Colorado Gov. Ritter is predicting a $600+ million shortfall in revenue this year because of a declining economy, requiring matching budget reductions. But the politicians make their own definitions, and a budget cut for government might not be what you and I would call a budget cut.
Out of this $600 million that we're hearing... about $400 million of it is just scheduled increases in the budget.
[...]
Let's talk about the real amount of dollars that won't show up in the general fund: it's $234 million. So when people say we're cutting the budget, they're accurate in saying $234 million. How much of that is the total budget we're talking about? It's three percent -- 3.1 percent.
Colorado's state government budget is in no real danger. Remember that when you see or read politicians whining about a lack of revenue, and asking for increased fees to make up a 'shortfall.'
