State tax collections remain slightly ahead of estimates through the first seven months of the fiscal year, and are well ahead of the pace from a year ago.

Helped by solid personal income tax numbers, preliminary figures from the state Office of Budget and Management say state tax receipts were nearly 4 percent ahead of estimates for January. That puts the state $147 million over estimates for the year (1.4 percent).

Income taxes were up 5 percent over estimates in January, while auto sales tax came in 15 percent over projections. The state's unemployment rate fell to 8.1 percent in December, the lowest level since December 2008. However, figures show the labor force shrank by 21,000 workers and companies said they cut 3,300 jobs.

Compared to the same time period a year ago, state tax revenue is up 9.2 percent, a figure aided by the decision to divert some commercial activities tax collections into the general revenue fund.