The Governor says time is running out for lawmakers to reach a compromise on a budget repair bill.
Legislative leaders have been holding closed door meetings to discuss how to plug a $527 million budget hole. Governor Jim Doyle says they need to reach a deal soon. Even though he doesn't want to set an “absolute deadline,” Doyle says an agreement should be reached within the next eight to ten days.
Doyle says any further delay could result in the state having to pro-rate service payments to providers and force cutbacks for non-essential state services. The Governor is hopeful that can be avoided, but he says they need to plan for any contingency.
The Governor says members of his staff have been working with leadership to reach a compromise. However, Doyle says lawmakers should avoid waiting until the last minute to act.