The second major issue that forced the 2016 Iowa Legislative Session into overtime was a proposed $9.7 million boost to the Iowa DOT that split legislators along party lines.

House Republicans voted against the increase that was a staffing adjustment request, the Democrats voted to approve, so Representative Guy Vander Linden says the two chambers split the difference, awarding $4.85 million.

DOT officials claim they will still face a cut of more than 200 state employees over four years, but Vander Linden and fellow Republicans are skeptical layoffs will happen anytime soon.

He and other Republicans cited last year’s gas tax increase as the main reason behind rejection of the additional revenue stream.