OTTUMWA, IOWA -- The clock is ticking at the Iowa State Capitol as the deadline for the end of the session draws near.

State Representative and Senators are working on getting a budget passed and submitted to Governor Terry Branstad so that they will not see a repeat of last year.

According to Republican State Senator Mark Chelgren, Democrats came in a little high on the budget in the senate, while Republicans came in lower.

Chelgren says that lawmakers will probably settle close to the governor’s proposal, which splits the difference. The legislature will spend around $6 billion next year; and Chelgren says that the state will increase spending.

“My understanding is that it is a 3.3% increase in spending over last year. I do expect that they will all come back next week and they will say, ‘these are our preliminary numbers’ and we might be very well done by Thursday, but probably the following week,” said Chelgren.

Senator Chelgren says that Iowa’s finances are in good shape, which he credits to high commodity prices for corn and soybeans. Compared to other states, Iowa is doing very well, however he hopes that government spending in the state will drop in line with what it takes in.

“Well 3.3% is pretty healthy growth for an economy. For most states and businesses, they end up spending three to four percent, so we are right in that range. Unfortunately, most government spending grows at 7% and that is where you see the distance on how we cover our bills,” said Chelgren.