The Governor says “sooner rather than later,” but Senate Republican Leader Stewart Iverson of Dows says a “special” legislative session to deal with tax reform and an economic growth plan shouldn’t be rushed. Iverson says deals can’t be put together that quickly, as there are “major hurdles” separating the Republican-led House and Senate on the key issues. Iverson told the Governor deals may be struck by the end of the month. Iverson has suggested May 28th as a date for a “special” session because Senators have committments that’ll make it hard to get together before that. For example, Iverson has a trip scheduled next week to Germany. Iverson says 20 Senators participated in conference calls yesterday to review options and he says Senator Republicans are “fairly sure” they want a “pay-as-you-go” approach to financing a new state economic development fund rather than taking the path toward borrowing that’s favored by the Governor and a majority of Republicans and Democrats in the House .Iverson says adjourning the “regular” legislative session last week was a good move. Iverson says it was time to let Senators “decompress,” take a little time off and enjoy a restful weekend.Iverson says he spent quite a bit of time in his easy chair, watching cowboy and war movies. He says legislators aren’t feeling as much pressure after the time off, and that makes him more optimistic about prospects for the special session than he was last week.
Iowa's Radio News Network
