This Week in the Statehouse- Weeks 1 and 2
The Iowa Legislature gaveled into the second session of the 90th General Assembly on Monday, January 8, at the State Capitol in Des Moines. Republicans maintain majorities in both the Iowa House and the Iowa Senate. Many legislators scheduled to be up for election in 2024 have begun to announce their intentions to either run for re-election or retire from the legislature. With anticipated departures in both the House and Senate, new candidates are also beginning to announce their intent to run and primaries in the areas where the incumbent retired are expected.
The legislative leaders from the first session of the 90th General Assembly have changed slightly as the second session begins. The leaders of the chambers include Senate President Amy Sinclair (R-Allerton), Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver (R-Grimes), Senate Minority Leader Pam Jochum (D-Dubuque), House Speaker Pat Grassley (R-New Hartford), House Majority Leader Matt Windschitl (R-Missouri Valley) and House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst (D-Windsor Heights).
The Legislature’s website includes information about legislators, committees, bills, Iowa Code, daily debates, publications and Capitol tour information.
The first week of the legislative session is largely ceremonial with speeches from the leaders of the chambers, the Condition of the State from the Governor, and updates from the judicial branch and the National Guard. On Monday, the legislative leaders gave their opening session remarks stating their accomplishments and setting the agenda for their top policy priorities. On Tuesday, Governor Reynolds gave her condition of the state address which includes insights into her policy proposals as well as her budget recommendations for the upcoming fiscal year.
With severe snowstorms across the state last week, it was a quieter first week of session than the average year. A majority of bills filed were pre-filed bills from executive branch departments and other state agencies. However, several bills were filed by the Governor and a detailed overview of her budget recommendations were released to the public. Text of the Governor's Condition of the State can be found on her website.
Governor’s Budget Recommendation
Governor Reynolds FY 25 budget recommendations for UNI include the following changes:
- $101,894,146 for general operations (increase of $2,485,223; a 2.5% increase)
- $3,850,000 for UNI’s Industrial Technology Center (covers what was redirected from the project to make emergency steam tunnel repairs)
All other recommendations for UNI’s funding remain status quo. During the September board meeting, the Board of Regents also authorized the request of $500,000 for UNI@IACC and an increase of $2.5 million for the Educators for Iowa scholarship program. With the budget now moving to the legislature, UNI will continue to advocate for its requested funds, emphasizing its importance to providing affordable, high-quality education and training the next generation of Iowa workers who will continue to build a vibrant economy in the state.
Her budget-in-brief book is at this link. Her complete budget report is at this link.
The Legislature was not in session on Monday of the second week in remembrance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The remainder of the week was spent in legislative committee and subcommittee meetings. New bills for consideration continue to be filed daily. This link will provide a complete list of bills the Board of Regents are tracking (in the box marked as lobbyist type in Jillian Carlson or in the client box type in Iowa Board of Regents).
Upcoming Dates
January 29 – UNI’s Business and Community Services presents to the House Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee
February 5– UNI’s team presents to the House Transportation Infrastructure, and Capitals Appropriations Subcommittee
February 12– President Nook, along with President Wintersteen (ISU) and President Wilson (UI), present to the Education Appropriations Subcommittee
February 16- First Funnel Deadline- Bills not reported out of their originating committee by this date are no longer eligible for consideration (does not apply to budget, tax or oversight bills)
March 5 –UNI Day on the Hill
March 15 – Second Funnel – House bills not passed out of Senate committees and Senate bills not passed out of House committees are no longer eligible for consideration (does not apply to budget, tax or oversight bills)
April 16– 100th Calendar Day (lawmaker per diem expenses end)