Legislators says goodbye to hopes of adjourning this week

Senate Republican Leader Stewart Iverson of Dows had hoped to adjourn the 2004 Legislative session this Thursday. Iverson says it’s “highly unlikely” lawmakers will meet that goal. Iverson says “everything’s coming along” but the “whole gambling situation” needs more time before it can be resolved. The gambling bill is stalled as senators squabble over whether the state should appeal the court ruling that sided with the race tracks’ contention that they should not be taxed at a higher rate than riverboats. There’s also uncertainty about whether the legislature will vote to allow more riverboat casinos in the state.Iverson says he’s realistic and “we’ve got another bump in the road and we have to take care of that bump.” In other major action ahead, the House is set to debate the four-and-a-half billion dollar state spending plan on Tuesday.