Members split difference on FY27 estimates, adding $60M to personal income and $46M to sales/use

Conference members debated a notable spread between executive and LSA projections for fiscal year 2027 and agreed to a compromise allocation that shifts revenue across tax categories.

A conference member asked for clarification about the sales/use category and why it differed from other estimates. Director Acton and the chair discussed differing outlooks: the executive branch saw stronger sales growth while LSA was more cautious. The chair said splitting the difference was an option and proposed specific allocations: "The motion is to use the LSA numbers, but add 60,000,000 into personal income tax and 46,000,000 into sales use tax." After the chair restated that motion, Mister Plegge moved and the chair seconded; the adjustment was adopted by unanimous voice vote.

Members framed the adjustment as a technical compromise, not a policy change. Director Acton and other members noted that sales-tax volatility, national economic uncertainties and recent tax-law changes drove differences between forecasts. The conference did not attach programmatic conditions or additional direction beyond instructing staff to reflect the agreed amounts in the FY27 estimates.

The adopted change moves $60 million into personal income tax estimates and $46 million into sales/use estimates for FY27 modeling. Conference members said they would use the revised figures in forthcoming budget baselines and agency forecasting work.

The conference then proceeded to other agenda items and adjourned after completing votes.