Comment on Iowa Senate sends budget cuts to governor

Iowa Senate sends budget cuts to governor

DES MOINES — Legislation intended to erase a projected general fund shortfall and keep the state budget balanced through June 30 was approved by the GOP-led Iowa Senate on Wednesday evening and sent to Gov. Kim Reynolds for her expected signature.On a 28-21 party line vote, senators approved a de-appropriations measure that would cut $25 million in funding to state agencies and repurpose $10 million in uncommitted gaming revenues that were earmarked for economic development incentives to become a “revenue enhancement” instead.All 28 GOP senators voted for the bill, while 20 Democrats and one independent opposed it.The revised Senate File 2117, approved by the Iowa House 59-41 one day earlier, would leave the state with a projected ending balance of $31.9 million on June 30.The largest spending reduction — nearly $11 million over the next three months — will come from the University of Iowa and Iowa State University, while Human Services will take a $4.3 million cut, the prison system will lose $3.4 million, the court system will be pared back by $1.6 million and community colleges would be cut $500,000.Senate President Charles Schneider, R-West Des Moines, who also doubles as the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said lower-than-forecast state tax collections created a shortfall.

 

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