How deep is the budget hole that was dug by the 82nd Legislature? Here are some numbers that describe the extent of the problem:
1. Medicaid was underfunded by $4.7B
2. To pay for the full 24 months will cost another $4.7B
3. That still leaves Medicaid caseload growth (to be determined)
4. Public ed enrollment growth $2B
5. The education deferral must be paid for in this biennium $2B
Other costs:
Prison health care
ERS
Higher ed enrollment
Budget transparency
The hole is at least $14B+ … and that doesn’t count the structural deficit resulting from the failed business tax, about a $2B shortfall each biennium.