But Governor Sonny Perdue was quick to say Friday the state anticipipates that tax collections later this year ``will slow and balance this one month spike.''

The report from the Department of Revenue shows revenue collections in April jumped more than $452 million compared with the same month last year, fueled by a spike in individual income tax receipts. For the fiscal year that ends June 30, revenues are up 4.7 percent.

Recent fiscal reports have been less encouraging.

Tax revenues dropped 1.6 percent in March from the same month last year, and Georgia lawmakers were forced to cut spending after Perdue slashed $245 million from the fis

cal year 2009 budget. (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)