Alabama lawmakers say a second special session is likely

August 6, 2015 at 10:27 p.m. | Updated August 6, 2015 at 10:28 p.m.

by Associated Press

President Pro Tempore of the Senate Del Marsh speaks during the brief opening of the called special session of the Alabama Legislature at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Ala. on Monday July 13, 2015.
President Pro Tempore of the Senate Del Marsh speaks during the brief opening of the called special session of the Alabama Legislature at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Ala. on Monday July 13, 2015.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Alabama legislators are becoming resigned to a second special session as they continue to deadlock on how to fill a more than $200 million budget shortfall.

Senate budget chairman Arthur Orr said Thursday he believes a second special session is inevitable.

Lawmakers are at the halfway point of the session and have yet to pass a major revenue bill in either chamber.

Gov. Robert Bentley on Thursday said funding cuts passed by the House of Representatives are unworkable. He says lawmakers must keep working to a find a solution.

Senators could debate the general fund budget on the floor as soon as Saturday. The session must end Tuesday by law.

Proposals such a cigarette tax, soda tax and tightening corporate tax rules haven't gotten enough support to pass.

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