Businesses are trying to block efforts in the State Senate to raise $18-Million to keep some programs and services from taking big cuts in the next fiscal year. Senator Jim Mathewson wants to eliminate the discounts businesses get for paying their withholding taxes on time. Mathewson notes that he saved businesses twice that much a few years ago when he sponsored a major reform of workers compensation premiums. Mathewson’s proposal has gotten bogged down in the Senate. While Senators argue about it, time is running out on passage of a budget in thislegislative session.