With just thirteen 13 days left in this year's legislative session, the State Senate has yet to sign off on the final 2008 budget. But, that's not holding back lawmakers who say they're prepared to forge ahead.
Speaking at his weekly press briefing, Senate President Pro-Tem Eric Johnson says they're ready to get started on the '09 budget, though its unlikely the Senate will get the '08 budget before cross-over day next Tuesday.
Johnson expressed frustration at how long the budget process takes.
"It's no way to run a railroad when one body gets a budget for 35 days and the other ones given 2-3. But, we didn't write the Constitution."State law requires that the budget be passed by day 35 of a legislative session. Johnson says this year's primary sticking point is funding for public defenders.
