A panel of Kansas officials has boosted the forecast for the state’s tax collections. They raised the revenue projection by almost $160 million.
That puts a dent in the Kansas budget deficit. After accounting for the new money, the state still faces a shortfall of around $900 million over the coming two fiscal years.
“There certainly remain big challenges for legislators and us between now and when the session ends,” said Shawn Sullivan, Gov. Sam Brownback’s budget director.
However, Sullivan added that "up is better than down."
Sullivan said they’re expecting growth in individual income and sales taxes, but the sagging energy and agriculture sectors are impacting the state’s finances.
The slight bump in projected revenue comes after the panel sharply reduced the revenue forecast in November.
