DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Legislature is expected to tackle K-12 education and water quality initiatives in the session that convenes Monday. The Democratic-controlled Senate and the Republican-led House have long been at odds over how much money to spend on K-12 education, and the 2016 session will likely continue that pattern. Legislative leaders differ on how much new state revenue is available, and that will impact how much they’re willing to increase base funding to school districts.
Gov. Terry Branstad will also seek support for his proposal to fund water quality initiatives with the help of an existing 1-cent sales tax for school infrastructure improvements. Lawmakers may question whether to touch the money. Lawmakers are also expected to review Medicaid privatization, an expanded sales tax exemption for manufacturers and Planned Parenthood funding.