Nebraska lawmakers are just two days away from the beginning of their 2004 session and at least some of them are optimistic and excited to get to work.

The 60-day session, however, means a lot of issues will be challenged to get time from consideration.

On the agenda of state senators according to pre-session Associated Press surveys are potential budget cuts, death penalty changes, the motorcycle helmet law, expanded gambling, the concealed carrying of guns and school consolidation.

Still, Grand Island Senator Ray Aguilar says he feels good heading into the session. At the top of his hopes are happy endings to what now appears to be a $211 million budget shortfall.

Aurora Senator Bob Kremer agrees with the potential for the state's economy to begin a strong upward swing.