Lawmakers begin budget work ahead of Legislative Session

Alabama lawmakers are beginning budget hearings as they face another grim fiscal outlook and the possibility of additional general fund cuts.

Lawmakers will question state agency heads about their current spending and needs as they begin work on the general fund budget for next fiscal year.

The Department of Corrections and the state court system will give presentations Tuesday. Other state agencies will go before lawmakers later in the week.

House General Fund Chairman Steve Clouse said lawmakers will be looking at ways to handle increased needs in Medicaid and prisons, the two biggest expenses in the general fund budget.

Republished with permission of the Associated Press.