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Branstad Budget Focuses On Schools And Medicaid

Governor Terry Branstad presented his Condition of the State address this morning, on the second day of the 86th General Assembly, saying Iowa has become stronger because of the work of the men and women in Iowa’s legislature.

He said in the past five years they have brought cash reserves in economic emergency accounts full, more than 214,000 new jobs have been created, the unemployment rate has been cut nearly in half, family incomes have risen 18.3 percent, K-12th grade funding is up 35% and we have had over $12 billion in private capital investments. It is important, however, to reflect back on how we got here.

In this upcoming session, Branstad said it is his desire to work with all to address the challenges they face for a more prosperous future. The avian influenza outbreak, lower commodity prices and increased competition from the world economy have reduced growth in state revenue over the past year, and though we have still had growth, it is not as robust as hoped. The budget proposed today spends the most on the future of schools and Medicaid. Branstad said he is implementing a modern approach to Medicaid through managed care.

He wants to provide schools with the stability and predictability in funding they need and deserve with an addition $145 million dollars in funding that includes the third installment in teacher leadership and compensation. This will bring K-12 total spending to over $3.2 billion annually. With this proposal, Branstad is urging legislators to move more quickly to approve supplemental state aid this year. To achieve these budgetary goals, Branstad said tough decisions had to be made in other areas of the budget, but this was done with a cautious eye and optimism for the future. It is a tight, but a balanced budget that fits within the five-year projection and can bring them together in their goals for the next year.

We will bring you more in upcoming broadcasts on Branstad’s Condition of the State on water quality, renewable energy, our criminal justice system and racial diversity. Full audio of the address can be found below.

 

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