Update: Wisconsin Assembly passes budget cut bill

MADISON — Wisconsin legislators have put the finishing touches on a bill that would require state agencies to develop plans for cutting or maintain their budgets.

Currently, agencies submit budget request for the next two years to the governor by Sept. 15 of every even-numbered year. Under the Republican bill, agencies would have to include plans in their request for cutting their operations budget by 5 percent and for maintaining operational spending levels for the biennium. Operational spending wouldn't include aid to local governments, individuals and organizations, spending on debt and spending federal dollars.

The Assembly passed the bill 61-33 Thursday. The Senate passed the measure on Tuesday. It goes next to Gov. Scott Walker for his signature.