KEOKUK, IOWA -- Iowa lawmakers are preparing for the state's new legislative session that kicks off Monday.
Senator Gene Fraise and Representative Jerry Kearns met with local constituents today before heading to Des Moines.
The Southeast Iowa Democrats will arrive back at the capital to a Republican-dominated House and Republican Governor.
We caught up with them to find out what they see as the major challenges this session.
Kearns said, "This session is going to be much like the last one in the way of budget. The budget will be the number one priority in a way where we can meet our needs without raising taxes."
Fraise said, "Elect-Governor Branstad said we all need to make sacrifices. That means there's going to be some cuts somewhere in order to balance the budget."
Lawmakers face an estimated $700 million budget shortfall next week. There's talk of 15 percent across the board cuts, but nothing is for sure.
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