with deepening deficits, are weighing a range of tax hikes -- including increases to the state's gas, sales and income taxes.

House Speaker Robert DeLeo warned of a possible $3-$4 billion deficit for the fiscal year beginning July 1 and said everything is under consideration.

Among those ideas is Gov. Deval Patrick's proposed 19 cent gas tax increase and sales tax increases for candy, soda and alcohol.

Other ideas raised during a closed-door caucus included broader hikes in the sales tax and an increase in the income tax rate from 5.3 percent to 5.4 percent -- although there appears to be little support for any income tax hike.

DeLeo said the revenue downturn could last for the next three fiscal years.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)