Pence, lawmakers still bickering over the state budget

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The General Assembly has until midnight Wednesday to pass a new two year state budget and money for schools will make up more than half of it.

There are still differences to be worked out between the governor and lawmakers.

In an unusual move, late Tuesday afternoon the governor paid a visit to the office of Senate President Pro Tem David Long for a meeting that included House Speaker Brian Bosma.

This time of year, lawmakers generally go to the governor’s office to settle disagreements.

When the governor came out, he declined to talk about specifics, instead choosing to paint a rosy picture of the budget negotiations that are still not complete.

“We’re working through various aspects of the bill,” he said. “I think Hoosiers are going to be very pleased at the end of the day.  I think you’re going to see a real commitment by the General Assembly and our administration to support all of our schools, our traditional K-12 schools, charter schools as well as our scholarship voucher program.”

With that, the governor headed back to his office one floor below.

Some other big issues are still unresolved, including plans for a new soccer stadium, changes in the gambling industry, and also the bill calling for changes on the State Board of Education.