Georgia lawmakers got some bleak fiscal news as they prepare to open their legislative session next week.

State money managers reported Friday the tax collections plummeted for December. Revenues were down 8.9 percent compared to the same month the year before. For the fiscal year that began July 1, tax collections are down 2.7 percent.

Gov. Sonny Perdue has already ordered most state agencies to cut spending by 8 percent to make up a deficit expected to top $2 billion. The bad news in December could mean those cuts may have to go even deeper.

ROME NEWS TRIBUNE