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California Budget Deficit Shrinks; May See Surplus By 2014

SACRAMENTO (CBS/AP) -- The nonpartisan legislative analyst says California is facing a much smaller deficit of $1.9 billion through the end of the next fiscal year and could even see surpluses over the next few years.

The Legislative Analyst's Office on Wednesday released a positive but cautious forecast for the state, a week after Californians approved Gov. Jerry Brown's sales and income tax initiative.

Analyst Mac Taylor says California is at a "promising moment" that could mark the end of a decade of budget deficits.

He projects a much smaller deficit of $1.9 billion for the 2013 fiscal year, compared to the $15.7 billion deficit lawmakers faced earlier this year.

The analyst's report projects a surplus starting in 2014, thanks partly to Brown's tax initiative, the state's economic recovery and previous budget cuts.

 

 

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