DES MOINES – Plunging state revenue has led to the passage of a bill in the Iowa Senate that cuts millions from various programs.
Senate File 130 was passed Thursday in the Senate by a vote of 28-19. It will slice the current state budget by over $100 million.
Among the hardest hit in the bill is the Department of education, losing over $4.5 million. Also, community colleges lose $3 million. The Department of natural resources loses $1.3 million. The Department of Corrections is cut $5.5 million. The Department of human services loses $3.8 million. The grow Iowa values fund loses $12 million.
Next, the bill goes to the Iowa House. Earlier this week, Iowa Representative Marti Anderson (D, Des Moines) said “The state does not have enough revenue to finish paying for government the rest of the current year. This week we will have to cut at least $110 million from the CURRENT budget. This is the first time in decades a we’ve had a de-appropriations bill at the same time our economy and state revenue are growing. Over the past six years, Republicans pushed through massive corporate tax giveaways, that cost the state over $500 million annually.”
Both chambers in the Iowa Legislature are controlled by Republicans. Governor Terry Branstad is expected to sign the bill once it arrives at his desk.