The State Assembly was back in session on Tuesday, preparing to work on the state budget.
The Assembly passed the Republican version of the budget two weeks ago, but the Senate needed to amend it to spend less to get the support of enough Republicans to pass it. So it's back in the Assembly.
Speaker John Gard says the budget still contains a gas tax cut, a social security tax cut, and a property tax freeze, so now they're just debating little details. Gard says, "The foundation of the budget is still in place. We're obviously not terribly thrilled with some of the changes the senate made, but fundamentally some of the most important pieces are still there and so I would expect it will pass here and whether or not there are changes remains to be seen."
If the Assembly accepts the Senate's version of the budget it will be sent to Governor Doyle. If they change something it will be sent back to the Senate for approval. However, if both houses can't agree the budget will be sent to a joint committee where they will work out the differences.
Governor Doyle has said he plans to veto all or part of this budget to add funding to public education.
