The Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee says Governor Bob Holden is inflating the size of the budget deficit expected for the next fiscal year. Chairman Carl Bearden says the $800-Million deficit forecast by the Governor’s Budget Director is much too big. Bearden admits the state is not likely to have enough money to maintain state programs and services at present levels but he thinks the deficit will be more like $150-Million to $300-Million. House Republicans have opposed any tax increases to meet the shortage. Governor Holden says some loopholes in tax laws need to be closed to bring more fairness to the tax structure and to provide money for programs and services.
