Budget talks are quiet as Walker projects optimism

Progress on the state government budget has slowed to a crawl this week. But Governor Bill Walker remains hopeful the Legislature can reach an agreement on an oil and gas tax bill that’s at the center of budget talks.
Gov. Bill Walker at a press availability, January 28, 2016. Walker has remained hopeful about the passing of an oil and gas tax bill. (File photo by Skip Gray, 360 North)Walker says there are good ideas for reaching an agreement, including provisions in the Senate version. Th