Indiana lawmakers taking mid-session break until next week

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Indiana lawmakers will be on a brief mid-session break until next week after passing a deadline for bills to be approved by either the House or Senate.

Members of the House and Senate wrapped up business on Wednesday and are scheduled to return Monday to the Statehouse in Indianapolis.

Among major issues, the Senate will soon begin work on the new two-year state budget after House Republicans approved their $31 billion spending proposal. Further action is also coming on proposals that would allow the replacement of Democratic state schools Superintendent Glenda Ritz as the state Board of Education's leader.

Republican Gov. Mike Pence will be leaving the state during the legislative break. He has political speeches before prominent conservative groups planned for Friday in Washington and Saturday in Florida.