Ditchmen • NUCA of Florida October 2018 | Page 7

LAWMAKERS ADOPT ‘POSITIVE’ LONG-RANGE FINANCIAL FORECAST By Lloyd Dunkelberger TALLAHASSEE --- Florida lawmakers adopted a new long-range financial forecast on Friday that could bode well when they meet next spring to write a new state budget. The financial outlook, which was adopted unanimously by the Legislative Budget Commission, projects a $223 million surplus for the next budget year, which begins July 1. It is a modest surplus, representing only 0.6 percent of the estimated $34.6 billion in general revenue projected for next year. Senate Appropriations Chairman Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, who chairs the joint budget panel of House and Senate members, said the positive numbers are a sign of Florida’s strong economy and the “conservative financial decisions” made by lawmakers. The financial outlook, which was adopted unanimously by the Legislative Budget Commission, projects a $223 million surplus for the next budget year OCTOBER 2018 • DITCHMEN 7