By Rick Pluta
A state panel will decide Wednesday how much money the Legislature has to work with as it wraps up the state budget. Early reports suggest the state may be in for a windfall adding up to tens of millions of dollars.
Some
revenue will be down next year because of last year's major business tax
rollback. Improving auto sales will generate more money for schools, and, for
the balance of this year, lawmakers will have a small surplus to work with.
Republican
state Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville said his preference would be to
put that money into savings, or pay down debts.
"I think we'd lose financial accountability if as soon as we get some kind of a windfall- whether it's major or minor, and then started spending the money."
But some Democrats say at least some of the new money should go to schools to help restore money cut from K-12 education in recent years. Legislative leaders say they are on track to meet a June first target for wrapping up the budget.
Copyright 2012, MPRN