By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – Governor Riley will deliver his State of the State speech Tuesday as the Alabama Legislature meets in regular session. Lawmakers in this session are expected to take up a ban on gay marriage as well as the removal of racist language from the Alabama Constitution. Meanwhile, House Speaker Set Hammett says lawmakers are waiting to hear Riley's proposal on dealing with the state's financial problems. The Governor has until Thursday to propose a General Fund and operating budget for the fiscal year that starts in October. The state's General Fund is expected to spend $1.46 billion this year, but legislators say it will need at least $200 million more next year just to maintain current programs.