Thu., February 18, 2010 12:13pm (EST)

Lawmakers Take Break To Work On Budget

By Susanna Capelouto

Updated: 3 years ago

ATLANTA  —   State lawmakers are taking a two week break to work out the state budget for this year and next. They will return for the general assembly session on March 8. Senate Majority leader, Chip Rogers, said that the budget writers need the time to take "extraordinary steps to balance the state budget."

Georgia has had negative revenue for more than a year. By the time lawmakers return, the revenue numbers for February should be available. Georgia's budget for this year had to be cut by $1.4 billion dollars so far.

Before taking off for two weeks, the State Senate did pass an amended mid-year budget of $17.4 billion dollars. It includes teacher and state employee furloughs through June. The state House and Senate now have to iron out their differences.