Budget cuts loom as lawmakers reach halfway point

By The AP
Friday, March 12, 2010

DENVER — Colorado lawmakers say they’re making progress on bills to create jobs and increase the use of renewable energy as they near the halfway point of their 120-day session.

But House Speaker Terrance Carroll, a Denver Democrat, said today the biggest fight is yet to come as lawmakers prepare to balance next year’s budget in the midst of a revenue crisis.

Carroll says lawmakers will have to cut another $1.5 billion from the $18 billion spending plan as they wait for the state’s latest revenue forecast due next week.

The session will be half over on Saturday.