State economists foresee tight budget year

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama legislators are set to get a look at state government's current financial picture and what's forecast for the next fiscal year. The information will come in a day and a half of budget hearings that begin Monday morning in Montgomery. The Legislature's chief financial expert, Norris Green, and state Finance Director Bill Newton will give their outlooks. The lawmakers will also have presentations Monday from the two biggest agencies in the General Fund budget: Medicaid and Corrections. Legislative leaders say the General Fund budget for the new fiscal year looks tight and some state agencies will likely face cuts. The budget hearings will continue Tuesday morning with education leaders making their financial presentations. The hearings are in advance of the Legislature beginning its 2014 session at noon Tuesday.