DES MOINES, IOWA (AP) -- Lawmakers have opened this year's session of the Iowa Legislature facing a daunting $600 million budget shortfall spurred by a deep and persistent recession.
House Speaker Pat Murphy and Senate President Jack Kibbie brought their respective chambers into session shortly after 10 a.m. Monday, formally opening a gathering that will focus on wrestling with the state's sour economy.
Republican and Democratic leaders planned to mark the opening with speeches, and newly elected lawmakers were set to take the oath of office. Gov. Chet Culver will deliver his annual report on the condition of the state on Tuesday. Culver says that speech will focus on recovering from last summer's record flooding.
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