The Senate Majority Leader says the budget will be among the top priorities of Democrats in the upcoming session.
State Senator Russ Decker (D-Weston) says he's already talking to the Governor about what needs to be done to help fight a growing budget deficit. The Governor now says the state could face a $5 billion shortfall. Decker says many options are already being looked at.
Decker says another budget repair bill may even be necessary, before lawmakers work on the next state budget.
On Tuesday, Decker was again picked by Senate Democrats to serve as Majority Leader for the next legislative session. He says the budget will be the top issue, but also expects another look at Healthy Wisconsin. Decker also expects a statewide smoking ban to come up again, but says both sides must be willing to compromise.
On Tuesday, Senate Democrats also elected state Senator Fred Risser (D-Madison) to serve as Senate President again. State Senator Pat Kreitlow (D-Chippewa Falls) will serve as President Pro-tempore and Senator Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay) will serve as Assistant Majority Leader.