re: Did JBE create the financial shortfall?

Fact: The state only has enough money coming in earmarked to fund education to cover current operating costs (payroll at public schools) through April 30th - June 30th timeframe.

The reason this window is large is that even though payroll is relatively easy to figure out, state tax revenue fluctuates with the free market pricing and economic activity (how well businesses are doing, oil prices, etc).

It's easy enough for the High Education Commissioner to look at the numbers and say at current estimates we will effectively run out of money after April 30th, or soon after.

How is this a "scare" tactic? It's true...if you knew where to look up the budget figures you could do the math yourself. Telling the people the truth is not a scare tactic...it's scary all by itself. But it's real, VERY real.

Since the economy and oil prices are so low and there is no reserves to fall back on...more revenue is needed. You can't just cut your way to a solution because the layoffs necessary to self sustain on the money coming in would mean effectively everyone would lose one or more teachers or classes giving them incompletes. The only option is MORE REVENUE.