That's what happened this year. Using the efficiencies created by his cuts and an improving economy, Hogan submitted a balanced budget that fully funded all mandated spending. Busch and Miller responded by using their majorities in the House and Senate to fence $90 million, and passed 25 bills that mandated spending increases totaling $974.3 million over the next four years. Since Busch and Miller have veto-proof majorities in the Senate and House, Hogan is stuck with these mandates, and the deficit increases that accompany them. Instead of an easily manageable $8 million deficit, Hogan must now deal with a $170 million deficit when he runs for re-election in 2018 — more, if Busch and Miller push through additional spending mandates next year.