Doyle Wants To Tackle Budget Problem This Year

MADISON, Wis. -- Gov. Jim Doyle said he wants to address the state's budget shortfall in the next couple of months.

Since this is the first year of the two-year budget, Doyle could wait until later. But Doyle said Tuesday it makes sense to start dealing with a projected shortfall of up to $400 million before it gets any worse.

Doyle is staying mum on how he intends to do that. He is waiting for revenue estimates that are due next month. Doyle said the shortfall will be a "pretty tough number."

Options Doyle outlined to address it include holding off on new spending that is to start next year and reorganizing offices to be more efficient as workers retire.