No one’s saying what goes on behind closed door budget talks

Legislative leaders entered Governor Tom Vilsack’s office again this morning for a continuation of marathon talks aimed at ending the stalemate over the state budget. Last night, Vilsack and the lawmakers emerged, but Vilsack did all the talking, saying the group was close but not at the finish line. Senate Co-President Jeff Lamberti, a Republican from Ankeny, is among the tight-lipped group. “We actually said we wouldn’t say much until we get it done,” Lamberti says. Sources say the state leaders hope to finalize plans today and get all 150 legislators back to Des Moines by tomorrow. The Legislature then would meet on Friday and Saturday to ratify the agreement the governor and legislative leaders hammered out.