Amid a pandemic and an economic downturn, lawmakers will return to Augusta in January with a list of priorities that span topics such as health care, climate change and the power of the executive branch. And while Democrats and Republicans have different goals, they agree on two primary items – balancing the state’s budget, which has a $150 million deficit, and agreeing on a new two-year spending plan. “We have to address that with obvious care and caution,” said House Majority Leader Michelle Dunphy (D-Old Town). “With the pandemic, we have a lot of budgetary concerns.” The legislative session kicked off Dec. 2 with the swearing-in of new lawmakers, but committees won’t meet to discuss bills until mid-to-late January. The deadline to submit requests for legislation to be considered was Friday.