Beebe: Keep focus of session on Arkansas budget

(AP) — Gov. Mike Beebe says the Legislature can help set the tone for future fiscal sessions by being brief and keeping its focus on the state's budget.

Beebe addressed members of the House and Senate on Monday as they gathered for the first day of the fiscal session. The session is the first under a constitutional amendment requiring the Legislature to meet and budget annually.

Beebe also told lawmakers that he's willing to support their recommendation of $5,000 scholarships for four-year schools and $2,500 for two-year schools to be funded by the state's lottery. Beebe had backed lower scholarship amounts for students already in school.

The session is expected to last less than a month.