Senate passes standing appropriations bill with education, health and housing provisions

The Iowa Senate passed House File 2,800, the standing appropriations bill for fiscal matters, after debate on education funding, electrical code provisions and housing affordability.

Senator Kreimbrink, introducing the substituted House File, said the standing bill reflects roughly $4.945 billion in statutory commitments and reduces the current standing appropriation by about $67.3 million while appropriating nearly $5 billion from the general fund. He highlighted approvals including $104.5 million from other funds for HHS IT projects, a $1 million sports‑wagering allocation to support the Double Up Food Bucks program (with a required match), and $3 million for pediatric cancer research directed to the Board of Regents and the University of Iowa health clinics.

Opponents focused on education cuts and safety. Senator Winkler warned a new $25 million cut (on top of prior reductions) would bring Area Education Agency (AEA) funding to about $37.5 million in cuts and shift services to local districts. Senator Townsend urged retaining National Electrical Code safety devices, citing arc‑fault circuit interrupters and ground‑fault protections and arguing that the consumer savings projected (roughly several hundred dollars in a sample home) do not justify reducing safety standards.

Proponents defended the package as balancing safety, affordability and stakeholder consultation; Senator Webster said trade groups and electricians had been involved and framed the changes as necessary to increase housing affordability.

The sponsor moved final reading; the roll call on final passage was reported in the transcript as 29 ayes and 11 nays. The chair declared the bill passed and the title agreed to; sponsors asked unanimous consent to message the bill to the House.