Revenue estimate waivers in advance of vote

Revenue estimate waivers in advance of vote

Associated Press

HELENA — Legislative budget analysts are estimating the state will have a little less money available for its two-year budget than previously anticipated.

Analysts predict the state will have about $33 million less than they predicted a month ago. Most of that loss is due to tax law changes.

But overall, the analysts say the state budget will have about $64 million more available to spend then the figure lawmakers have been working with. The House Taxation Committee meets Thursday morning to update the figure.

The panel relies on the advice of analysts, but lawmakers can choose any figure they like. The number is used to balance spending over the next two-year budget.

Gov. Brian Schweitzer's budget office has been critical of the legislative analysis. Schweitzer argues much more will be available.

HELENA — Legislative budget analysts are estimating the state will have a little less money available for its two-year budget than previously anticipated.

Analysts predict the state will have about $33 million less than they predicted a month ago. Most of that loss is due to tax law changes.

But overall, the analysts say the state budget will have about $64 million more available to spend then the figure lawmakers have been working with. The House Taxation Committee meets Thursday morning to update the figure.

The panel relies on the advice of analysts, but lawmakers can choose any figure they like. The number is used to balance spending over the next two-year budget.

Gov. Brian Schweitzer's budget office has been critical of the legislative analysis. Schweitzer argues much more will be available.