AUGUSTA (AP) – The new Maine Legislature is scheduled to return to work on Wednesday. But days before the House and Senate resume their session, the Appropriations Committee will be busy working on a supplemental budget for fiscal 2009.

The Appropriations panel will begin hearings Monday on a budget rewrite aimed at accounting for a shortfall of nearly $150 million. Committee sessions to review cuts proposed by Gov. John Baldacci will also be held Tuesday and Wednesday.

The governor wants the 2009 budget finalized by February so the Legislature can get down to work on the budget for the two years starting in July. The state faces an $800 million shortfall in that budget due in large part to the faltering economy.