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Iowa lawmakers inch toward adjournment, though issues remain

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April 10th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Legislature has taken another step toward adjournment by agreeing to budget spending targets, but lawmakers still must decide details over what areas of state government will actually get some of the limited new dollars available.

It’s unclear whether the split Legislature will reach consensus in time for an adjournment scheduled on April 19, but some legislative leaders believe it’s possible. It will come down to a set of budget groups that must allocate funding based on the spending targets. Many areas of state government will receive little new money.

Lawmakers agree there is about $7.34 billion to spend on the state budget that takes effect in July. It’s also unclear whether lawmakers will pass legislation before the session wraps up that addresses water quality initiatives or medical marijuana.