As lawmakers push past the initial tentative adjournment date for the 89th Iowa General Assembly, they are still trying to hash out the budget. 

State Senator for District 10 Jake Chapman says lawmakers in both the House and the Senate are continuing the budget talks. Chapman says lawmakers need to stay in the Capitol to get the work done.

“I’ve said for a long time that we will stay as long as needed to be able to get the work done that Iowans sent us there to do and that’s what we will do. So, whether that’s here in just a matter of a couple of days or still a couple of weeks or even longer than that. I think everyone is prepared to stay as long as needed to get the work done.”

Chapman says along with budget negotiations, there are still some policy talks happening. Chapman tells Raccoon Valley Radio one of the issues in the Senate is a policy issue regarding tax reformation surrounding property taxes.

“That’s one of the issues, I think one of the big issues, that at least for the Senate we will continue to fight for and that is for tax relief for Iowans. I think that’s again probably one of the bigger issues that’s still out there that needs addressed as far as I’m concerned before we adjourn.”

Lawmakers have surpassed the tentative adjournment date for this year’s legislative session on April 30th and have been working without their support staff at the Capitol.