February Deficit Triples January Increase

The federal budget deficit rose by $20.8 billion in February, more than three times the increase recorded during the previous month, the government said Monday.

For the first five months of the fiscal year, which began Oct. 1, the government deficit totaled $99.6 billion, compared to $89.2 billion for the same period in 1984.

Revenues for the first five months totaled $290.6 billion, compared to $259.8 billion for the same period last year. Total outlays for the period increased to $390.2 billion from $349 billion. In February, the government collected $54 billion and spent $74.8 billion.