State economists are projecting lawmakers will have $150 million more in the general fund to run government services. The revenue forecast shows a 6 percent — or $150 million — increase in fiscal year 2016, up from the previous projection of 2.7 percent. It’s a rosier picture compared to May, when the Council on Revenues had projected state revenues would grow by only 2.7 percent because $104 million in state tax refunds that were supposed to be paid out in 2015 would instead be paid in fiscal 2016. But that didn’t happen. Thanks goodness.

Lower gasoline prices present a predicament

Woo hoo! Gasoline prices are down to about $3 or so a gallon right now, which is more than a dollar less than a year ago.

That means you can take that drive to whereever you’ve been dreaming for awhile and not feel so guilty about breaking the family budget.

On the other hand, more drivers add to traffic congestion, and probably harm the environment as well. Oh well. …