BOISE - Most legislative session are marked by key issues.

Idaho lawmakers have grappled with road funding, 10 commandments displays, midwife licensing and big horn sheep.

Senate Minority Leader Kate Kelly of Boise says the 2010 budget is already in the red, and lawmakers will have to decide how to break even this year, and pass another another balanced budget for 2011.

“I think Idahoans should be paying close attention,” Kelly said. “We would have had more severe cuts last year without economic stimulus money. This year we don't have the stimulus. The legislature will be faced with very, very difficult choices.”

Like cuts in education.

President Pro Tempore Bob Geddes of Soda Springs says the state used $319 million in stimulus money to shore up school money in 2009, but it's not likely to happen again in 2010, and more schools cuts are likely.

“In order for us to balance the budget now we have to go where the money is and that's in our education funding, unfortunately,” Geddes said.

Kelly also warned about upcoming cut in education, saying, “Cuts being talked about in the public education are serious and severe. People who have kids in public schools could see impacts next year.”

Idaho Superintendent of Public School Tom Luna wouldn't comment on the possibly of cuts to education Thursday.

In a statement to 2news, Luna said, “It was my understanding that the governor would announce the details of his recommendation on Monday so I first want the opportunity to review the details of the governor's final recommendation before making any comment.”