Where's the Deficit?

When I start the budget simulator, it is balanced. It should start with the actual revenue and spending plans for 2011, so we can play with actual numbers.

I agree. As it is now, it does not show any problem.

Just an educated guess here, but this is based on the budget that was adopted by the legislature for fiscal year 2010-11 - the shortfall is due to a decrease in tax revenues and therefore would be another element to the puzzle. I suspect they will update for 2011-12 when the legislature adopts or revises the current administration's proposed budget. One more note, I believe the constitution prevents the total budget amount being increased, so if the shortfall of approx $1 billion is adopted as a revision/amendment to the 2010-11 budget then that will be the new total budget the state has to work with. Please correct me if I have that incorrect.

Yes--you are correct. The current version of Backseat Budgeter is the current state budget, which is roughly balanced folowing lots of cuts. The big debate that is heating up is about next year's budget--2011-12. That one has a projected $1B+ gap. On March 9th Engaged Public will release the simulation for 2011-12, complete with the options that are being discussed by legislators, the governor and third parties. Check back. The launch will be streamed live on 9News at noon.