IN budget may be shorter than expected

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - The Indiana General Assembly took Governor Mike Pence's recommendations for the state budget into consideration as they started hammering out the state's finances.

However, early forecasts of money coming in could hurt that budget.
   
Governor Pence revealed his hopes for the upcoming budget when he addressed the assembly earlier this week.
But from there, his plans will be viewed simply as suggestions to the General Assembly.
   
To get a view from across the aisle, we sat down with Indiana Democrat Clyde Kersey. Kersey serves on the House Ways and Means committee.
   
Kersey told News 10 that the committee was receptive to several of Pence's points; especially concerning adding education funding to the tune of a one percent increase.
Another portion of the education increases looks to add more vocational training in high schools.
   
But, the House is still divided on the Pence's suggestion of granting a 10% tax cut for all Hoosiers.
   
Kersey said the latest revenue forecasts for the state gives all lawmakers cause for concern about cutting even more from the budget.

"We were planning on about a 3% increase on revenue coming in,” he explained. “We had a revenue forecast come in Thursday of a 1.9% or less increase in revenue.”
   
Kersey said the House Ways and Means committee will receive an updated projection of revenue towards the end of the session.
   
The committee will have to complete that budget by April 15th.