State deficit more than $814 million

HARRISBURG — Rep. Mike Peifer reports that for the eighth consecutive month, revenue collections for the state’s General Fund have missed estimates, adding to worries about a worsening budget deficit. The shortfall for December totaled $156.6 million, marking the fourth time that revenues have missed by more than $100 million and bringing the total deficit to $814.5 million. While estimates for the final deficit have been as high as $2 billion, current expectations peg the final number at approximately $1.6 billion. Peifer said that House Republicans recently announced the formation of a task force to address the state budget. House Republicans have pledged to fight tax increase proposals and insist that officials must instead examine poorly performing state programs to find potential cuts.