Iowa organizations recently voiced their priorities to Governor Kim Reynolds for the upcoming legislative session in 2025. Despite predictions of decreased revenue next year, the state currently holds a $2 billion budget surplus and other reserve funds that could be utilized. Many organizations expressed support for Gov. Reynolds’ conservative spending policies and income tax cuts that are impacting budget predictions.
Republican lawmakers are already looking to implement property tax cuts next session, with some Iowans calling for spending limitations on local governments. Agriculture groups are requesting funding for programs to combat foreign animal diseases, such as the surge in bird flu cases affecting farmers. Additionally, representatives are advocating for increased investments in healthcare, particularly in rural areas, to address issues such as maternal medical care and a shortage of OBGYN’s.
Gov. Reynolds emphasized that addressing the decline in labor and delivery services in rural communities will be a top priority in the upcoming legislative session. Iowa organizations expressed their concerns and hopes for the state’s budget priorities during the governor’s budget meeting on Wednesday.
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