Colorado Lawmakers Ask For Budget Delay

DENVER (AP) - Colorado budget writers are asking to delay the introduction of the state budget for more than a week.

Republican Sen. Kent Lambert and Democratic Sen. Mary Hodge, both of the Joint Budget Committee, said the panel will seek to delay introduction of the so-called "Long Bill" until April 4. The lawmakers say it's possible the bill can still be introduced sooner.

The budget was scheduled to be introduced in the House on Monday.

Lawmakers received revenue forecasts on Monday that showed the state has about $150 million to spend next year. Budget writers still have a lot of issues pending before they vote on the long bill. One of the most notable is whether the state can afford to keep a nearly $100 million property tax break for seniors.

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