A number of top GOP House members are telling us that if the House and Senate are unable to come terms today and end the ongoing power struggle that has gridlocked budget negotiations, then a budget will not pass on the final day of the session. At issue is the DOT reform package as well as worker’s compensation and tax cuts.

But we can cross the last one off the list as lawmakers agreed Wednesday to a $176 million tax cut – assuming the budget is passed.

The plan includes reducing the state sales tax on groceries to 1 percent on Nov. 1, saving residents $90 million. In addition, lawmakers have agreed to cut income taxes by $86 million — though they have yet to decide which residents would get a larger rebate. [JOHN O’CONNOR, The State]

DOT reform, however, is going to much more difficult to pass. And House members say they will not back down.

If they can’t come to terms on a budget, then the Senate plans to meet on June 19 to continue negotiations. Yet the two chambers cannot even agree on that – as the House has not approved the action.