While John Hood has written convincingly about the importance of state government savings, it seems state senators may well take heed of his advice for prudence. We’re hearing the Senate budget will boost the Rainy Day reserve fund north of $1 billion, put an additional $250 million in the Repairs and Renovation Fund, about $185 million in the Medicaid reserve fund, and another $350 million in a Medicaid transition fund.

Although budget details have not been finalized, don’t be surprised if the Senate budget spends less than the governor’s budget ($21.4 billion rather than $21.5 billion), and much less than the House ($22.1 Billion).