Monday’s revenue projections were raised by the state economist despite lower than expected revenue collections in the first four months. After two fiscal year cuts, the new projection of $56 million (or an increase by 1.2 percent) is welcome news. The revenue projections of Gov. Phil Bryant had to cut state agency budgets before June’s fiscal year, which led to agencies cutting certain services and some employees. The law requires that the governor balance the budget if revenue falls below projections. This can be done by decreasing the budgets of state agencies mid-year, or drawing funds from cash reserves. Darrin Webb, state economist, stated that the Revenue Estimating Group considered the current outlook for our economy, collected collections up to date, and legislative changes in order to project general fund revenue. “This recommendation reflects modest improvements in the economy.” The state has collected $41.2million, or 2.51 percent, through the fiscal year that began July 1. Economists and politicians have claimed that the state’s low revenue is due to unanticipated Department of Revenue expenditures. Revenue numbers reflect an $10.8 million adjustment in July and August. In July, $10.2 million was paid in film-industry rebates. $20.3 million in individual income tax refunds and $20.3 million were also paid. Lt. Governor. Tate Reeves noted Monday morning that revenue estimates can fluctuate, making it difficult to budget and decide how much money state agencies will receive in the future fiscal years. This system is intended to notify the governor immediately of any revenue shortfalls and to provide information to lawmakers about how much money they will have to distribute to state departments and agencies next fiscal year. These conversations will take place in the appropriations committee meetings, which begin Jan. 4. The state agencies usually know how much money they will get before July 2017, when the Legislature finishes its session. Webb also provided the expected revenue estimate for the current fiscal, which was $104.9 million higher than the previous year’s estimate. Reeves and House speaker Philip Gunn suggested to the legislative committee that they may consider disregarding the 1.8 percent increase in appropriations planning for the next legislative session after adopting the economists’ recommendations. Reeves stated, “The only thing we know is that this number’s wrong.” The Revenue Estimating Group’s job it to provide us with the best estimate. As legislators, our job is to ensure that we budget wisely. This should be adopted as it is projected. “I believe that we as a committee should budget for fiscal 2018 with an expected zero growth.” Bryant attended Monday’s meeting, stating in September that he didn’t expect to have to reduce the state budget before the end the calendar year. He replied “Good” when he was given the revised fiscal year estimate. “Any number economic conditions could occur worldwide that could affect this but we seem to be tied down to what we adopt here.” Bryant stated that he thought it was unfair. Bryant said, “If I could accurately predict the revenue of the state in a year, I would be working in financial advicement and would be advertising my global industry. “I know that the leadership is doing an amazing job.” Monday’s estimates were presented by economists. The legislative committee also approved Tony Greer, the new Legislative Budget Office director, to replace Debbie Rubisoff who will be retiring at the end December. Greer will start Nov. 21 to replace Rubisoff.