State deficit grows, but local governments safe this month

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ST. PAUL -- Minnesota cities and schools will not need to help plug a state budget gap this month, but the state faces a major budget deficit as lawmakers prepare to decide on spending and revenue for the next two years.

State finance officials on Thursday released a budget forecast showing a $6.2 billion deficit for the next two-year budget, up from a projected $5.8 billion. Even with that, Commissioner Steve Sviggum of Minnesota Management and Budget said there will be no need to cut spending, which means past local government aid cuts will not be repeated and there should be no need to borrow money.

The budget forecast sets the stage for the 2011 legislative session, which begins at noon Jan. 4. A new Republican majority in both the House and Senate must take the lead along with a new governor.

State finance officials said revenues are projected to fall nearly $1 billion in the next two years, lead by a $471 million personal income tax drop. At the same time, costs will rise $8.3 billion.

The added costs are due to not just more spending but also to replace $2.3 billion in federal funds that helped balance the current two-year budget.

Don Davis reports for Forum Communications Co., parent company of the South Washington County Bulletin.

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