Lt. Governor outlines state's 'challenges'

Cagle proposed that the state cut its budget by six percent — except for K-12 education and Department of Community Health — to get through the current budget crisis.

“Raising taxes is not an option,” said Cagle, speaking at the Jefferson Civic Center.

Without offering specifics, Cagle said the General Assembly will “be very focused” and will require “significant cuts” to deal with a budget deficit he put at $1.6 billion.

The economy was just one of seven “challenges” Cagle said facing the state, which he said still has some major strengths.