Under the Golden Dome, Too

  Negotiations continue as lawmakers eye session’s end
 
     As we continue on the path toward adjournment for this legislative session, our focus remains on passing a sustainable, responsible and balanced state budget. Most appropriations bills are being considered in conference committees, where the House and Senate will work together to seek compromise on the differences between our proposals. 
     This week the House debated the Health and Human Services appropriations bill on the floor. This budget provides funding for programs like Medicaid, mental health care, services for troubled youth, help for our seniors and veterans, and job opportunities for Iowans with intellectual disabilities. This is a $2.3 billion budget with another $4.5 billion coming from federal dollars.
     Also included in the bill is funding related to family planning services. Currently the state receives money from the federal government to provide these services in Iowa, but like most federal programs, when we take federal dollars it comes with strings attached and we lose control of how the program is operated. This bill cuts the federal strings tied to family planning services, while ensuring we are not sending taxpayer dollars to abortion providers.
     As our conferees continue working through each budget, we remain vigilant about sticking to our budgeting principles. These are the same principles we’ve insisted upon over the past four years that have served the state well. 
     Since beginning debate on the various pieces of the state budget, we have seen amendments offered that would increase state spending by over $165 million. We have resisted these proposals in order to ensure we do not spend more than the state has available. Living outside our means and spending one-time money on ongoing expenses will only lead to uncertainty, economic trouble, and decreased services for Iowans in the future. 
     With ever-increasing Medicaid obligations, a decrease in expected revenue for the next fiscal year, and maintaining our commitment to increase K-12 funding by $100 million next year, we have had to make some tough budget decisions this year. Additionally, we do not yet know the full impact the avian flu outbreak will have on the state’s economy. It is likely many Iowa families’ budgets will be affected and there will undoubtedly be an impact on the state through tax revenue. For all of these reasons, it is now more important than ever to pass a sustainable budget plan. 
     As we move forward, we will continue to work with the governor and Senate to pass the most responsible and commonsense state budget for Iowans.
     Graduation season has arrived! College and high school auditoriums and gymnasiums around the state are being filled with departing grads and proud family members sitting in the stands. I’ve been reading about the many awards and scholarships our students have been receiving for all of their hard work.  Congratulations, and I wish the Class of 2015 all the best in the future!
     Thank you for reaching out to me over the past several weeks. It is always helpful to hear your feedback about issues you either support or have concerns about.  Please continue to contact me anytime at linda.upmeyer@legis.iowa.gov or (515) 281-4618.