Georgia lawmakers vote to split session

ATLANTA - The Georgia House has voted to adjourn in late March and possibly return in late June to give lawmakers flexibility to deal with a possible federal economic stimulus package.

The measure approved Friday allows them to meet three days a week through March 25 and then come back in late June if they need to amend their spending plan. Lawmakers are bound to a 40-day legislative session but don't have to meet consecutively.

Lawmakers are in limbo as they deal with a $2.2 billion shortfall and the possibility of an infusion of $5.6 billion in federal cash. House Majority Leader Jerry Keen says budget-writers are working on versions of a spending plan that include a stimulus and versions that don't include it. He says they want the ability to come back later this year to amend the budget in case the federal dollars come through.