NATCHEZ — State legislators representing Adams County traveled to the Capitol Tuesday knowing the task that awaited them — shaping the $6 billion budget.

While en route to Jackson for the first day of the three-month 2010 legislative session, Rep. Sam Mims (R-McComb) said the budget will dominate House and Senate talks.

“We have two choices — raise taxes or cut spending,” Mims said. “I believe this will be the worst time to raise taxes or fees. We are going to have to make the choice of cutting state spending.

“We are in the worst recession we have seen in decades and our revenues have continued to decline for the past 16 months,” Mims said. “We cannot spend more than we are taking in. Just like families all across southwest Mississippi sitting at the kitchen table trying to decide what to purchase and what to cut from the household budget, we have to do that for our state government.”

Mims said he is expecting 10 to 12 percent cuts across the board, affecting all state agencies. Mims emphasized funding law enforcement and the state prisons is a personal top priority.

“We need to fund law enforcement and corrections at the best level we can to make sure citizens are protected,” Mims said. “I’m opposed to letting prisoners out early just to save money.”

Mims said the state’s financial bottom line might get worst before it gets better, citing the state’s economic stimulus money will run out this year.

“We’re going to have some very tough choices to make this session and in 2011,” Mims said. “In 2011, the stimulus money is gone, and the (2011 session) will be even more challenging than 2010.”

Sen. Bob Dearing (D-Natchez) agreed the budget is the Legislature’s only focus at present.

“According to our constitution, we have to have a balanced budget,” Dearing said. “We’ll adjourn the session with a balanced budget, the big question is how long is it take us.

“Last year, we went 181 days and no one wants to do that again.”

Aside from budget cuts, Dearing hopes the Legislature will focus on economic development and job opportunities. Dearing said another main focus is supporting legislation that will dissolve the Natchez-Adams County Economic Development Authority structure in favor of a $380,000 marketing enterprise funded by the county, the City of Natchez and private investors.

“That will certainly be a top priority because I know how important that is for our area,” Dearing said.

Repeated attempts to contact Rep. Robert L. Johnson III Rep. Angela Cockerham and Sen. Kelvin Butler were unsuccessful Tuesday.

Constituents will have an opportunity to ask state lawmakers about the 2010 session at a legislative breakfast hosted by the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Monday at the Natchez Eola Hotel. Admission is $10 at the door.

The 2010 session is scheduled to run through April 3.