DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa lawmakers put aside philosophical differences to adjourn the legislative session Friday, because at one point their disagreements on the multi-billion dollar state budget came down to less than $15 million.
The Republican-controlled House wanted to stop giving state dollars to family planning facilities like Planned Parenthood that provide abortions. The state funding in question totaled less than $500,000, and the proposal was ultimately dropped.
Lawmakers were also at odds over $9.7 million for salaries to the Iowa Department of Transportation. House Republicans said the agency shouldn’t get additional money for salaries amid a recent increase in the state fuel tax. The Democratic-majority Senate challenged that, and lawmakers agreed to provide half the requested money.
Differences on water quality and medical marijuana couldn’t be resolved this session.