(Des Moines) District #23 state representative Ray Sorensen of Greenfield stated two major committees—Appropriations and Ways and Means—are heating up but also grinding to a halt. “Disagreements on how we bring the session to a close have led to a stalemate in negotiations. ”
Sorensen says many people have asked how funding decisions are made and why some priorities are scaled back or cut from the state budget. He says the challenge stems from differing perspectives between the Senate, House, and Governor on how to best allocate resources based on constituent needs.
Senate Republicans have set a budget target of $9.411 billion, claiming it’s $22.2 million below the Governor’s original proposal. However, this figure lacks clarity. Senate Republican staff confirmed their $9.411 billion figure actually includes an additional $42.5 million previously agreed upon—meaning the real reduction from the Governor’s budget is $64.7 million, not $22.2 million.
Sorensen says the Senate has yet to provide detailed calculations to justify their target, leaving critical gaps in the budgeting process. “For meaningful reconciliation—and for a budget that reflects our shared priorities—we need transparency,” stated Sorensen. “We’re calling on the Senate to show their math so we can work together toward a fair and accountable budget.”
