Romney fiscal plan awaited

by Daniel J. Fitzgibbons, Chronicle staff

ov. Mitt Romney took office last week, promising in his inaugural address to restructure state government and cut or eliminate non-essential programs to head off a possible $3 billion budget shortfall.

     "I will bring forward proposals that will shape state government for the realities of our new century," he said. "They will call for a greater level of responsiveness to our citizens, faster decision making, a lighter more agile bureaucracy, and an openness to change. I will bring forward a new vision for growing our economy and communities, for higher education, for fixing failing schools and for providing health and social services."

     Romney's speech offered no details of his budget plan, but did place some of the blame for the state's fiscal problems on lawmakers. A day later, he backed away from the comments, saying he would work with legislative leaders to bring the budget back into balance.

     Two of the key players in those talks will be Rep. Thomas Finneran (D-Mattapan), who was reelected speaker of the House last week, and newly elected Senate President Robert E. Travaglini (D-East Boston).

     According to the Boston Globe, Romney may seek expanded authority to control state spending. Under the state constitution, the governor's emergency powers to reduce spending are limited to about 63 percent of the commonwealth's $23 billion budget, mostly in the areas of health and human services.

     Romney must file a proposed budget by the end of February.