Republicans prepared to release their latest budget cut plan

Republican legislators intend to lay out their budget-cutting plans tomorrow morning. Hundreds of state government workers are worried about their jobs in light of the state’s precarious financial condition. Lawmakers and the governor must trim over 200-million dollars from next year’s budget plan, which goes into effect July 1st. According to several statehouse sources, republican legislators will recommend that about 15 state programs be eliminated. While rumors abound that entire departments will be axed, sources say that will not happen. But agencies like the Department of Elder Affairs, which has been under fire for inadequate oversight of assisted living centers, may be on the chopping block next year when the Legislature’s special budget-cutting commission meets to come up with a list of ideas for streamlining government.