Lawmakers work to reach budget deal

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Budget negotiators held a lengthy private session at the statehouse Sunday. State lawmakers now have days to reach agreement on a new budget or force a government shutdown.

Lawmakers have a Tuesday midnight deadline. If no state budget passes, the Governor says some parts of state government could shutdown. Such an important deadline looming over State lawmakers has some Hooisers talking.

"I have faith in civilization that we're going to do it," Don Dewees of Indianapolis said.

After weeks of battle, lawmakers have passed no state budget. With no budget compromise, Governor Daniels is making preparations for a government shutdown.

"It's going to be a big mess. If it actually does shutdown," remarked Dewees.

Governor Daniels says if no state budget is passed by midnight Tuesday, some government functions will stop including the BMV. The Governor also says state parks and the casinos will be closed.

"The most vital services will continue. By that I mean the state police will continue to patrol the roads of Indiana. The prisons will remain open and nobody will be released or unsupervised," explained Governor Mitch Daniels

"Sometimes it takes hard negotiations, these are serious matters," Keni Washington of Indianapolis said.

Washington disagrees with the Governor's decision, but believes lawmakers will compromise, "From time to time, that's part of the political process, sometimes it takes longer."

One Hoosier said it's just wait and see game, "I think that you know maybe the best thing to do is just sit tight and hope they get it done."

"You have to have that June 30 deadline. We all know, practical reality, deadline are very important in negotiations," Democratic Representative Scott Pelath explained..

With just days left until June 30th, state lawmakers have little time to spare.