Budget Agreement Reached, Session Nearing End
The Senate and House have agreed to spend $9.659 billion for the next budget year, which begins July 1, 2026. This is just $3 million below what the House had suggested. The HHS Budget numbers actually increased in these negotiations! Administration & Regulation: $73,301,113 ($30,000 below original House target) Agriculture & Natural Resources: $47,505,670 ($244,000 above original House target) Economic Development: $39,948,145…
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Constitutional Amendment Requires Supermajority for Tax Increases
Without any discussion in 2026, the Iowa House of Representatives has decided to revive SJR 11 in the final week of the legislative session. This resolution proposes an amendment to the Iowa Constitution, and since this would be its second passage, it would go to the voters this November! SJR 11 requires a supermajority of…
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UPDATE! Election Bill Heading to Governor, Ends Voter Attestation
On April 7, 2026, the Iowa house passed HF 2501. This bill makes a number of changes to the conduct of elections, including data collected by county auditors. The bill was not controversial as first presented, but that changed after the House passed the bill in February. HF 2501, as passed by the House, required additional…
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Budget Targets Announced, Let the Negotiations Begin!
The one thing the Iowa Legislature must do each year is pass a budget. With just nine days left in the scheduled legislative session, we now have budget targets. The Governor made her budget recommendations in January. The Iowa Senate set its budget target on March 30. The Iowa House of Representatives came out with their spending…
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Second Funnel Hits as Session Enters Final Month
Believe it or not, the 2026 Iowa Legislative Session is nearing the end. As of Monday (March 23) there are only 30 calendar days left in the scheduled 100-day session. Since legislators only work four days each week, that leaves them with only about 18 working days before their per diems run out. We know…
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Candidate Deadline Surprises
Friday, March 13 was the deadline for legislative candidates to file their campaign paperwork with the Secretary of State. That means we now know which State Representatives and State Senators are retiring, which ones are running again, and who have challengers in the June primary or in the November general election. You can see the…
Amy,
It was nice to see you at the Capitol yesterday. As I mentioned I am from Burlington. Brittany Jacobs, as our librarian, is out doing a dog and pony shows, speaking to every group she can find. She is a member of our LWV and spoke at our social on Wednesday night (2/25). So needless to say, our local league is ready to go to jail for her. Do your have any idea if this will be a fast tracked bill in Senate, and if there is an appetite/support in the House. The Senate was in caucaus yesterday so I didn’t get to speak with Senator Reichman, but did send him an email last night. Can you steer me in the direction of good talking points? I am looking to you instead of Brittany for info because you know the ins and outs of what is effective lobbying and pointers. Thanks for any suggestions or resources you might have.
Thank you