Topeka ? The wrap-up session continued Monday as lawmakers argued over the final spending bill and a measure allowing two coal-fired power plants in southwest Kansas.

The Senate convened only briefly, and few members were at the Statehouse. The House met but considered only one bill.

Senators expected to debate the coal plants bill today.

Two budget items were at the center of the dispute: nearly $40 million in bonds for prison construction and $750,000 for road improvements near the Parsons Army Ammunition Plant.

Senate leaders, however, say their chamber may not take up any more business.

But that would doom the top priority for House Speaker Melvin Neufeld, an Ingalls Republican, and Senate President Steve Morris, a Hugoton Republican. It’s a bill to clear the way for the two coal-fired power plants and limit the power of the regulator who has been blocking their construction.

The coal-fired power plants are caught up in the debate because their supporters have drafted a new bill, having failed to override Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ vetoes of two previous measures.

Their latest proposal ties the project and provisions limiting the secretary’s power to other economic development legislation.

Opponents of the coal-fired plants blasted bundling the project with other popular initiatives.

Sen. Marci Francisco, D-Lawrence, said the Legislature has failed to work on several important issues because of the focus on the coal-fired plants project. She cited those as being a cost-of-living adjustment for retired public employees, funds to continue the Kansas Autism Task Force, and a comprehensive health reform plan. “We are truly letting the people of Kansas down,” she said.

State Rep. Paul Davis, D-Lawrence, said the new economic development package violated the state Constitution’s requirement that no bill, except appropriations bills, shall contain more than one subject.