Auditor’s report shows Democrats right to block Republican demands for damaging cuts to schools, health care and jobs

Sen. Bob Dvorsky (D-Coralville), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee

Statement by Senator Bob Dvorsky of Coralville, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee

“Today’s report by the state auditor is more evidence that the Governor and Republican legislators were misguided when they repeatedly tried impose deep, damaging cuts in funding to Iowa’s local schools, health care and job-creation efforts during the 2011 session.

“I welcome Republican State Auditor Dave Vaudt’s positive review of the state budget.  For whatever reason, the Auditor has finally recognized that Senate Democrats have once again balanced the state budget without raising taxes and while protecting the top priorities of Iowans.

“Iowa’s budget is on the right track, thanks primarily to our state’s on-going economic recovery, a recovery that is stronger than that of most other states.  Another factor in our improving budget is last year’s work by Democrats to cut costs by streamlining state services, resulting in the first substantial reorganization of state government in nearly 25 years.”