There is an expectation that the legislature will be in session well into the summer. It has already well past the closing of its regular session.
http://www.whotv.com/news/who-story-iowa-budget-differences-050511,0,1823707.storyBUDGET BATTLE: Discord remains between Iowa Republican and Democrat lawmakers as a deal on the state's budget is elusive
AP
Staff Writer
12:27 PM CDT, May 5, 2011
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Republican and Democratic legislative leaders say their differences over a new state budget are getting larger instead of narrowing.
Top Democrats said Thursday the dispute could go on for weeks or even months.
Senate Majority Leader Michael Gronstal says his members are back home, making the case about the impact spending cuts supported by Republicans will have on services. He says, “We're not going to let them gut-punch the middle class in the State of Iowa, and that's what these new budget numbers do."
House Speaker Kraig Paulsen says voters gave Republicans control of the House and the governor's office to shrink state government, and that's what they are doing. He is optimistic about a resolution, saying, "I will tell you House Republicans are not going to let (state) government shut down."....