(06/06/07) HARTFORD ? House Speaker Jim Amann (D-Milford) told News 12 Connecticut Wednesday that both sides are close to striking a deal on this year?s budget.

Amann said lawmakers were up until 3:15 a.m. trying to hammer out a deal. While there are some minor details to be worked out, Amann said both sides are ?a nose away? from a deal.

The main stumbling block is still the progressive tax vs. the tax cap, according to Amann. The speaker said they are still going to strive to bring the spending plan in on time for the third-straight year.

?We take pride in that as a Legislature, and the governor does too,? Amann said.

Despite the goal, Amann knows an on-time agreement will be difficult. He acknowledged the budget could come in a little late.

Related information: Budget talks shift to spending amid impasse Summer session looms in Connecticut budget battle