ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, SportsBig issues face this year's legislative session

Alabama's legislature will be gaveled into session at noon Tuesday. The Governor will deliver his state-of-the-state address Tuesday evening at 6:30. Republicans and Democrats alike will be waiting to hear what Governor Robert Bentley recommends for making ends meet in the General Fund budget. Right now, the budget is expected to be short some $400 million.

Bentley says that is because there is no longer any short term"fixes" - money coming in federal stimulus - this year.

The governor also wants a $2 billion bond issue to fix roads and bridges. Many understand the need but question the timing of taking on such debt.

The immigration bill is expected to undergo modifications during the session and the issue of charter schools will come up again.

Republican leaders say something must be done to cut down on the cost of state pensions. The GOP also is expected to push a bill to repeal a 61% pay increase state lawmakers voted for themselves in 2007.