Facing a budget shortfall nearly $3 billion and growing and cuts assured even to programs once held harmless, state lawmakers are opening the dilemma up for public comment.

Four of five public hearings on the state budget before the General Assembly convenes January 14 are scheduled Thursday in Alexandria, Abingdon, Newport News and Charlottesville.

A fifth is set for Lynchburg on Friday, and another is January 19 on Capitol Square.

Amid a floundering economy, tax collections far below budgeted projections will force cuts in core areas, including Medicaid, aid to public education and public safety.

Gov. Tim Kaine has proposed doubling the cigarette tax to minimize cuts to health care for the poor, the elderly, children and the disabled.