Senate Democrats were largely quiet during their budget briefing caucus with LFB staff this afternoon.

Before LRB director Bob Lang began his presentation, caucus chairman John Lehman of Racine asked Lang to summarize the JFC budget compared to the 2007-2009 budget.

Lang told the caucus that JFC cut Gov. Doyle's proposed all funds spending by more than half, and that GPR spending was decreased by about 3.2 percent. He noted that the all funds spending increase was due in large part to an infusion of federal stimulus funds.

"We need to defend or refute some numbers that are out there" when talking to our constituents, Lehman said.

Senate Republicans are also in caucus on the budget this afternoon, but have moved into closed session.

-- By Andy Szal