Maryland Budget Puzzle Still Murky

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller is warning lawmakers this will be one of the most contentious sessions ever in terms of dealing with the budget.

Miller, D-Calvert, on Friday outlined budget work that remains in flux.

Senators are finding plenty of disagreement with Gov. Martin O'Malley's proposals to find more revenue to tackle a $1.1 billion deficit, so they're working on their own.

Miller says senators are exploring a way to phase in O'Malley's proposed split of teacher pension costs with counties over more than one year, instead of doing it all at once.

Miller says an income tax increase is under consideration, as well as more budget cuts.

More pieces of the budget puzzle should fill in next week as senators begin making decisions on changes.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)