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N.D. (AP) — A rainy day fund that was established as a backstop for depressed state tax collections will end the month on empty for the first time since it was established 30 years ago.

The Budget Stabilization Fund had held more than $572 million last year until raids on it began to make up for shortfalls from a prolonged slump in oil and crop prices.

With the fund drained and an ongoing string of woeful revenue forecasts, North Dakota lawmakers are forced to cut back on record spending for the first time in years.

Lawmakers are scrambling to balance the books with just 30 days left in the session.

The most recent budget estimate shows revenues nearly $672 million short of funding the state’s $4.3 billion spending plan.

Photo: KFGO Radio