Lawmakers brace for huge revenue loss

   Area lawmakers are weighing options for plugging a looming budget gap, which got even larger this week.
    A panel of economists and legislative leaders predicted that the state will receive about $235 million less in tax collections in 2010 than originally expected. If that prediction comes true, the state will face a 4.2 percent shortfall in revenues to fund services.
    The state Legislature will have to make cuts of at least $260 million in order to balance the books for fiscal year 2010. But that figure doesn't include an additional $155 million for public schools, which would cover increased student populations, special education and services for poverty-stricken students.
    Add that $155 million to the mix, and the Legislature may have to slash $460 million to make the 2010 budget work.
  For the full story, go to dodgecitydailyglobe.ks.newsmemory.com.