Hawkeye Reporter

Today, House Republicans unveiled a spending plan for the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget, proposing a total of $9.453 billion. This marks an increase of $506 million from the current fiscal year's budget. The proposed budget shows a 5.65 percent rise over Fiscal Year 2025, which had a spending level of $8.947 billion.

Iowa House Appropriations Chairman Gary Mohr (R-Bettendorf) collaborated with his budget subcommittee chairs to establish these targets. Mohr emphasized the party's consistent approach, stating, "As Iowa House Republicans, we have built our reputation on passing responsible budgets that have allowed us to lower the tax burden while funding Iowans' budget priorities." He added, "This budget is carefully crafted to maintain the $14 million provided last year to increase pay for paraeducators and increase funding for community colleges, among other priorities of Iowans. We are prepared to deliver once again on the promises we make to our constituents."

Speaker Pat Grassley (R-New Hartford) also expressed his endorsement of the budget. "Our caucus is committed to delivering a budget that follows responsible budget practices, while funding the priorities Iowans care most about," Grassley said. He continued, "Iowans expect to see their tax dollars used wisely to fund important services like nursing homes, paraprofessional pay, support for human trafficking victims, and more of that sort, and that's what this House Republican caucus is fighting to deliver."

The budget subcommittees will proceed with their efforts to finalize their individual budgets.