State Democratic Leader Pushes For Budget Deal

MADISON, Wis. -- The leader of Democrats in the state Assembly is telling lawmakers to prepare for debate Tuesday of a bill fixing the state budget shortfall.

Assembly Minority Leader Jim Kreuser of Kenosha sent an e-mail to other Democrats a day after he blasted the budget plan being negotiated.

Kreuser's e-mail said it is of the utmost importance to pass a budget bill by Tuesday, when $261 million in spring transportation contracts are scheduled to be approved.

Gov. Jim Doyle has warned that not fixing the shortfall soon could delay road projects.

Kreuser said in the e-mail sent Wednesday that if the Legislature doesn't act Tuesday, it shows the Republican majority has no intention of solving the problem or addressing roads needs.