Legislative Update
by Margaret Butler, Executive Director Legislative Session The 2017 legislative session has begun and the biggest issue facing the state and its legislators is money. While this week’s revenue forecast increased revenue by $200 million, the state still needs an additional $1.6 billion to fund services at existing levels. The Governor’s recommended budget includes new revenue to fill some of the budget shortfall—an increase in the cigarette tax and in the health care provider tax. The Ways and Means Committee co-chairs’ budget does not include new revenue. What kind of budget will actually be adopted at the end of the…
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