Governor announces more money for Veterans Trust Fund

Reichman's Remarks

The fourth week of the legislative session remained busy as we focused on subcommittees, committees, and some floor debate. We welcomed a number of visitors and groups this week, including FFA groups from all over the state. Tuesday was FFA Day on the Hill, and students visited to meet with legislators, about agricultural issues.

This week, Gov. Reynolds also announced additional funding for the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund. This fund was created to assist Iowa veterans and their families with certain costs related to education, emergency assistance, medical care and unemployment services. However, due to record inflation caused by the reckless spending policies in Washington, D.C., and an increase in applications, the fund’s appropriation was insufficient to reimburse expenses.

Every year, the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund receives an appropriation from the Iowa Legislature, as well as funding from the Iowa Lottery Authority. However, the Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs approved more grants early in the year and as more requests continued to be submitted, the fund had been exhausted, creating a backlog and resulting in the program being temporarily suspended.

This week, Gov. Reynolds announced $440,000 to cover the backlog and assist the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs in resuming the program to meet the needs of any outstanding grants that were previously approved.

The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and the legislature will continue this program, while looking for ways to ensure the application and approval process for these grants is financially sustainable and the criteria used to determine grant eligibility do not exceed the funds available.

K-12 Education Funding Moves Through Legislature

Education is the largest part of the state budget, and it is an important piece not only to help determine the rest of our budget process, but also help schools set their budgets for the upcoming year.

Each year, Iowa spends billions of dollars on K-12 education. State funding alone amounts to $3.8 billion for K-12 education.

Combined with local taxes, SAVE funds, federal funds, and other miscellaneous sources, Iowa taxpayers will spend $8.4 billion on K-12 education for Iowa students next year. The money approved in Senate File 192 this week will dedicate an additional $107 million. Iowa taxpayers spend on average $17,068 per student in our state. $7,635 of that amount comes from the state general fund in SF 192.

Education is a priority for Senate Republicans, and it has been since 2017 when we took the majority in the Iowa Senate. It has consistently received increases in funding, totaling over $1.5 billion.

While fully funding education has been a priority, giving parents choice and putting students first have also been a major focus. It is why over the last several years we have expanded open enrollment, dedicated money to transportation and per pupil equity, loosened regulations on schools, and, as of this year, gave more parents choice in their child’s education.

Protecting the Property Taxpayer

An error at the Department of Revenue could have led to a property tax increase of as much as $120 million for Iowa homeowners. Senate File 181, passed by the Senate on Wednesday, fixes the error, protects the property taxpayer, and provides clarity for local governments in future years. It now advances to the Iowa House for their consideration.

Southeast Iowa Days

It was a pleasure to welcome folks from home for SE Iowa days. Several officials from multiple organizations attended to voice concerns, champion economic development, and build partnerships all aimed at advancing SE Iowa.

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