Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad used his line-item veto power Thursday to remove “one-time” funding for Iowa’s regent universities, Iowa community colleges and K-12 schools in the state.

The “one-time” funds, which were a central part of ongoing battles between Democrats and Republicans at the State Capitol this year, were approved by the legislature along with normal increases to funding. 

Each regent university and Iowa community colleges were allocated a certain amount of “one-time” funds, which Branstad vetoed in House File 666:

• Iowa community colleges: $2,515,933
• The University of Iowa: $2,886,538
• Iowa State University: $2,254,079
• The University of Northern Iowa: $1,114,709

“I am unable to approve the items designated as Sections 7 through 10, in their entirety,” Branstad said in his veto message. “These items appropriate one-time funding for Iowa community colleges and regent institutions. Funding ongoing expenses with one-time money is unsustainable.”

“I recommended a 1.75 percent increase for the regent institutions and community colleges that would have made funding available on an ongoing basis and would have ensured no tuition increases for the full year. The regents have assured me that even without this one-time money, there will be no tuition increase for the upcoming semester.”

Iowa Board of Regents President Bruce Rastetter said in a statement that the board remains “committed to maintaining a tuition freeze for the upcoming fall semester” and it will begin to look at spring 2016 tuition immediately. 

“We look forward to working with the governor and the General Assembly going forward to secure the level of funding that will ensure the highest quality education for our students,” Rastetter said.

Branstad’s veto also throws out “one-time” funds for K-12 education in the state that was approved by the legislature.

“With Gov. Branstad’s veto today, Republicans have made clear our K-12 public schools are no longer a priority for them,” said State Democratic House leader Mark Smith of Marshalltown. “Democrats fought hard to make sure our K-12 schools were the top priority last session and we will continue again next session. Half a million public school kids deserve it.”

The plan passed by the legislature was part of a deal between Democrats and Republicans that would have included an increase in ongoing money, along with the “one-time” funds. Democrats consistently pushed for a 4 percent increase in ongoing money, while Republicans urged just a 1.25 percent increase.

Legislators ultimately agreed on a 1.25 percent increase along with the “one-time” funds.

Branstad also vetoed bills that would have kept mental health facilities open in Clarinda and Mount Pleasant.

The facilities both closed for the most part earlier this week as the state laid off employees and moved any remaining patients around the state to other facilities. The governor has been under fire throughout much of the legislative session for his plan to close the facilities.

The legislature passed a plan to keep the Mount Pleasant facility open and have a third party run the Clarinda facility. Branstad rejected those two measures with his veto power.

General fund appropriations for fiscal year 2016 are $7.17 billion, according to the governors office. Even with his veto of education money, PreK-12 funding in the state totals $3.087 billion for fiscal year 2016.

Branstad also signed six bills in their entirety, completely vetoed one bill and used his line-item veto power on seven bills. For more info, click here.

Thursday’s action from Branstad wraps up legislative action for the current year. The 87th Iowa General Assembly will convene in January of 2016.