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(Des Moines, IA) — Friday marks the 110th day of the 2025 Iowa legislative session, but lawmakers won’t be heading home just yet. Before they can adjourn, they need to pass next year’s state budget, but a joint proposal from the Governor’s office and Senate differs from the House’s version. Some policy bills remain active, but Speaker Pat Grassley (R-New Hartford) says the budget is the top priority as the session nears its end.
"The direction that I've been tasked with from our caucus is let's make progress before we'd be taking up significant pieces of policy," Grassley said. "Our focus right now is finding agreement on the budget, but that doesn't necessarily mean that those bills may not be considered."
The House’s proposal includes spending $36 million more than its counterparts across the rotunda.
"Typically, not only when I've been Speaker but through the appropriations process, we've always been in a position where the Governor and the Senate are more closely aligned than probably we are," Grassley said. "Our goal when we leave here is to fund the commitments that we've made to Iowans as well as make strategic investments."
No matter what compromises are made, the state is still planning to spend $900 million more than it has taken in this year, according to March estimates. Grassley says that’s why they’ve built savings.
"We're looking at a nearly $2 billion ending balance," Grassley said. "We're looking at nearly $4 billion in the taxpayer relief fund. We're by no means just opening up the wallets and spending every dollar we can get our hands on."
Because Friday is the 110th day, legislators will stop receiving their per diem stipend. That's money meant to cover everyday expenses like gas. Clerks and other legislative helpers are now off the clock as well.