Budget debate begins

The Iowa Legislature agreed to budget targets last week and the Iowa House has already started to advance bills. The House Appropriations Committee met Wednesday and passed House File 2455, which contains the budget for the departments of Economic Development, Workforce Development and Cultural Affairs and House File 2454 - the Department of Natural Resources and Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship budget.

A subcommittee on Thursday considered House Study Bill 656, which is the Standings Appropriations bill. Other appropriations bills moving forward include: Health and Human Services, Administration and Regulation, and Education. The 100th day of session is Tuesday, and it is unlikely session will be finished by that time, but at the pace the Legislature is moving session could be completed by the end of next week.