Iowa lawmakers seek paths to expand child care access
Iowa politics center on two plans to ease child care deserts. Gov. Reynolds pushes a three-year wraparound grant program for preschool providers and centers to deliver full day care, while House Democrats propose expanded eligibility for subsidies, higher tax credits, a small business credit, and a wage grant fund for workers. The GOP plan advances in committee though Democrats warn funding shifts.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Des Moines
Reynolds
Iowa
House
Senate
Jennifer Konfist
Windsor Heights
Molly Severn
State Revenue Department
House Democrats
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Tracy Ehlert
Cedar Rapids
Ehlert
Iowa City's budget projects deficit as taxes hold steady
Iowa City's proposed budget for 2026 shows a general fund deficit of 2.8 million. City Manager Geoff Fruin notes shrinking backfill from state rollback changes, with utility rate hikes and a 1 percent to 3 percent rise in fees to fund operations. The plan keeps property tax levy at 15.633 per thousand, raises water 3 percent, and adds a $2 bag sticker for yard waste while maintaining the leaf vacuum. Public hearings set for April 1 and April 15.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa City
Geoff Fruin
Fruin
the Gazette
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