(The Center Square) – Education, public safety and the economy are on the agenda for Iowa House Republicans, Speaker Pat Grassley said in email to his constituents.
Tax cuts are on the agenda, but Grassley didn’t give specifics.
“In addition to tax cuts, we’re working on policies to make the process of starting a small business simpler so that red tape and confusing government policies are not what holds Iowa entrepreneurs back,” Grassley said. “We’ll also focus on policies that will attract out-of-state businesses to come do business and hire here in Iowa.’
Lawmakers will look at educational standards for K-12 but also focus on higher education.
“Our higher education system has clearly lost focus on its true mission nationwide,” Grassley said in his newsletter. “This session we’ll continue our work to ensure Iowa’s higher education institutions are focused on preparing students to fill the jobs most needed here in Iowa and are doing all they can to connect students with internships and careers right here in Iowa.”
Last month, the Iowa Board of Regents told the state’s three universities to review their diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and eliminate functions unnecessary for compliance or accreditation.
Other issues on the agenda include:
Modernizing the state’s IT system.Adding tougher laws for repeat offendersCreating legislation addressing smash-and-grab crimes seen in other statesExamining the state’s nursing home system in light of more agencies from out-of-state providing staffing
The Iowa Legislature convenes on Jan. 8 and will meet until mid-April.
