From Iowa Senate President Pam Jochum (D, Dubuque) –
Iowa legislators adjourned the 2014 session after reaching bipartisan agreements that will have big benefits for our state. Republicans and Democrats worked together to expand opportunities for all Iowans while strengthening economic security for working families.
The top achievements of the 2014 session include:
• Balancing the state budget without raising taxes. Iowa is expected to have a budget surplus of about $610 million when this fiscal year ends on June 30. We also have $649 million in our reserve funds, the largest amount in state history.
• Expanding skills training to help Iowans fill openings for good jobs at local businesses.
• Increasing funding for infrastructure investments and funding incentives for businesses that create good local jobs and grow the economy.
• Keeping tuition affordable at our colleges and universities, including leading the effort to freeze tuition at Iowa State, UNI and the University of Iowa for the second year in a row.
• Boosting student achievement in our K-12 schools through investments in early reading initiatives and quality teaching.
• Continuing our commitment to Iowa’s quality of life with strong investments in the environment, as well as cultural and recreational opportunities.
