State Budget

House Republicans are proposing a new $12 million workforce scholarship program at Iowa’s three public universities, but they’re not planning a general budget increase for the universities.

Iowa’s revenue forecasters said Thursday they expect the state to bring in more money than expected in the current fiscal year. But state revenue growth is expected to drop off soon, and revenue will begin to decrease in the next two fiscal years.

Iowa’s outdoor recreation trust fund is empty. Will lawmakers change that?

The top Democrat in the Iowa House of Representatives says her number one priority for the upcoming legislative session is addressing the state’s workforce shortage.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said she will “explore significant tax cuts” after Iowa’s revenue forecasting panel estimated Monday the state will bring in more money over the next few months than previously thought.

The top Democrat in the Iowa Senate says addressing the state’s workforce shortage is going to be the main priority for the minority party during the legislative session that starts in January. Senate Minority Leader Zach Wahls, D-Coralville, said the workforce shortage was a top concern in the state before the pandemic, but now it’s even worse.

Iowa’s revenue forecasters said Friday the state is in a strong financial position, and the interim state budget director believes the state is bringing in enough money to allow for more tax cuts.

Here’s a look at why Iowa has so much additional money this year, and what will happen with the funds next. This article was republished from the Iowa Capital Dispatch.