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State Revenue Could Surpass Legislative Forecasts, Report Says

FY 2017 Montana General Fund Revenue by source
Montana Legislative Fiscal Division
FY 2017 Montana General Fund Revenue by source

The latest legislative analysis says Montana's state budget could be in the black by the end of 2018.

The monthly state revenue estimate issued today says Montana could end up $13 million ahead of what was forecast in last year's regular legislative session budget bill.

The new estimate says that, year-to-date, Montana appears at least on track to collect revenue equal to what was forecast in the budget bill, and could surpass that.

But, analysts caution, collections could still come in low depending on the timing of tax payments.

A positive-balance revenue estimate is a big turnaround from November, when estimates were that Montana would end 2018 with $137 million less than projected.

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