State lawmakers return to the Capitol next week to open the new General Assembly session. And it promises to be dominated once again by tough budget issues.

Legislators have already sliced more than $3 billion over the past two years. And there will be more cuts coming.

State Senate Majority Leader, Republican Chip Rogers, says another $1 billion or more will need to be trimmed. And he says the Legislative agenda will be led by two over-riding topics.

“Dealing with the HOPE scholarship and the budget are going to be two very difficult items. But they must be dealt with. So I guess it’s somewhat of an ominous mood around the Capitol because these are very serious issues and not fun issues but they must be dealt with.”

Nathan Deal takes the governor’s office next Monday. He’s already suggested that there’s no way to avoid further cuts to state jobs.

Tags: Georgia, Chip Rogers, budget cuts, state budget, state Capitol, state lawmakers, General Assembly session