The state comptroller’s cash report for the first quarter ought to be coming out any day now — perhaps as soon as today.  Tax collections through June are likely to have fallen below the April 1 projections for the quarter, feeding the widespread assumption that the state has a revenue problem.  But what about spending?  Consider the trend lines in the following chart of projected general fund receipts and disbursements, which was based on enacted budget projections.

trendline-5651001

As of April, projected budget gaps over the next three years were due mainly to a 31 percent increase in baseline spending.  Medicaid and school aid account for roughly three-quarters of that projected growth.

About the Author

E.J. McMahon

Edmund J. McMahon is Empire Center's founder and a senior fellow.

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