The state is looking at a deficit of at least $1.6 billion in its $21.1 billion 2009 fiscal year budget.

"With 50 percent of the budget in education, and 25 percent in health care, it's going to be very difficult," said Sen. Don Thomas, R-Dalton. "But the cuts are going to have to be made."

"It's going to be impossible for education to not be a part of those cuts," said Rep. Tom Dickson, R-Cohutta, a former school superintendent.

Source: Dalton Daily Citizen