INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ Fiscal concerns still hang over Indiana lawmakers looking to cut state taxes and create new education programs as they hit the midpoint of the 2014 session.

Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma said Tuesday he's hopeful that measures including the creation of a preschool voucher program win approval in the Senate. He acknowledged concerns voiced by state Senate leaders about any programs bearing major price tags.

Bosma's comments came as lawmakers began a brief break before starting the second half of their 2014 session next week.

Democratic House Minority Leader Scott Pelath suggests lawmakers pack it up early and end their session immediately. He accused Republicans of focusing on issues that matter little to most residents, including a proposed constitutional ban on gay marriage