Gov. allows state budget to become law

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI/AP) - Governor Donald Carcieri has allowed the state budget to become a law.

Gov. Carcieri's office says the governor will not veto or sign the budget-balancing bill. Carcieri had until midnight Tuesday to veto the senate approved budget repair bill.

Last week the senate overwhelmingly approved a $7.2 billion bill that leans heavily on federal stimulus money.

Experts say if the governor did veto the bill it would be symbolic. There is a democrat majority in the state's legislature, meaning he could easily be overturned.

The budget attempts to close a massive shortfall brought on by a slumping economy. It raises Rhode Island's cigarette tax $1 to $3.46 per package.

It cuts $30 million in promised funding for local government.