Post by Logan on Apr 21, 2016 23:04:01 GMT -6
Democratic lawmakers are pledging to fight Republican cuts in the Iowa Department of Transportation's proposed budget, warning it could lead to unplowed roads, longer waits for driver's licenses and delays in highway construction projects.
The DOT budget issue, which could result in the elimination of more than 400 state employees, has developed into a hot topic as the Iowa Legislature heads toward adjournment of its 2016 session.
Legislative leaders said Thursday it appears the session will end sometime next week as work concludes on the state's $7.3 billion general fund budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1. Three of the top remaining policy issues yet to be decided include whether to approve an expanded medical marijuana bill, state oversight of the Medicaid health insurance program and state regulation of children's boarding schools.
"I think we are in good shape. We are working through problems," said Iowa Senate Majority Leader Michael Gronstal, D-Council Bluffs.
Read more: www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2016/04/21/dot-budget-cuts-spark-fight-lawmakers-near-end/83343266/
The DOT budget issue, which could result in the elimination of more than 400 state employees, has developed into a hot topic as the Iowa Legislature heads toward adjournment of its 2016 session.
Legislative leaders said Thursday it appears the session will end sometime next week as work concludes on the state's $7.3 billion general fund budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1. Three of the top remaining policy issues yet to be decided include whether to approve an expanded medical marijuana bill, state oversight of the Medicaid health insurance program and state regulation of children's boarding schools.
"I think we are in good shape. We are working through problems," said Iowa Senate Majority Leader Michael Gronstal, D-Council Bluffs.
Read more: www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2016/04/21/dot-budget-cuts-spark-fight-lawmakers-near-end/83343266/