The 2010 Session of the Georgia General Assembly begins today (photo by atlexplorer)
Budget writers say they will take a very close look at all state programs to see if they can consolidate and cut their way out of the bad economic climate.
That means teachers could see more furlough days or state parks could close. Senate appropriations chair Jack Hill of Reedsville says reserves and federal stimulus dollars are running low.
"It’s like the family that has lost part of their income and we have not lowered our spending," he says. We’re just basically using money from under the mattress and the piggy bank to meet the difference."
Hill says special sales tax exemption to certain industries and local governments may need to be suspended.
Governor Perdue will detail his budget proposals later this week. Then the State House will get a chance to make changes. The Governor says around the country the tough economic climate is taking it’s toll.
"People, this is not unique to the state of Georgia this is not unique to state government. Anyone that has any kind of business or organization, they understand the challenges with revenue reduction. "
Georgia still has some federal stimulus dollars, which will likely be used this year. Some lawmakers say they are seeing signs that the economy in the state is recovering slowly. And in this election year it is unlikely anyone will propose raising taxes.
