Long-range plan projects budget gaps growing to $24 million by 2029-30

What happened

The January five-year plan projected spending about equal to revenue in 2026–27, then gaps of $8.7 million in 2027–28, $16.3 million in 2028–29 and $24.1 million in 2029–30 before balancing measures. Officials said they intended to protect programs; that intention does not establish how later budgets will be balanced.

Why it matters to families

The forecast identifies pressure for later budget decisions, not adopted cuts. Aid, benefit costs, tax-base changes and subsequent balancing measures can change these projections.

The evidence

The January 12, 2026 long-range plan slides list revenues of $283.1 million and spending of $283.2 million for 2026-27, then gaps of $(8.7), $(16.3) and $(24.1) million. They name federal cuts, the tax cap, property tax payments that shrink the taxable base, and rising insurance and benefit costs.

The source