Ind. lawmakers return to looming budget decisions

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Lawmakers are returning to the Indiana Statehouse for the second half of this year's legislative session.

The biggest job they face upon returning Monday from a short mid-session break is completing work on a new two-year state budget. A state Senate committee will begin hearings on the budget plan this week.

Senators will have the next several weeks to consider changes to the House-approved budget plan that calls for $700 million more in school and road spending than proposed by Gov. Mike Pence and leaves out his proposed 10 percent cut to the state's income tax rate.

Republicans who control the Senate and House have been wary of the tax cut plan, but Pence argues the state can afford the move and that it would spur economic growth.