A big win for all Iowans. While less than the governor and substance abuse providers had requested, it's still a 50 percent increase. A clear win. The state also will fund Accelerated Career Education, offering incentives to businesses that establish partnerships with community colleges to help increase high-tech or skilled worker training programs. Call it a win.
Republicans say the universities receive real increases.
The changes represent 0.17 of a percent decrease for the University of Iowa, 0.35 of a percent increase for Iowa State University and 0.59 of a percent increase for the University of Northern Iowa. Democrats say it's not enough and that students will face tuition increases. Senior living - A bipartisan program which passed both the House and Senate early in the year. It will draw down federal funds to facilitiate the conversion of more than 8,000 nursing home beds into assisted living units. Additional federal funds for a variety of home-based services also will help seniors remain in their homes longer.