Legislature Moves On Budget

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By: MacKenzie Dreeszen


SF 130, a deappropriation bill, passed the Iowa House on Monday following its passage in the Senate last week. The bill was introduced to sufficiently fund state government through the end of the fiscal year on June 30th.

Iowa law requires a balanced budget, and cuts were necessary to remain in compliance due to shortfalls in revenue. SF 130 trims $118 million from the current budget. State government, higher education institutions, and arts programs saw the biggest cuts. No reductions were made to K-12 education. A notable change includes reducing the number of days that legislators are paid from 110 days to 100.

Governor Branstad is expected to sign the bill into law. As soon as this is completed, discussions on supplemental state aid to schools and reforms to public sector collective bargaining are expected.