As our area's legislating team heads to the Capitol Monday for the purpose of considering Gov. Mike Beebe's $4.7 billion general revenue budget, here's a wish for an attitude of cooperation and harmony.

Our Sen. Gilbert Baker, R-Conway, co-chairman of the budget committee, was quoted in the state paper this morning saying: "I can't say how harmonious it is going to be, but I don't think it is going to be contentious.

"I am seeing a lot of reasonable, measured discourse going on."

Hold that thought.

A few numbers:

• The state budget is $24 billion a year.

• The Governor is asking for a $163 million general revenue spending increase, including $114 million more for Medicaid, $56.6 million more for public schools and $3.6 million more for higher education institutions.

• He's also requesting $30.5 million to supplement several agencies' spending from the state's $72.1 million in surplus, including $12.4 million for the Department of Correction; $3.38 million for the State Hospital; $2.66 million for the Forestry Commission and $1.9 million for the Department of Community Correction.

• By Friday, 300 appropriation bills had been filed for the session, each one with a champion or two to push forward to promote consideration and passage.

• It will be 30 days of hard work with adjournment set for March 9.

I'm stepping aside now as this is starting to sound a lot like math.