This Week at the Statehouse - Week 1
The second session of the 89th Iowa General Assembly gaveled into session on Monday, January 10, at the State Capitol in Des Moines.
Republicans have the majority in both the Iowa House (60-40 majority) and the Iowa Senate (32-18 majority). There are three new lawmakers who were elected last fall due to a death or retirements. They include Rep. Mike Bousselot (R-Ankeny), Rep. Jon Dunwell (R-Newton) and Sen. Dave Rowley (R-Spirit Lake).
The legislative leaders include Senate President Jake Chapman (R-Adel), Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver (R-Ankeny), Senate Minority Leader Zach Wahls (D-Coralville), 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 (www.legis.iowa.gov) includes information about legislators, committees, bills, Iowa Code, daily debates, publications and Capitol tour information.
Governor's Budget Recommendations:
On Tuesday evening, January 11, Governor Reynolds unveiled her budget proposal, which is the first step in creating the state's budget. Governor Reynolds is recommending a 2.5% increase to UNI's operating budget. This recommended increase of $2.5 million for UNI is below our $4 million request. UNI's budget request will allow the cost of our education to be predictable for Iowa families and competitive with peer institutions.
Governor Reynolds is also recommending $1.3 million of our requested $1.6 million for UNI@IACC (Iowa Community Colleges). The UNI@IACC program provides an innovative way for adult and place-bound Iowans to complete their four-year degree at their community college while saving money. The program is modeled after the current UNI@DMACC program, which has seen steady enrollment growth in one of the five online bachelor's degree offerings through the partnership. UNI@IACC students who meet income and academic eligibility criteria will receive a scholarship that covers the difference between community college and UNI tuition.
All other UNI budget requests are recommended at our requested levels.
Governor Reynolds FY 23 budget recommendations for UNI include:
- $100,754,036 for general operations (increase of $2,457,416)
- $6,354,848 and 7 FTEs for STEM education (increase of 1.5 FTEs)
- $1,300,000 for UNI@IACC (new appropriation)
- $1,066,419 for economic development (no change)
- $900,000 from the Regents Innovation Fund, of the $3 million total (no change)
- $394,321 for UNI’s additive manufacturing (no change)
- $172,768 for the recycling and reuse center (no change)
- $123,523 for real estate education (no change)
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.
Additional information can be found in Governor Reynold’s Budget brief and Governor Reynold’s Budget book.
Board of Regents Legislative Breakfast:
On Wednesday, January 12, the Board of Regents held their annual legislative breakfast on the first floor rotunda in the State Capitol in Des Moines. Below are photos of President Nook from the event.
Upcoming Dates:
February 18 – First Funnel – 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 7 – UNI Day at the Capitol
March 18 – 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 19 – 100th Calendar Day (lawmaker per diem expenses end)
If you have any questions, please email me at mary.braun@uni.edu.
