Governor Reynolds Budget Priorities
Last week, Governor Reynolds released her budget plan for the 2020 Fiscal Year, which runs from July 1st, 2019 to June 30th 2020. Her budget proposal funds a number of priorities share by the House Majority. Budget subcommittees have already begun reviewing these recommendations 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 Intiative
- $10 million to expand access to broadband throughout Iowa
News from District 96
I was honored to have Justin Grawe, a senior from West Delaware and a talented musician sing the National Anthem during the Wednesday morning opening ceremonies. Justin has received many honors including two years at All-State Choir, participating in various honor choirs, and top ratings in contests.
This week I also 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.
Lee Hein 