The surplus is $72.2 million higher than estimated by the state’s Legislative Services Agency.
Iowa closed out its fiscal year with more than double the previous year’s general fund surplus. The surplus, amounting to $289.3 million, is $72.2 million higher than estimated by the state’s Legislative Services Agency.
“Iowa’s fiscal health is strong, and it’s a reflection of a vibrant economy as well as our ability to live within our means,” said Gov. Reynolds. “This year, we invested in important priorities like education, Future Ready Iowa, and health care so that we can be innovative, grow our workforce, and protect vulnerable Iowans.”
“Going forward, we will continue to invest in Iowans’ priorities, but we also must be mindful of the economic headwinds in our agricultural economy and be prepared for whatever the future might hold,” said Reynolds. “Fiscal responsibility and maintaining our state’s fiscal health will remain a top priority for my administration.”
Iowa’s Speaker of the House Linda Upmeyer, who announced that she is stepping down from her position at the end of 2019, urged her fellow lawmakers to use restraint in spending this windfall in the face of potential international trade disruptions.
