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.