Now 12 weeks into the legislative session, Iowa Senate Democrats say several key issues remain unresolved as lawmakers approach the 100th day of the session.
In a weekly update, Democrats pointed to ongoing work on the state budget as a top priority. Senate Republicans have proposed a budget target of just over $9.6 billion, a 1.2% increase over the current year and about $47.8 million less than the governor’s proposal. Projected state revenues are estimated at about $8.5 billion.
Democrats also said questions remain on property tax legislation, with differences between House and Senate Republican plans. They noted no recent movement on eminent domain proposals.
Several policy bills are still eligible for debate as the session enters its final weeks.
Full context below
“We’re through week 12 at the Capitol now, less than 15 days away from the 100th calendar day of the session – our projected stopping point. The question on everyone’s mind is whether we’ll end on schedule, or head into overtime. There are still a few key issues to address, so here’s an update on where things stand as we close in on the end of the session.
The Budget
Setting the budget for the upcoming fiscal year is the last, and arguably most important, item on our to-do list. The process begins with “budget targets.” These are numbers released by the governor and the majority parties in each chamber that show the targeted spending amount for the coming year.
This week, Senate Republicans released a budget target of just over $9.6 billion. This number is a 1.2% increase in spending over our current budget, and about $47.8 million less than the governor’s budget target. We have not seen a target from the House Republicans yet.
The budget will change and reshape as Senate and House Republicans introduce their own bills, amend the governor’s proposals, and negotiate changes between the chambers. We’re still a ways away from a final product that will need to be agreed upon between the governor and the two chambers.
Here’s the headline: like the governor, Senate Republicans are planning to pass another billion-dollar deficit. State revenues are projected at a little over $8.5 billion, but Senate Republicans are looking to spend more than $9.6 billion, draining our reserves and using one-time money to cover ongoing expenses.
Property Taxes
This issue is still a moving target. There are now just two property tax bills up for consideration. The Senate Republican bill differs in some key ways from the House Republican bill, so we don’t know what, if anything, we’ll be voting on yet.
Eminent Domain
We have seen no movement on this issue in weeks. Senate and House Republican leadership are still miles apart. If there is going to be a resolution on this issue before the end of session something will need to change in a hurry.
Continuing Appropriations
The Senate Republican don’t-pass-a-budget bill is still alive and eligible for consideration. If passed, this legislation would allow the majority party to pack up and head home for the year without passing a budget, abdicating one of our key responsibilities.
Remaining Legislation
There are still policy bills, including some good, bipartisan legislation, on the Unfinished Business calendar that are eligible for consideration. These are bills that survived both funnels and are eligible for debate on the Senate floor but have not yet been called up by the majority leader.
We’ve been ready for months to work on legislation that will actually help lower costs and make life more affordable for Iowans. Time will tell if Senate Republicans will join us and do the hard work on Iowans’ behalf.”
