Countdown to a Shutdown?
Indiana lawmakers continue to work today in order to reach a budget agreement by tomorrow.
Lawmakers have been at odds over school funding, charter schools, and the Capital Improvement Board.
Both Republican and Democratic sources involved in the budget talks tell me progress is being made, however the question is whether they can make enough progress to avoid a government shutdown.
“We’re making progress, but it’s a moving target” said one Democrat involved in the negotiations.
“I’m optimistic, but we still have a lot of ground to cover” noted a Republican involved in the talks.
Governor Mitch Daniels has said if there is no budget he will close down BMV’s, state parks, the lottery and casinos. Also, more than 30,000 state workers will be furloughed.
Although the practical side of my nature says these guys cannot risk a government closure, because the political price may be too much to pay. Here is still a small part of me that wonders what would happen if the whole thing just explodes.
Hopefully, we won’t have to find out. Check back here throughout the course of the day or follow me and my updates on Twitter.
