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On Wednesday Primorye Duma deputies approved in its first reading the projected 2007-budget which for the first time in the past three years shows over a $83 million deficit.

At their regular session the deputies discussed the next year’s budget estimating revenues at 29.6 billion rubles ($.1.1 billon) and expenditures at 31.2 billion rubles, a press statement from the regional administration reported. The budget draft was approved by majority of vote

According to Primorye Vice Governor Alexander Kostenko, the deficit of 2.2 billion rubles ($83.6 million) is legitimate since it accounts to 10 percent of the budget revenues and does not exceed the 15-percent limit. Primorye residents will not suffer untimely payment of wages and benefits since the deficit applies only to the budget investment part, Kostenko promised.

The 2007 budget envisages the growth of gross regional product at 6.6 percent, the increase in the wages funds at 18.8 percent, with the average monthly wage in Primorye estimated at 13,000 rubles ($494).

The projected budget implies payment increases for state workers, the statement noted. Monthly payments to the residents enjoying social benefits will be increased by 10 percent, while residents raising children will see a 33-pecent increase in the benefits, the statement said.

The deputies plan to add amendments to the project by next Wednesday and will gather to consider it in the second reading on December 15. The project is to be passed in the third, final reading by the end of 2006.