In the meantime the state sales tax collections were off about $100 million from earlier projections forcing lawmakers and the governor to make new adjustments.
Instead of cutting aid to the schools, money from a revenue sharing rainy day fund may be tapped to fill in the budget deficit for this year.
Consumer confidence has rebounded nicely but experts say it is still not at a level to feed a "robust" recovery. One bright spot is the housing industry where sources report a "very strong" up tick in home sales and remodeling.
