Iowa Legislature passes new bills and budget plans before adjourning for the 2020 session

The Iowa General Assembly adjourned the 2020 legislative session on Sunday. The 2020 session was forced to suspend operations in mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic but reconvened on June 3rd to complete its work, which included addressing a handful of remaining policy issues and passing a state budget.

State Representative Michael Bergan of Dorchester says, "We made great strides investing in our schools, increasing access to health care, expanding high-speed internet to underserved areas, and passing a responsible budget that values the hard-working taxpayers."  

Bergan named several highlights:

The legislature passed a mostly status quo budget plan for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget is expected to spend less than projected revenue, not rely on rainy day or reserve funds, and leave a healthy surplus.

Earlier in the session, the House and Senate passed a K-12 education funding plan that will provide schools with an additional $100 million next school year. This package includes an increase in general aid while also targeting resources to reduce high transportation costs in rural districts and reduce a long-standing inequity in the school funding formula by an additional $10/student.

The legislature passed several bills aimed at spurring broadband development throughout Iowa, especially in rural areas.

Bergan said he was disappointed that legislation involving child care and emergency medical services was not passed and hopes for resolution next session.