Iowa’s governmental leaders opened hearings Tuesday in Sioux City to discuss finances for the upcoming year. Lieutenant Governor Sally Pederson presided over the budget talks, which were open to the public.Pederson says the state agency that focuses on the welfare of Iowa’s children is expected to ask for a significant increase in its budget.A recent report found many problems need to be addressed in the Iowa Department of Human Services. Pederson says D-H-S may need a budget boost.Governor Vilsack did not attend the hearing as he’s in Florida at the request of the Democratic National Committee.