Wayne Hammon, Gov. Butch Otter's budget chief, said his boss is supportive of JFAC's decision this morning to adopt the Legislature's revenue committee recommendations as the basis for setting the state budget, both for this year and next year, though those figures fall $69 million below the governor's proposed budget numbers for this year and $59 million below what he proposed for next year. "We don't plan to submit a formal revision, but the governor's office will work with JFAC members as they work to set the budget to this new, lower number," Hammon said. "I am confident that he will be pleased and supportive of it." He added, "The number that we based our budget on is now three months old, and unfortunately tax receipts have not kept in line with his forecast."

Asked how this year's budget could be cut another $69 million, Hammon said, "There are places to do it. The big fear is that we're way past cutting fat." These cuts, he said, citizens will feel. "They are serious decisions at this point. ... The governor's already notified agencies to be prepared for that."