Thanksgiving is a time for celebrating bountiful harvests, but legislators on Wednesday talked instead about the state’s meager budget situation.

State lawmakers speaking at the Twin Falls Rotary Club luncheon stressed that the 2010 Legislature will face tough decisions about where to cut the budget and how much reserves should be drained to lessen the impact of budget trimming.

Rep. Sharon Block, R-Twin Falls, said that at the same time revenues are dropping, the need for state-funded services that provide a safety net is increasing as people continue to lose their jobs and homes.

“Our common goal is to be sure Idahoans who are truly in need of services will receive those services,” Block said.

Rep. Jim Patrick, R-Twin Falls, said that the budget for public education for K-12 schools will have to face scrutiny was well. He pointed to a legislative fiscal report that estimates the rainy day fund for public education will be down to $17.6 million by the end of the current fiscal year.

“We’re going to be as creative as we can be,” Patrick said.

Sen. Bert Brackett, R-Rogerson, said that revenue is coming in fairly close to projections, but cautioned that projections were lowered in response to the poor economy.

“We haven’t hit bottom yet,” Brackett said. “We don’t know where bottom is yet.”

When the Legislature meets, lawmakers will have to decide how much of the reserves should be spent to make up budget shortfalls, Brackett said.

In response to a question, Rep. Leon Smith, R-Twin Falls, asked the audience if they would support a 2 cent to 5 cent increase in the fuel tax to meet roadwork needs.

Most hands went up. No hands were raised when Smith asked who would be opposed.

But Smith said he doesn’t expect a gas tax increase to make headway in the 2010 Legislature.

Ben Botkin may be reached at bbotkin@magicvalley.com or 208-735-3238.