BOISE -- Idaho lawmakers say January tax revenue came in below expectations for a fifth straight month, making even stiffer cuts to Idaho programs than Gov. Butch Otter has called for this year and next even more likely.
Actual figures weren't released, but Rep. Maxine Bell, co-chairwoman of the budget writing committee, says they are similar to December when revenue missed targets by about $12.6 million.
She told the Post-Register, "The revenue is just not there."
In January, Otter called for an additional 1.6 percent budget cut, or $40 million, in the budget for the year ending June 30.
Based on the dour revenue figures, that will probably have to be doubled.
Public schools could be on the hook for an even bigger hit than the nearly $28 million already in Otter's plan.
Final January revenue figures are expected next week.
