Legislature faces several key decisions as end of session looms

The Iowa Legislature is headed into a crucial week of decision-making on key issues. There’s been lots of talk about big plans for tax reform, economic development and regulatory reform, but nothing’s been passed into law. Senate Republican Leader Stewart Iverson of Dows say he’s about ready to just pass the state budget and go home for the year. Iverson says most Iowans would be very happy if the legislature did nothing.Iverson says he’s not willing to sit around all summer trying to strike deals, so things have to get done this coming week. But House Speaker Christopher Rants, a Republican from Sioux City, says he’s willing to stay as long as it takes to get the job done. Rants says the legislature isn’t going to leave without accomplishing something more than just passing a state budget. Rants says it’s “too early to start writing the epitaph of the legislative session.” Governor Tom Vilsack has repeatedly said it’s time for the state to act boldly. Vilsack says he thinks state policymakers are “very close to accomplishing a great deal.” Vilsack says creation of a billion dollar state economic development fund is crucial. Vilsack says interest rates are at a low rate right now, and he’s concerned about waiting. He says there’s no reason why decisions on all these issues can’t be reached in the next two wseeks.Vilsack says if legislators fail to act on the key issues and adjourn, he’ll call them back to Des Moines for special session to “get this job done.” Vilsack made his comments on Iowa Public Television.