Arkansas lawmakers have begun talks about crafting next year's budget, with a midterm election and uncertainty about the state's finances looming.
The Arkansas Legislative Council and Joint Budget Committee on Tuesday began hearings to talk about funding for the state's agencies as lawmakers prepare for next year's legislative session. The panel planned to begin the hearings focusing on smaller boards and agencies.
Outgoing Gov. Mike Beebe's administration is set to present his balanced budget proposal to the committee on Nov. 13.
The hearings begin in the middle of a heated gubernatorial campaign, with Democratic nominee Mike Ross and Republican Asa Hutchinson running to succeed Beebe. The two are running on competing tax cut proposals that could dramatically alter the budget plans.
