As session begins to wind down, our primary focus at the Statehouse has shifted from numerous policy proposals to the state budget. While we’ll continue discussing a handful of policy ideas that have survived the legislative process, most of the final work will surround passing a balanced budget. Iowans entrust their elected representatives to spend their tax dollars wisely, and House Republicans remain committed to ensuring that every Iowa taxpayer’s penny is invested responsibly. The state of Iowa has consistently been fiscally secure, and after considering state revenue estimates and the needs of Iowans, House Republicans have proposed a budget target of $8,579,097,952 for the 2024 fiscal year. We feel that this number will adequately fund the needs of Iowans throughout the coming year.
To begin allocating spending, each budget subcommittee gets a target number for the amount they can spend on their specific areas of the budget. Below are the House budget subcommittee target numbers for fiscal year 2024.
- Administration & Regulation – $70,488,763
- Agriculture and Natural Resources – $43,544,227
- Economic Development – $42,113,893
- Education – $984,921,856
- Health and Human Services – $2,135,383,594
- Judicial Branches and Justice Systems – $885,843,753
- State Aid to Schools & Standing Appropriations – $4,416,801,866
House Republicans have heard from Iowans and have prioritized their needs in our budget proposal. We’ve recommended increase investments in care for our senior and vulnerable populations, rural healthcare, and our children’s education. Legislators have the opportunity to make these necessary increased investments because of sound fiscal responsibility and continued strong state revenue. The next steps in the budget process include the House subcommittees meeting to detail the allocation of state dollars line by line while working with the Senate to come to an agreement and send a final budget to the Governor’s desk. Once the individual budgets have been sent to the governor for final approval, state legislators will conclude the first session of the 90th General Assembly.
