Some Republican legislators are seeking changes to Iowa's constitution to ensure that the Legislature doesn't overspend in the future.

On Tuesday, Sen. Steve Kettering of Lake View and other Republicans argued that recent spending increases demonstrate the need for a constitutional change limiting spending. Kettering is the top Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee.  

He backs a constitutional amendment allowing lawmakers to spend only 95 percent of any new state revenue. His plan also would limit lawmakers to spending only 99 percent of total dollars flowing into the state.
 
Kettering concedes such a plan wouldn't deal with current budget problems because constitutional changes require the approval of two consecutive general assemblies and then voter approval.