INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Both the Republican and Democratic leaders in the Indiana House say they're more optimistic about resolving the walkout by Democratic lawmakers.
There are no signs, however, that the boycotting Democrats will return when the House is scheduled back in session on Monday after an extended weekend break.
Republican Speaker Brian Bosma told reporters Wednesday that Democratic leader Patrick Bauer called him earlier in the day. He says they discussed the fate of several bills that have been stalled during the boycott.
Bauer said he was "cautiously optimistic" after talking with Bosma but that it was a "day-by-day" decision on ending the boycott. Most Democrats have been at an Urbana, Ill., hotel for 16 days in protest of GOP-backed education and labor bills.
