This year state agencies cut: next year they say they need $700 million more

This year state agencies cut: next year they say they need $700 million more: A few months after state agencies were stripped of $2.2 billion worth of spending because of the COVID recession, they're back asking for a $700 million increase in the upcoming fiscal year. That's a little bit less than in past - more flush - years, but whether they get it, and whether teachers get a pay raise depends how the economy performs from now until spring. Most of the money agencies requested would go toward public health care, schools and road building.