DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — It’s become a waiting game at the Iowa Legislature as lawmakers try to reach budget compromises over Planned Parenthood funding and transportation dollars.
Legislative leaders gaveled in Friday with a skeleton crew as some lawmakers went home to wait for movement on bills that will make up the roughly $7.35 billion budget that goes into effect in July.
Lawmakers met for hours Thursday night in an attempt to reach a deal and adjourn. But they emerged from private meetings with little action on the bill that would fund health and human services. GOP lawmakers have proposed removing state funding for family planning facilities that provide abortions. Democrats oppose the plan, and a compromise later pitched by Republicans didn’t pick up traction.
Lawmakers are also split on Transportation Department funding.
