Gov. Charlie Baker signed a supplemental FY2020 budget into law on Friday, officially shifting the burden for this year’s projected Steamship Authority deficit from the five port communities onto the state.

As of Thursday morning last week, financial projections for the Steamship Authority included a potential tax assessment for the six Island towns upwards of $7 million. Then the picture changed.

The budget amendment would exempting all port towns from having to cover a Steamship Authority pandemic-related budget shortfall.

With the financially strapped Steamship Authority in mind, the Massachusetts Congressional delegation is requesting $3 billion in aid to keep the country’s ferry industry afloat. A letter was sent to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and senate leaders Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer May 7.

In his daily press briefing Monday, Gov. Charlie Baker was vague about whether the state would help rescue the financially struggling Steamship Authority.

No Island institution has escaped the crushing effects of the coronavirus crisis, including the Steamship Authority.

Steamship Authority governors took up a laundry list of measures to help the boat line stay afloat on Tuesday, extending the reduced ferry schedule to May 14.

The decision by the Steamship Authority to seek a financial bailout from the state came together hastily in the span of a few short days.

With cash running low the SSA is urgently seeking a financial bailout from the commonwealth, marking a first.