Iowa Lawmakers Look at Money for State Parks, Universities

DES MOINES, Iowa - More money may be coming to Iowa State Parks after last summer's derecho.

The latest budget plan from the Iowa House increases money for work in state parks by $1 million.

It also includes several million dollars for infrastructure and tree planting at state parks.

Lawmakers are working on a spending plan for the state that'll be in place this summer (July 1st).

It includes almost $50 million for outdoor activities under the Department of Natural Resources, including fishing and gaming.

STATE UNIVERSITIES

The House budget plan also includes about $28 million for the state's three universities to make up for pandemic losses, which is in line with what the schools are asking for.

The money would be used to make up for losses in tuition and student fees.

It could also be used to make up for a previous cut in their funding by state lawmakers.

The three universities have said they’re had a combined loss of more than $200 million from the pandemic.

The schools are planning for major budget cuts to help offset their losses.


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