DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Lawmakers in the split Iowa Legislature continue to negotiate over the state budget as they struggle to adjourn the legislative session, but key differences remain.
The Democratic-controlled Senate and Republican-majority House have approved more than half the bills that make up the roughly $7.35 billion budget that goes into effect in July. But Thursday they were still seeking agreement on legislation dealing with health and human services and transportation.
The health and human services bill backed by GOP lawmakers would remove Medicaid funding for facilities that provide abortions. Democrats don’t support the defunding, which is aimed at the organization Planned Parenthood.
Lawmakers also disagreed about funding for staff at the transportation department.
House Speaker Linda Upmeyer, a Clear Lake Republican, says her chamber is optimistic it can adjourn Thursday night.
