Iowa’s budget surplus was one of the topics discussed at Saturday’s (1/23) Eggs and Issues forum sponsored by the Mahaska Chamber and Development Group.  State Representative Holly Brink of Oskaloosa pointed out that having a surplus came in handy when the coronavirus pandemic began.

“The pandemic did prove that we need to make sure that we do have that surplus in place.  Because everything we did was cash on hand.  When we were putting out the first $2 million in an amendment and then we did another $24 (million) for economic development and helping our small businesses.  That was cash on hand.  We’re not going to the federal government begging for money because we overspent.”

State Senator Ken Rozenboom of Oskaloosa also pointed out that the Legislature has to pass a balanced budget.