The 89th Iowa General Assembly is now into “overtime” as lawmakers are no longer paid a stipend for travel and food expenses and staff are also gone from the capitol building in Des Moines.

District 24 Senator Jesse Green of Boone says typically when the legislative session goes beyond its 100 days, it’s because of negotiations for the next fiscal year’s state budget. However, Green says there are several policy bills that the House is holding up on and keeping them from having those budgetary talks. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio when having a Republican-controlled Senate, House and Governor’s office, sometimes – like a family – there are some disagreements among their own party. 

“I can say for me personally is that I don’t care how long this takes, this is such a unique moment, let’s get it done right. And I’ve been a huge advocate that no Republican should leave the capitol disappointed. Every Republican ran hard for their districts, they’re working hard to serve their districts, everybody has a particular issue that they want to take home to their districts, let’s make it happen, let’s make this session that everybody will remember.”   

Green believes once the final policies, including school vouchers, unemployment and ethanol are done, the budget discussions will move smoothly and quickly.