As one of the final action items for the Iowa legislature, the state budget for next fiscal year was approved by lawmakers prior to adjourning the session for the year.

House District 20 Representative Ray Sorensen believes they were able to fund a majority of Iowan’s priorities and still adhere to the House Republican budgetary principle of not spending more than you take in. He says some of the notable increases included $100 million for expanding broadband internet access, $20 million for the department of corrections, $13 million for public safety, $9 million for the court system, as well as other increases regarding child care.

“Next year’s budget includes a rate increase for child care providers and the implementation of a program that allows families to keep their child care benefits when receiving a pay raise or a job promotion. I know that child care piece was really important for House Republicans and so we were able to get that (done).”

Sorensen adds that there weren’t any dramatic decreases in any state department, prior to approving the budget. The 2022 fiscal year starts on July 1st.