BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - North Dakota lawmakers are returning to Bismarck and are faced with depressed crop and crude oil prices that have sent the state's once enviable economy sliding.
The Republican-led Legislature begins its biennial session at noon Tuesday and it's expected to last at least until late April. And the state's budget will take center stage.
Newly elected Republican Gov. Doug Burgum has promised to forgo a salary as an example of the cuts needed to gain control of what he has called runaway state spending.
State spending rose more than $8 billion in the past decade. Though less money is expected in the state treasury for the 2017 session, lawmakers say there will be shortage of ideas on how to spend it, especially on education and human services.