MA budget gap for FY11 of $2.24 BILLION

yes, that is billion with a b, unfortunately.

Today's release from Mass Budget points out first that Mass revenue is currently $212 million for where it should be for the first quarter, which means we are probably going to be seeing cuts this year.

And then there's next year...
Demand for services (health care and otherwise) is likely to go up next year, particularly if the economic situation does not improve. The release also points out that some of last year's budget gap was closed with one-time sources, which will not be avaliable next year.

And then there's a hint of FY12...