DENVER (AP) -- Colorado House members are beginning deliberations on the state's $18 billion annual budget.
The Senate approved the budget Monday with relative ease but a bigger fight is expected in the House this week. Lawmakers in that chamber will meet most of Tuesday to discuss the particulars of the budget.
The budget includes $250 million in cuts to K-12 education, a reduction that will likely prompt teacher layoffs, larger class sizes and shorter school weeks. The budget bill also cuts money for higher education and reduces Medicaid payments to doctors who treat the poor.
A deal struck by Republicans and Democrats also restores part of a tax rebate to retailers for collecting sales tax and a waiver on sales taxes on agricultural products.
(Copyright ©2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKXRM