Des Moines, Iowa — (RI) — The 2020 Iowa legislative session will remain on hiatus due to COVID-19 until at least April 30th.
Twenty-three members of the Legislative COUNCIL met by phone Thursday and made that decision unanimously. When lawmakers DO reconvene in the state capitol, they’ll have to pass a plan for next year’s state budget. Senate Republican Leader Jack Whitver of Ankeny says it’s too early to estimate the full impact the pandemic might have on state tax collections.
(As above) “As of right now, that is an impossible question to answer based on the fact a large part of our economy is shut down right now and so we’re going to need a lot more information about what’s happening in our economy before we’re ready to put that budget together,” Whitver says.
Whitver says lawmakers aren’t yet certain of exactly how much FEDERAL aid may be coming the state’s way either.
(As above) “People are still trying to sort through that to see what resources are available and how those can be used,” Whitver says.
House Democratic Leader Todd Prichard of Charles City suggests lawmakers will face tough decisions when they eventually reconvene.
(As above) “There really is a lot to be determined,” Prichard says.
For example, Prichard says it may be necessary for lawmakers to help parts of Iowa’s health care system that have taken an economic hit. Lawmakers left the capitol March 17th, planning to restart the 2020 legislative session on Monday, the 13th of April. Key lawmakers made clear yesterday their May 1st target date for a restart could be pushed back. And some policy priorities may have to wait until 2021.
