Ragan Report

Senate votes to improve quality of life for Iowans
 
     This week, the Senate voted to improve the quality of life for Iowa families, expand Iowa’s middle class and attract new workers and businesses to our communities. 
     The state’s annual infrastructure budget funds projects to expand community attractions, improve state parks, help clean up lakes and rivers, and support recreational trails. These amenities make Iowa a great place to live, work and play. They are also good investments that strengthen local businesses and increase Iowa’s overall attractiveness to job seekers and investors.
     The legislation approved in the Senate includes:
     • $3 million for the Housing Trust Fund, which helps Iowa families secure decent, safe and affordable housing.
     • $7 million for Community Attractions & Tourism, $500,000 for Regional Sports Authorities and $500,000 for rural YMCAs.
     • $5 million to improve Iowa’s state parks and $6 million for recreational trails.
     • $3.1 million to improve water quality, and $9.6 million to clean up and improve Iowa lakes.
     • $2 million for water trails and the removal of dangerous low-head dams.
     The goal now is to come to an agreement with the House on these and other investments.
     The Senate is working to complete an overall state budget that is the same amount as the Gov. Terry Branstad’s proposed budget. We remain focused on expanding Iowa’s middle class by supporting local schools and community colleges, freezing tuition for the third straight year at our state universities and making strategic investments to grow Iowa’s economy.