02/05/10

BOISE, Idaho (AP) _ Idaho lawmakers say January tax revenue came
in below expectations for a fifth straight month, making even
stiffer cuts to Idaho programs than Gov. C.L. ``Butch'' Otter has
called for this year and next even more likely.

Actual figures weren't released, but Rep. Maxine Bell,
co-chairwoman of the budget writing committee, says they are
similar to December when revenue missed targets by about $12.6
million.

She told the Post-Register, ``The revenue is just not there.''

In January, Otter called for an additional 1.6 percent budget
cut, or $40 million, in the budget for the year ending June 30.

Based on the dour revenue figures, that will probably have to be
doubled.

Public schools could be on the hook for an even bigger hit than
the nearly $28 million already in Otter's plan.

Final January revenue figures are expected next week.

___

Information from: Post Register, http://www.postregister.com

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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