2016 Legislative Session Starts Today

Today is the first day of the 60 day legislative session, and lawmakers will have plenty to keep them busy.

Some of the biggest issues will include the budget and how to spend some 20 billion dollars of tax money over the next two years, pension shortfalls, the state retirement system deficit is estimated to be in the billions of dollars and medicaid. Other issues expected this year are start dates for children in public schools and a statewide smoking ban that would prevent smoking in public places.

The Democrats control the House and Republicans hold the Senate, and that means many of the issues could be decided along party lines or a deadlock.