ATLANTA --- As the new state spending year begins, agencies are working on how to trim their budgets while the economy remains stagnant.

News of the cuts came in a memo from Trey Childress, the director of the Office of Planning and Budget, laying out Gov. Sonny Perdue's instructions on how departments should go about writing any extra requests for this budget year, which began Tuesday, and next year's plan.

The memo asks the agencies to come up with proposals to slice 3.5 percent from this year's budget and 4 percent from the 2009-10 plan.

"Consider all (2009-10) reductions as a permanent reduction to the base budget," he wrote.

A spokesman for Mr. Perdue said some areas would be exempted from cuts, including taxpayer-funded health care plans for low-income Georgians, mental health programs and education spending.

Deputy press secretary Marshall Guest said Mr. Perdue's recommendations will depend on the economic climate. Agencies must submit plans to Mr. Perdue by Sept. 2. He traditionally unveils his budget in January.

-- Morris News Service