Highlights in this edition: 

• House Republicans Release Budget Proposal for Fiscal Year 2025
  • The budget outlines an increase of $402.8 million over the current year spending level of $8.55 billion
• Department Seeks Public Input on Literacy Standards
  • The Iowa Department of Education is hosting a series of public forums seeking input on proposed updates to the state's literacy standards
• House Advances Maternal Health Legislation
  • Medicaid postpartum coverage eligibility is extended to one year after birth and funding goes directly to entities helping pregnant women with prenatal nutrition, family economic self-sufficiency, housing, childcare, purchasing cribs, car seats, formula, and other things
• Governor Reynolds Signs Iowa's Religious Freedom Restoration Act
  • The debate made clear Democrats do not understand RFRA or what religious liberty actually means
• House Passes Iowa Rural Development Tax Credit Program
  • The program targets business with fewer than 250 employees and are not located in one of the 12 most populous counties in the state

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