The top Democrat in the Iowa House is cautioning Democrat Governor Tom Vilsack against calling another special session over state spending. House Democrat Leader Dick Myers of Iowa City says this past Monday’s special session was a bust because Vilsack had no agreement in advance with Republicans.Myers says if there’s no compromise between republicans and democrats, Myers would recommend against another special session. He says there are some things that need to be worked out, but they need an agreement first.House Republican Leader Christopher Rants of Sioux City says there won’t be an agreement for a special session, period. Rants says the budget is waiting on the governor’s desk for a signature. He says he hopes the events of the last week in which it was announced the budget shortfall is going to be worse would make the governor sign the budget.The state budget situation’s worsening as Iowans have claimed more tax refunds than state officials expected, throwing the present year’s state budget in the red by as much as 65 million dollars.Rants says the Governor also has the authority to order more state worker furloughs to make up the difference. Rants says one reason for the higher-than-expected refunds may be that many Iowans didn’t change their income tax withholding rates.Rants and Myers made their comments on “Iowa Press” that airs tonight on I-P-T-V.
