Budget deficit hits record in May
Calendar quirk causes shift for June payments
WASHINGTON — The federal government’s budget deficit in May rose to a record $207.8 billion, 41.5 percent higher than a year ago. Most of that increase reflected the impact of calendar quirks that shifted $55 billion in June benefit payments into May.
The Treasury Department said Wednesday that the increase in the May deficit from an imbalance of $146.8 billion in May 2018 reflected the fact that because June 1 fell on a Saturday, benefit payments for June were paid out in May.
Through the first eight months of this budget year, the budget deficit totals $738.6 billion, an increase of 38.8 percent over the same period last year. For the full year, it is expected to climb sharply, with the Trump administration forecasting it will top $1 trillion from $779 million last year.
The Congressional Budget Office is forecasting a slightly lower deficit of $896 billion for this year, but that would still be up 15 percent from the 2018 deficit.
The Trump administration is forecasting that the deficits will top $1 trillion for
that land. Given the strong results we’ve seen in downtown Las Vegas over the last several years, we have been revisiting these options to see if it makes sense for us to pursue an expansion of the Fremont,” Strow said in an email.
No final decision has been made regarding a possible expansion, he said.
Boyd is one of the largest casino entertainment companies in the country, as it owns and operates 29 gaming properties in 10 states, including the Fremont and Main
Street Station in downtown Las Vegas. PUC filings show the company has an annual load of about 235,000 megawatts.
Boyd said in PUC filings that it is negotiating an agreement with Texas-based Tenaska Power Services Co. to use the company as its alternative provider. If Boyd follows through with its plans to leave, it would start taking service from Tenaska in October.
Six companies have departed NV Energy since 2005 to pursue more renewable options and cheaper rates.
Meanwhile, several companies have been making long-term deals with NV Energy in recent months,
with many saying NV Energy is offering cheaper rates and more renewable resources. Additional details of the long-term agreements have remained confidential.
NV Energy spokeswomen Jennifer Schuricht said the utility will work hard to keep Boyd’s business.
“We’ve been able to retain our customers by delivering great value as the local energy partner that is dedicated to meeting their energy needs. We can provide the same type of value and benefit to Boyd Gaming,” she said via email.
Contact Bailey Schulz at bschulz@ reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0233. Follow @bailey_schulz on Twitter.