Week of January 13, 2025
This Week in the Iowa Legislature
The 91st General Assembly kicked off Monday with a lot of energy, as the Governor and Republican leaders outlined their legislative priorities. Following November’s election, Republicans hold supermajorities in both chambers and plan to build on past agendas. Despite some electoral upsets, there are only 21 new lawmakers this session.
The first week was filled with the usual pomp and circumstance featuring ceremonies, receptions, and over 100 bill introductions. Highlights included Governor Reynolds’ Condition of the State address Tuesday, Chief Justice Susan Christensen’s fifth Condition of the Judiciary Wednesday, and finally Major General Stephen Osborn’s Condition of the Guard Thursday before lawmakers wrapped up for the long MLK Jr. holiday weekend.
Condition of the State
On a chilly Tuesday evening, Governor Kim Reynolds delivered her annual Condition of the State Address, outlining her administration’s recent accomplishments and unveiling ambitious proposals for Iowa’s future. A video and transcript of Governor Reynolds’ speech can be found here. Below are the key takeaways:
Healthcare
- Rural Healthcare Support: Doubling the investment in loan repayment programs to $10 million to attract healthcare professionals to rural areas.
- Medical Residency Expansion: Securing $150 million in federal funds to create an estimated 115 new residency slots in partnership with Broadlawns and the University of Iowa.
- Cancer Research: Allocating $1 million toward cancer research to combat rising cancer rates.
- Medicaid Flexibility: Advocating for federal approval to increase flexibility in Medicaid reimbursement rates.
Government Reorganization
Governor Reynolds announced the launch of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to streamline state and local spending and reduce property taxes. This follows significant government reorganization in recent years, which merged several state departments and eliminated 67 boards and commissions. DOGE will involve public employees, lawmakers, and citizens in evaluating and recommending funding reforms for local governments.
Hands-Free Driving
Acknowledging a troubling 9% rise in highway fatalities in 2024, Governor Reynolds endorsed a bill prohibiting the use of electronic devices while driving unless hands-free. This initiative aims to reduce distracted driving, which has been linked to the increase in vehicular deaths. This was the first time the Governor has publicly supported the hands-free legislation.
Education Reforms
- Cellphone Ban in Schools: Proposing a ban on cellphone use during instructional time in K-12 schools to minimize distractions and improve learning outcomes.
- Math Support for Struggling Students: Expanding specialized math assistance programs, building on last year’s successful literacy initiative.
Childcare Improvements
The Governor introduced the Early Childhood Continuum of Care grant program, offering three-year grants to preschool and childcare providers. This initiative aims to provide seamless all-day care for preschool-aged children while supporting the childcare workforce.
Affordable Energy Solutions
- Launching a Nuclear Energy Taskforce to evaluate the potential for nuclear energy generation in Iowa.
- Updating energy loan programs and resource planning requirements for utilities to maintain Iowa’s position as a leader in grid reliability.
- Supporting bioenergy through anaerobic digesters and ensuring utilities prioritize landowner rights in transmission projects.
- Partnering with Iowa State University for transparent energy forecasting.
Setting the Stage for the Legislative Session
The first week of the legislative session is marked by key speeches from leaders in the House, Senate, and the Governor. These speeches outline top priorities and set the tone for the year ahead providing a roadmap for the legislative session while highlighting areas of focus for each party as they work to address the needs of Iowans.
Speaker of the House Pat Grassley and House Majority Leader Matt Windschitl highlighted the main goals for House Republicans in 2024 including education, property taxes, sales tax, childcare costs, energy costs, and affordable housing. Speaker Grassley also announced the formation of two new House committees: a Higher Education Standing Committee and a Federal and Other Funds Budget Subcommittee.
Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver emphasized three primary priorities for his caucus including lowering taxes, addressing the rising cost of living, and expanding employment opportunities.
House Democrat Leader Jennifer Konfrst outlined her caucus’ focus on reducing costs for Iowa families, raising wages for workers, and supporting everyday Iowans.
Senate Democrat Leader Janice Weiner shared Senate Democrats’ key priorities of affordable housing, increased funding for public education, addressing food insecurity among Iowa’s children, lowering childcare costs, tackling employee misclassification, and promoting transparency in the state’s budget process.
Governor’s Budget Recommendations
On Tuesday evening, the Governor unveiled her 2025 budget plan, proposing a total of $9.4 billion in state spending. This marks a $486 million increase (more than 5%) over the current fiscal year. The Governor’s budget taps into state reserves to fund new programs, which will result in reductions to the State’s General Fund balance, Cash Reserve Fund and Economic Emergency Fund. If your program or appropriation was not specifically mentioned, it has been recommended for level funding. For full details on the Governor’s 2025 budget plan, click here.
Looking Ahead
The legislature will not meet on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Here’s what to expect next week:
Senate: A full schedule is planned for Wednesday.
House: Meetings are scheduled to take place from Tuesday through Thursday.
Several lawmakers are traveling to Washington, D.C., for President Trump’s inauguration, which is expected to impact scheduling in both chambers. Meanwhile, subcommittee activity is ramping up, with hearings already scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. To view the full committee and subcommittee schedule for next week, click here.