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State lawmakers are in advanced discussions to make $400 million in budget cuts next week as a preliminary fix to the state's $1.4 billion shortfall, top budget negotiators said Friday.
Republican Rep. Gary Alexander said he is reviewing a proposal from his Democratic counterparts, seeking revisions and additions to reach as much as $500 million in savings. Lawmakers said they are optimistic the measure will past next week because it reserves more contentious issues for discussion later.