Several Democratic lawmakers told The Des Moines Register that a tax plan that includes ending federal deductibility is most likely dead this session.

It’s better if lawmakers reconsider the tax plan when the next session begins in January so that Iowans have more time to digest how it would affect the state, said Rep. Doris Kelley, D-Waterloo.

Kelley’s sentiments were shared by several Democrats, including Reps. Rick Olson, Dave Jacoby, Paul Bell and Geri Huser, each of whom agreed the bill is most likely dead this year.

The measure would have ended Iowans’ ability to deduct what they pay in federal taxes from their state tax returns and used the money to lower overall tax rates. Republican lawmakers and conservative groups fervidly protested the plan, saying it would actually raise taxes in the long run.

Democrats have publicly said they have the votes to pass the legislation but kept delaying debate, which was originally scheduled for last week.

House Speaker Pat Murphy, D-Dubuque, told a group of reporters that Democrats lost two votes when changes were made by Gov. Chet Culver, leaving them with 50 legislators in support — one shy of passing the measure. The changes to the bill increase the amount of people who will either see their taxes go down or have no change at all to nearly 75 percent, up from 60 percent. But it also changed to bill from revenue neutral to costing $54 million.

Murphy said it will be Culver’s responsibility to find a 51st vote, saying he is optimistic it can be achieved.