Governor Tom Vilsack says he and Republican legislative leaders are “getting closer” to agreements on the key issues that are to be debated in next week’s special legislative session, and he’s not willing to give up. Vilsack says businesses that “could be closing” are looking for a signal from the legislature that there’ll be more money for worker training. Vilsack also expects lawmakers to take steps to keep 74 rural workforce development offices open to help the unemployed look for work. Vilsack and G-O-P legislative leaders met by phone for an hour and a half yesterday afternoon to discuss plans for a new state economic development initiative, tax reform and changing the rules for some lawsuits by limiting business liability in certain cases. Vilsack says there are still fundamental differences between Republicans in the House and the Senate. The primary sticking point is whether the state should extend million to help local schools renovate or construct new buildings. House members have voted to take that step as part of the economic development fund, but Senators are reluctant. Vilsack says the school infrastructure piece of the economic development fund is crucial, and he believes Senators are starting to believe that, too. Vilsack made his comments last night on Iowa Public Television.
