Ohio's year-end revenue outpaces estimates.

• Position: Ohio

State revenue is exceeding budget estimates for fiscal year 2006, though any surplus will be used to replenish the state's dwindling budget stabilization fund (BSF).

Total tax receipts exceed Office of Budget Management estimates by $350 million and state spending is down $585 million, according to Gongwer News Service. Should the numbers hold true, the state is on track to realize its first surplus since FY 2000.

Any surplus is destined to replenish the state's budget stabilization, or "rainy day," fund, which contains about half the money mandated by statute. This amount is supposed to at minimum equal 5 percent of the previous year's...