BRANSTAD, DEMOCRATS CRITICIZE EACH OTHER ON WATER QUALITY

Branstad, Democrats Criticize Each Other On Water Quality

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gov. Terry Branstad and Democratic lawmakers are blaming each other for failing to pass legislation on water quality initiatives.

The Republican governor said Monday he’s disappointed the Democratic-controlled Senate didn’t approve a water quality funding bill passed in the Republican-majority House. The Legislature adjourned Friday.

Branstad, Republicans and Democrats proposed different bills amid a lawsuit by the Des Moines water utility that put a spotlight on farm runoff. Democrats criticized a GOP plan to use existing state dollars. Republicans shot down proposals by Democrats to raise the sales tax or use surplus money.

Branstad’s own plan to use money from an education infrastructure fund wasn’t supported by Republicans. Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal said in a statement Monday the GOP plans would have diverted money from education funding.

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