Iowa lawmakers are still weighing in after what some consider to be “welcomed news” about the state’s $127 million budget surplus at the end of the 2018 fiscal year.

Sources say the economic boost came from higher corporate income tax revenue, which is believed to be from the federal tax reform that was passed last year. District 24 Senator Jerry Behn believes that the tax reductions will create more incentives for businesses to locate and live in Iowa.

“That’s always been my big push is we want to be competitive, we want to make this state friendly for those job creators to get here, stay here, and continue to expand here. I think this is just a critical first step into making that happen.”

As for those state departments that had to take mid-year budget cuts from the previous fiscal year, Behn was unsure whether or not those departments will be a top priority at the beginning of the 2019 Legislative session.

“Part of what happens in government is oftentimes when they do tighten their belts and live on less, they find out that they were able to work through those and still provide quality services. I think the jury is completely out as to how much we’re going to have to increase any of those.”

Behn doesn’t think that they will spend the surplus right away, but they will analyze each department and determine which ones need to run more efficiently before they discuss increasing any of the budgets.