The state Department of Revenue says tax collections this year are slightly below expectations.
As MPB's Mark Rigsby reports, the money the state collected $4.6 billion through May.
Up to this point in the current fiscal year, the state is $146 million below estimates, or about 3% under.
Department of Revenue Associate Commissioner Kathy Waterbury says making up that amount of money is unrealistic.
Governor Phil Bryant says "when all funds are considered, proactive budget management could allow us to end the fiscal year without a deficit and still maintain a healthy Rainy Day Fund." The Governor ordered several rounds of budget cuts for state agencies over the past year. State Economist Darrin Webb says he believes tax revenues running behind will have little impact on finishing out the 2017 state budget.
Governor Bryant has transferred $11 million from the Rainy Day Fund this fiscal year, and has the authority to transfer $89 million if necessary, but he's cautiously optimistic he won't have to.
