Time running out for budget agreement

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - State lawmakers are going to the wire in state budget negotiations.  They must finilize and approve a new budget before 11:59 p.m. on June 30th.  If that doesn't happen the governor will shutdown shutdown state govermnent.

On Monday, all the meaningful activity at the Statehouse took place behind closed doors. The state Senate convened briefly Monday afternoon, but with no budget agreement in place there was no business to conduct.

Sen. David Long (R-President Pro-Tem) said, "We hope we can get there. It’s not there yet, ok?"

The story in the Indiana House was the same. After everyone checked in, 24-Hour News 8's political reporter Jim Shella’s asked House Speaker Pat Bauer if a budget will pass before the deadline.

"I, ah, I hope," Rep. Bauer said.

Republicans led by GOP leader David Long and budget negotiator Luke Kenley are more optimistic.

Long said, "We're both very motivated and focused on trying to get to yes. I think that's what the people expect us to do and we're trying our very best."

The Indiana Board of Finance met Monday morning to take steps required in the event of a government shutdown. Governor Mitch Daniels met only with fellow Republicans Monday and the Democratic house speaker had this to say about his ability to run the government.

"I think he'll do some shutting down and I don't know if he'll wait till Wednesday," said Bauer.

The stakes are high but nerves are calm.

Sen. Kenley said, "There's plenty of time."

The negotiations continue in private.

"We've gotten some movement so we'll just keep doing it," said Bauer.

A one-year Democratic budget proposal is now off the table. The negotiations are on a two-year Republican proposal that includes a bailout for the Capital Improvement Board. Democrats are holding out for more school spending.