Governor Jim Doyle says time is of the essence in repairing the state budget. Doyle says a lot depends on just how significant the budget shortfall is going to be, but he expects it to be large enough to require prompt action.
Revenue projections indicate a shortfall of at least $300 to $400 million for the current two year budget. And, Doyle notes that budget, which he signed after months of haggling between Democrats and Republicans in the legislature, already includes $200 million in cuts to state agencies, so finding additional cuts "gets a lot harder to do." Doyle expects that most every area of state government will be touched in some way, although protecting education and health care will remain his priorities. Doyle is expected to make recommendations following the release of updated revenue numbers next month.