A monumental session

We capped off an incredible session this week after spending 103 days doing the work of Iowans. The majority of our work in the last few days focused on finalizing the state budget and wrapping up the remaining policy bills.
While most departments and agencies in state government saw budget reductions, we made sure to keep a balanced budget, while investing in priorities, and protecting essential government services. Here are some of our priorities in next year’s state budget.
Investing in K-12 schools: This budget plan fully funds the additional $40 million that we promised to K-12 schools earlier this session. It’s clear that K-12 education will be receiving the largest funding increase in all areas of government.
Supporting Iowa’s workforce and community colleges: This budget plan makes an additional investment in Iowa’s community college system of $1.6 million. Local community colleges play a vital role in educating Iowa’s workforce all across the state. Schools work with community colleges to offer students college-level coursework, young people attend community colleges for affordable education, and businesses rely on community colleges for job and skills training. An additional $250,000 is being provided for STEM to build a stronger 21st century workforce.
Protecting public safety: The budget plan provides an additional $1 million to the Iowa State Patrol to hold an academy and hire more troopers. More troopers on Iowa’s highways will improve emergency response times and provide a higher level of safety for motorists and passengers. Ensuring access to justice: Iowa’s Judicial Branch will see no reductions in next year’s budget. Ensuring that Iowans have access to the courts is one of the key functions of government.
As we come to a close on the session, I can’t help but think about how extraordinary it has been. We passed many bold reforms and initiatives that will ultimately move Iowa forward and grow our state. I’m proud of the work we accomplished this year and I thank all the members of the Legislature who dedicated their time to making Iowa a better place for Iowa families and businesses.
As always, please keep in touch. As legislation moves forward, feel free to send me comments, questions or feedback that you may have regarding issues before us in the House. I can be reached at linda.upmeyer@legis.iowa.gov or (515) 281-3521.