Otter touts 2013 budget, says there's enough cash

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By Associated Press

Summary

Budget chief Wayne Hammon has been jawboning lawmakers fearful Otter's forecast of $2.7 billion in revenue is too optimistic.

Story Published: Feb 10, 2012 at 10:26 AM PDT

Story Updated: Feb 10, 2012 at 10:26 AM PDT

Otter touts 2013 budget, says there's enough cash

Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter talks with about 75 reporters at the Capitol building on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012 in Boise, Idaho. Gov. Otter shared his thoughts on the upcoming 2012 legislative session which starts Monday. (AP Photo / Matt Cilley)

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter continues to champion his fiscal year 2013 budget proposal, dispatching lieutenants to the Legislature to argue that projected revenue justifies the spending plan he outlined last month.

Budget chief Wayne Hammon has been jawboning lawmakers fearful Otter's forecast of $2.7 billion in revenue is too optimistic.

In the past, Otter has been swayed by the Legislature's more pessimistic forecasts.

Not so, this year.

On Thursday, Hammon released a plan he says underscores why the House and Senate can still support cutting taxes by $45 million, giving a $41 million bonus to teachers and state workers — and sticking $60 million into rainy day accounts.

Despite pleas from disabled advocates, Hammon says Otter remains adamant about not restoring $35 million in funds cut from Medicaid last year.

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