Iowa House leaders on how they think policy passed will affect Iowans

DES MOINES, Iowa (Gray Television Iowa Capitol Bureau) - There are roughly 100 bills now before the Governor, waiting for her signature. Both Republican and Democratic leaders in the Iowa House say they’re proud of the work they did this legislative session, but have vastly different opinions on how the effects of the legislation will look like.

House Speaker Pat Grassley says it was a difficult session. Grassley says Area Education Agency reform that Republicans passed was a hurdle since there hasn’t been a shuffling or overview of them. “Schools are excited to have some opportunities to have some flexibility with some of those funds so look forward to seeing how that plays out and I think the bill we were able to put together I think will continue continue to deliver on those special ed services,” Grassley said.

House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst says the AEAs are undergoing budget cuts and employees are leaving. It’s something she says she hopes legislators come back and fix next year. “You know, in larger communities you may be able to afford another special education teacher or an occupational therapist, but in rural Iowa when you’ve got small districts, the AEAs provide those services that otherwise can’t be afforded because you’ve got one child who needs them,” Konfrst said.

Lawmakers also passed and sped up tax cuts, bringing the income tax down to a flat 3.8% beginning in January. Konfrst says the cuts are aggressive in an unpredictable economy. It would be like going to the grocery store and buying your groceries and then writing a check for more and just hoping you get another paycheck,” Konfrst said.

Speaker Grassley says even with the cuts, the state is on solid ground financially. “We’re going to continue to want to get that money back in the hands of Iowans. We have, even with that cut in place, we’re still going to have over $2 billion in even in the out years in the projections in the Taxpayer Relief Fund,” Grassley said.

While not an issue lawmakers passed this session, Konfrst says she’s continuing to watch the effects of private school vouchers and the underfunding of public schools.

Multiple bills aimed at curbing the use of eminent domain failed. The Iowa House passed them, but the senate didn’t even take them up for a vote.

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Conner Hendricks covers state government and politics for Gray Television-owned stations in Iowa. Email him at conner.hendricks@gray.tv; and follow him on Facebook at Conner Hendricks TV or on X/Twitter @ConnerReports.

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