Des Moines, IA – Money issues are expected to dominate what could be the final days in Des Moines for lawmakers.
The leaders of the Iowa House and Senate have tossed around several dates for ending the session, including April 2. With plenty of work to do, that deadline continues to move back.
State Representative Jerry Kearns (D-Keokuk) says the top priority is Iowa's $6-billion budget. He says that is because a balanced spending plan must be passed before adjournment.
Kearns says the current plan calls for 10%-12% cuts to many budgets and the elimination of under-utilized programs. He says departments such as education and public safety will also see cuts, though not in that 10%-12% range.
Kearns says lawmakers are also trying to decide whether to back Governor Chet Culver's plan to borrow hundreds of millions of dollars for infrastructure improvements. He says, "We have about $1.8-billion coming in in federal stimulus money. Do we need to add another $750-million to that? That is a good question."
Kearns says there is still time for lawmakers to consider other non-budget issues.
They could include health care for children, open government regulations, and consumer fraud prevention. The per diem for lawmakers will not run out for a few more days.