Iowa

What Are the Budget Issues Facing Iowa?

In 2009, Iowa faces a $484 million budget gap representing 7.6% of the general fund. In 2010, Iowa is looking at an even greater $779 million shortfall, 12.2% of the general fund.

What the Federal Stimulus Proposal Will Mean for Children in Iowa

The economic stimulus recently passed by the United States Congress and signed into law by the Obama Administration will provide significant investment in the health, education, and safety of America’s children over the next two years. It also provides significant support to their parents and grandparents. Highlights include:

• $550,000,000 in relief for Iowa’s Medicaid costs. Medicaid provides health care coverage for low-income children and seniors.
• $386,400,000 in relief to the state of Iowa to prevent cuts to programs for school-aged children.
• $67,900,000 for the Title I academic achievement of the disadvantaged program.
• $123,600,000 services to children with disabilities in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding.
• $19,400,000 for other education programs in Iowa’s schools.
• $161,000,000 in food stamps for 279,000 Iowa men, women, and children.
• $16,800,000 in emergency shelter grants for 4,500 households.
• 144,000 Iowa children will benefit from the child tax credit provisions of the legislation.
• $18,120,842 in Emergency Child Care and Development Block Grant funds to provide child care to 3,200 Iowa children.
• An increase in unemployment benefits to 212,422 Iowa families.
• $15,400,000 in additional child support enforcement matching funds.
• $5,200,000 in youth training employment services.

How Have Iowa’s Senators Have Voted on Important Children’s Legislation in 2009?
Charles Grassley (R)

Tom Harkin (D)

Sources: State Budget Information, Stimulus Information