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(AP) -- Georgia Transportation Commissioner Gena Abraham pleaded with state lawmakers for additional money to help close her
department's budget hole.

But one legislator questioned why she hasn't furloughed staff - as other state agencies have done - to cuts costs.  State Rep. Jay Neal asked Thursday why DOT was slashing road money and not placing "any of the burden on the employees."  Abraham said the DOT board was considering additional cost-cutting measures.  Meanwhile, she asked lawmakers to consider moving the 1 cent of the state motor fuel tax that goes into the general fund into transportation.  She also wants the general fund to absorb debt on transportation bonds.

Abraham's testimony came on the second day of budget hearings at the state Capitol.

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