By Chris Turner
Mar 11, 2021
The Iowa Senate is sending a bill to the House that would cut off state funding for any communities who "defund the police".
"This is not the time to cut funding," said Senate Republican Chris Cournoyer. "We must continue to invest in public safety by providing robust law enforcement training that continually evolves to meet the needs of our communities."
Some Democrats argue this move hurts local governments that have to make tough budget decisions in the future.
"You're going to make it harder for local governments to increase police funding with this legislation," said Democrat Nate Boulton. "Without the fear of permanently increasing budgets, and making it impossible for a local government entity to ever step away from that decision."