There’s just over a week left in this year’s legislative session and District 19 State Representative Ralph Watts says they’re starting to get the budget wrapped up.

Though there is still work left to be done, Watts says his overall goals for the budget have been met.

“We won’t be spending any more money than the tax payers give us.  We’ll only be using one time money for one time expenses.  And actually we’ll be able to set aside some money to pay down some of the debt.  The Vision Iowa bonds, they’ll have money set aside to pay them off as they become eligible so that’s always a good thing, to pay down some debt” says Watts.

In fact, Watts says Iowa isn’t doing too bad overall.

“Actually Iowans can be very proud, we’re probably one of the least indebted states across the county.  Iowa has never liked a lot of debt.  Now with our budget improving a little bit, we’re able to set aside some money to pay down the debt that we do have.”

Representative Watts expects the session to wrap up a couple days early with business being completed before the Easter break.