JFAC has voted to adopt the same revenue figures for this year's budget as Gov. Butch Otter recommended; the governor's revised recommendation, which estimated 4.43 percent growth in the current year, or $2.5527 billion, also was adopted earlier by the Joint Economic Outlook & Revenue Assessment Committee. That vote was unanimous, 20-0.

Now the discussion turns to the coming year, 2013. JFAC Co-Chair Maxine Bell, R-Jerome, moved to adopt the Economic Outlook figure, which reflects a 4.5 percent increase over this year, totals $2.667 billion, and is $33.3 million below the governors' recommendation. Bell said she appreciates the joint revenue projection committee's work. "They spent days," she said. "I think them for their help."

Sen. Diane Bilyeu, D-Pocatello, questioned why the motion didn't address increases in state revenues since the economic outlook committee met. Senate Finance Chairman Dean Cameron, R-Rupert, acknowledged that as of the January revenues, the state is $13.5 million ahead of target, but he said that's this year, and doesn't guarantee rising revenues next year.
 

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