House Republican Newsletter

News from District 96

     This week I had the opportunity to discuss agriculture issues with constituents from both the Soybean Association and Pork Producers. I appreciate their commitment and willingness to come to Des Moines to share their thoughts.

     If you would like to discuss an issue feel free to come to one of my forums or send me an e-mail.

Governor Reynolds Budget Priorities

     Governor Reynolds released her budget plan for the 2020 Fiscal Year, which runs from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020. Her budget proposal funds a number of priorities shared by the House Majority. Budget subcommittees have already begun reviewing these recommendations and are looking forward to working with Governor Reynolds to fund the priority needs of Iowans. I appreciate that Governor Reynolds has proposed a responsible budget plan that spends less than the state is expected to collect in revenue.

     Highlights of the Governor’s budget include:

Education and Workforce

     • $93.4 million increase for K-12 schools

     • $4.7 million increase for community colleges

     • $18 million increase for Regent universities

     • $1.1 million increase for Iowa Tuition Grant Program

     • $17.2 million to the College Student Aid Commission to fund the Last-Dollar Scholarship program as part of Future Ready Iowa

Health Care

     • $6 million to increase the number of regional access centers and for additional mobile treatment teams around the state to further implement last year’s mental health reforms

     • $3 million for training teachers to help detect students’ mental health issues

Rural Iowa Initiative

     • $10 million to expand access to broadband throughout Iowa