DES MOINES, Iowa On Monday, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed into law HF 867, an act relating to and making appropriations and related statutory changes for numerous state agencies and departments like the Iowa Department of Administrative Services, Auditor of State, Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board, Iowa Department of Commerce, Governor’s and Lt. Governor’s office, Iowa Department of Human Rights, Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, Iowa Department of Management, Iowa Public Information Board, Iowa Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax Appropriation, Iowa Secretary of State office, Treasurer of State’s office, and IPERS.
The appropriations bill that totals almost $190 million Includes $100 million appropriated from the general fund of the state to the Office of the Chief Information Officer for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2021, to fund the state’s broadband grant program.
“This bill provides a historic $100 million investment in broadband that will transform our infrastructure into a powerful network, enabling fast, high-quality connectivity statewide and opening doors to new opportunities for communities large and small,” Reynolds said. “I want to thank the Legislature for their commitment to funding the broadband grant program and to the providers for their dedication to this initiative.”
Reynolds in April signed the bill that established the grant program to help expand broadband access into rural Iowa. While the policy bill, HF 848, enjoyed bipartisan support. The appropriations bill, HF 867, that included the funding for it had more opposition in the Iowa House who passed it on April 21 by a 55 to 37 vote. It sailed through the Iowa Senate a week later 47 to 0.
