Iowa Legislature Finalizes $8 Billion Budget, Adjourns for Year

DES MOINES, Iowa - Iowans will have state services for the next year with the passage of an $8 billion budget Wednesday night.

The state legislature adjourned for the year after finalizing the budget and tying up some loose ends.

One of the final actions taken by lawmakers was getting billions of federal relief dollars to state departments and programs.

Among the items failing to cross the finish line were a ban on transgender sports participation and a requirement for E-15 gas at the pump, which was one of Governor Kim Reynolds priorities.

Reynolds says she'll try to get gasoline retailers and the biofuels industry to hash out differences over the summer so that an increase in ethanol and biodiesel usage can be achieved.

Republicans, who control the state legislature, were happy with their accomplishments, including a sweeping tax cut package that passed in the final days.

The GOP capped its final day in session by introducing and passing a ban on cities, counties and schools from requiring face masks. The ban went into effect immediately after Governor Reynolds signed it, which took place shortly after midnight Thursday morning.

Democrats were largely left out of negotiations on big ticket items, such as the tax package.They say Republicans failed to provide state assistance to people suffering because of the pandemic and focused on divisive issue such as election laws and abortion.

A bill advancing an amendment to strike the right to abortions from the state constitution passed the legislature on the final day.

This year's legislative session lasted 129 days, with the last 19 days coming in overtime after the April 30th scheduled date for adjournment.


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