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Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman announced tonight he will call lawmakers into a special session to talk about an estimated $200 million shortfall in the state budget, caused by a struggling economy.
The session could take place next week.
His spokeswoman, Lisa Roskelley, said, "This is not an emergency session in any way. We could actually wait until the general session. This is just a proactive approach to look at our budget."
Leaders in the Legislature say they will cut 2 to 3 percent from the budget from state agencies, but not public education.
Gov. Huntsman's spokeswoman also told KSL there's no plan to take money from the state's so-called "rainy day fund."
Earlier SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- State lawmakers want Gov. Jon Huntsman to call a special session next week to address an estimated $200 million budget shortfall caused by a sluggish economy.
He's expected to agree.
Legislative leaders say they want to cut 2 percent to 3 percent from the $11.3 billion state budget.
State agencies began preparing ways to cut their budgets earlier this summer by as much as 5 percent.
Senate President John Valentine said lawmakers hope to agree to a revised budget next Friday.
First, legislative and gubernatorial staff will meet to come up with new revenue estimates for this fiscal year. Once the Legislature's primary budget writing committee adopts those figures next Wednesday, smaller committees will delve into what specific cuts they want to make.
Lawmakers said they don't expect any cuts to education funding.
The legislature had anticipated a $776 million surplus for the fiscal year that began in July. But that same month projections from the Utah State Tax Commission pointed to a $112 million shortfall -- a number that's grown to $200 million.
Lawmakers had prepared for an economic downturn before they adjourned in March, spending $100 million less than they could have. They've also socked away another $100 million in the state's rainy day fund over the past two years.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
