Doyle Calls Special Session To Deal With Budget

$350 Million Budget Shortfall Projected

UPDATED: 7:48 am CST March 6, 2008

MADISON, Wis. -- Gov. Jim Doyle has called a special legislative session next week for lawmakers to deal with a projected $350 million budget shortfall.

Doyle is calling for lawmakers to take up the budget starting on March 13. Doyle has not yet introduced his plan for dealing with the shortfall. Spokesman Lee Sensenbrenner said the governor expects to introduce his bill early next week.

Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker said he is meeting with Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch on Thursday to discuss the budget.

The shortfall was originally projected to be higher but state agencies are in the process of cutting about $300 million through holding jobs open, canceling travel and other cost-savings.

Previous Stories:

February 15, 2008: Democrats Consider Hospital, Estate Taxes To Plug Budget Gap
February 12, 2008: Huebsch: Size Of Budget Shortfall Expected To Be Known This Week
February 8, 2008: Speaker Orders Freeze On Hiring, Travel In State Assembly
January 30, 2008: Doyle Wants To Tackle Budget Problem This Year
January 28, 2008: State Faces $400M Budget Shortfall