WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) - Gov. Deval Patrick says he plans up to 2,000 state job cuts but will spare local aid and education funding threatened by a $600 million hole in the state budget.

The governor outlined his plan to a business group in Worcester on Thursday.

Patrick gave no details on any immediate job cuts, but said he
has told state agencies to prepare for $35 million in personnel
savings. He has already said some layoffs might be might be avoided through union concessions.

Patrick said he will cut about $277 million from executive
offices he controls, and is asking the Legislature for authority to
make $75 million in cuts to legislative, judicial and other state
departments.

He's also proposing a tax amnesty program to bring in revenue.

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