State trying to close projected $30 million budget deficit

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- As they put together a budget for the year that begins July 1, state officials will be trying to close a $30-million deficit.

The figure is the result of a revenue and caseload estimating conference that wrapped up last week with reduced revenue estimates, both this year and next year.

Revenues for the current year are now projected to be $3.3 billion -- $4.9 million below earlier estimates. And revenues for next year are now projected to be $3.2 billion -- $51.2 million below earlier estimates.

Savings in cash and medical assistance programs are partially expected to offset the lower revenues, but not enough to erase the projected $30 million deficit, according to figures from the state Budget Office.