BOSTON - Less than a month after state legislators wrapped up the supplemental budget, Gov. Maura Healey will unveil this year's state budget plans on Wednesday.

"You know, we can’t spend money that we don’t have," Healey said. "And as governor I have to make sure that we are acting in ways under this administration that proposals are fiscally responsible, sound and are mindful of that."

Healey signed big tax cuts last year, but also earlier this month announced they are short on tax revenues. So the question has been - how does she plan on paying for everything?

Healey said she promises not to raise taxes state-wide, but did propose a bill which would allow cities and towns to raise municipal taxes as they see fit to close any gaps.

"What we heard from cities and towns is that they wanted the opportunity to find ways to do what they need to do in terms of revenue for investments in schools and parks, and other things that they want for their communities," Healey said. "We are not imposing this. This is just an example of how local communities can do what they think is in the best interest of their community."

The bill is called the "Municipal Empowerment Act" and it came with support from many local leaders, according to the governor’s office.

Worcester Mayor Joe Petty and City Manager Eric Batista are among them, saying in a statement, “As Worcester’s population continues to increase, it’s vital that the City’s operational capacity and services grow in tandem to meet all residents’ needs. The City of Worcester is extremely thankful to have state-level leadership that prioritizes the success of municipalities.”  

The bill is not a guarantee of taxes going up, but Healey said she wanted to allow cities and towns the options to raise certain taxes at their discretion.