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Analysts say state budget looks OK for next year

HELENA - State government is facing a $300 million-plus revenue cliff in the coming year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, legislative analysts told lawmakers last week. Regardless, it's looking like Montana's reserve accounts will be adequate to stave off a full-blown budget crisis through at least 2021.

"While fiscal year 2021 looks manageable, the next biennium may be more of a challenge for legislators," said fiscal analyst Susie Lindsay.

The new projections, prepared by the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Division and presented to the Legislative Fiscal Committee, are part of the first...