Special session preview

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - State lawmakers weren't anticipating it, but it will soon get underway; a special session for the state budget.

Local lawmakers said they hope it wraps up quickly because the time spent finalizing the budget could be costly to taxpayers

"If you're in there for two weeks, (it's) pretty expensive," said Randy Truitt.

"It will cost the taxpayers some dollars," said Democratic Representative Sheila Klinker.

According to Republican Representative Randy Truitt, it's $12,000 a day to be exact. And Truitt said he's uncertain how many days will be spent working on the budget.

"I've heard people always ask how long do you think you're going to be in? I always go back, I know one thing and that's one o'clock on Thursday," said Truitt.

" I think it's going to take much less time than some of our other special sessions have and we're very hopeful that we will reach a compromise next week," said Klinker.

While estimating the time the budget will take is up in the air, what local lawmakers are expecting to see in the budget is crystal clear.

"I think that the senate will produce a budget that we've been working on , be similar to the governor, be emphasizing education. a higher education as well as K through 12," said Ron Alting.

Republican Senator Ron Alting said he also expects the budget to cover increasing enrollment at Ivy Tech, promoting job growth and retaining existing jobs. As far as how much he thinks taxpayers will have to shell out for the special session,

"I think it will be minimal quite honestly," said Alting. "I think they're gonna keep it to a very minimal in terms of attendance which is what costs taxpayers the dollars."

June 30th is the deadline to meet the new budget. That's when the current state budget expires.