HELENA — Legislative analysts have released a new revenue estimate that paints a rosier economic picture for Montana.
The Legislative Fiscal Division forecast Monday that Montana will have $106 million more in the state’s general fund than the revenue estimates lawmakers are now using to write the next two-year budget.
The new forecast predicts $24.7 million in additional revenue this year, $57.8 million next year and $23.8 million in 2019.
The forecast could give lawmakers some breathing room as they seek to shore up a budget shortfall caused by less-than-expected revenue in recent years.
Lawmakers are seeking to balance the 2018-2019 budget and leave $200 million in reserve.
The proposed 2018-2019 budget would leave $140 million in reserve. That number would rise if lawmakers adopt the new revenue forecast.