Colorado State Budget Faces Vote Monday

The Colorado Senate is in the process of putting the final touches on the 2011-12 budget. It's expected to vote Monday, which will move the $7 billion plan onto the House, and then to the Governor.

Republican State Senator Steve King says he proud of the budget they've put together. He says there has been bi-partisan support and both sides have been able to come up with a solid budget plan.

"It is the House and the Senate and the Governor's office working together to balance Colorado's budget," King said. "And hopefully (we'll) see a turn around in the recession that we've been to, and better days ahead."

King says he's happy about a reserve that is now built into the budget, better known as a rainy day fund.

The budget plan includes less money for K-12 schools and colleges. The spending plan also calls to eliminate several hundred state jobs.

Senators voted to declare a state fiscal emergency, which allows them to use cigarette and tobacco taxes to balance the budget.