Posted at: 12/03/2012 10:44 AM
By: BARRY MASSEY Associated Press
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - The Legislature and Gov. Susana Martinez will have slightly more than $280 million to cover budget increases and tax cuts next year under a new revenue forecast outlined to lawmakers.
The revenue estimates released Monday will serve as the financial backdrop for lawmakers when they convene next month for a 60-day legislative session.
Administration and legislative economists say the state should collect about $5.9 billion in tax revenues in the fiscal year that starts July 1, 2013.
That provides a pool of so-called new revenues of about $283 million. That's enough for about a 5 percent increase in spending.
Lawmakers say part of that money will be needed to cover previously approved changes in law, including about $36 million for higher state contributions to public employee pensions next year.
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