DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa lawmakers say they’ve made progress in determining how much to spend on the state’s overall budget, including K-12 education. Republican House Speaker Kraig Paulsen and Democratic Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal say they’re optimistic, despite not reaching a deal Friday following another round of meetings at the Capitol. Paulsen, of Hiawatha, predicted lawmakers could be debating budget bills as early as Wednesday. Gronstal, of Council Bluffs, also indicated his office was communicating with various departments over proposed numbers.

But neither lawmaker elaborated on potential concessions over the budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. The Senate and Gov. Terry Branstad have proposed overall general fund budgets of about $7.34 billion. House Republicans want to spend $7.17 billion. For schools, the two sides are about $50 million apart.