Florida Facing Budget Crunch Again Next Year

By: Tallahassee Associated Press

Updated: Fri 5:46 PM, Jul 25, 2003

At first glance it would appear the state's budget picture might improve next year.

The economy is growing, revenue is up and the state will receive nearly $1 billion in economic stimulus money from the federal government, but many still expect lawmakers to face a tough challenge in writing a balanced budget next spring.

That's because of the way lawmakers patched together the current $53 billion budget, which took effect July First.

Gov. Jeb Bush and the Republican-led House opposed any tax increases.

So, the Legislature used nearly $2 billion from non-recurring sources of revenue and trust funds to balance this year's budget. The use of that money is cause for concern.

Budget leaders say a lot depends on the economy, but they add next year could be as "bare-bones'' as this year.

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