This story is free to read.

Georgia lawmakers return to Atlanta for 2012 session

state-lawmakers-return-atlanta-2012-session state-lawmakers-return-atlanta-2012-session

By Associated Press January 9, 2012 2 min read

The Georgia State Capitol building located in Atlanta, Ga

ERRIN HAINES, Associated Press

RAY HENRY, Associated Press

ATLANTA – Georgia lawmakers have returned to Atlanta to start a busy 40-day legislative session that’s likely to address a budget shortfall created by rising health care and education costs.

Legislators are expected to break with the traditional slow start to the session and get to business Monday, their first day back at the Capitol.

In the Senate, Lt. Gov Casey Cagle recognized two new lawmakers and attempted to assert himself as the leader of the chamber, foreshadowing an ongoing power struggle with his GOP colleagues. The Senate is scheduled to vote on bills carried over from last year’s session related to education and courts.