Republicans say they’re unsure of what to expect from the governor’s budget

This afternoon, Governor Tom Vilsack will reveal his plan for state spending in the coming year. Senate Republican Leader Stewart Iverson of Dows doesn’t know what to expect.Iverson says he hopes Vilsack “takes into account the dollar problems that we do have.” Iverson says there’ll be a lot of places where the Governor’s priorities and Republicans’ priorities are “the same or very, very close.” Senate Democrat Leader Mike Gronstal of Council Bluffs has a few more expectations about the budget document Vilsack will reveal.Gronstal expects Vilsack to recommend a budget that does NOT increase taxes while still maintaining the state’s commitment to education.Gronstal says the Republicans have been waiting to sit down and “pick apart” the Governor’s budget outline, which Gronstal says is Republicans’ responsibility as the leading party in the legislature. Gronstal expresses hope the nit-picking won’t last long and the two parties can sit down soon and work out their differences.