Groups in Iowa told Governor Kim Reynolds on Wednesday what things they want her to fund during the next congressional session.
A lot of people think that the state will make less money in 2025 than they spent this year. There is still a $2 billion budget surplus and other funds that politicians could use, even though they might have less money to work with.
During Gov. Reynolds’ budget meeting on Wednesday, many Iowa groups praised his conservative spending policies and the income tax cuts that are a big reason why recent state budget predictions show that next year’s state budget will bring in less money.
Property tax cuts are already on the plan for the 2025 legislative session for Republicans. Some Iowans talked about what they want to see and said that they think local governments spend too much.
“We think it’s time to put some limits on spending this year,” Chris Hagenow, head of Iowans for Tax Relief, said. “I know that will be met with a lot of opposition, but it’s time.” “And we would start by suggesting a 2% spending cap on all communities.”
Agriculture groups asked the governor to give more money to programs that fight diseases that come from other animals, like the recent rise in bird flu cases that are hurting farmers all over the state and the country. That ask came the same day that California declared a state emergency because of the spread.
In the meantime, lawmakers in Iowa want to see even more money put into healthcare, especially in rural areas, as well as more care for mothers and more OB/GYNs. This is something that Gov. Reynolds said will still be very important to her next session.
