Idaho Panel Align with Gov. Otter on 2017 Revenue Forecast

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — For the fourth year in a row, Idaho lawmakers on an economic outlook panel have sided with Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter' revenue projections on how much money will flow into the state in the 2017 fiscal year.

The Joint Economic Outlook and Revenue Assessment Committee voted 13-4 Thursday in favor of the estimate Otter released Monday's State of the State address. The governor's forecast predicts $3.34 billion in tax revenue or 4.9 percent more than the current year.

The committee's recommendation now moves to the state's budget committee for final approval. Lawmakers determine forecast early during the legislative session so that they can begin hashing out if they will also approve Otter's budget priorities.