Transparency and Accountability

Ensuring government works for you

September 24, 2011

Government works best when it is accountable to the people it serves. That’s why we approved several initiatives this year to increase accountability and transparency in Iowa government.

Fact check: Iowa Senate Republican Leader uses discredited information to push anti-middle class agenda

August 5, 2011

You may have received Senate Republican Leader Paul McKinley’s latest newsletter, titled “POLITICAL IRONY AND A TAX FREE HOLIDAY.” In it, Senator McKinley repeats the claim that Wisconsin was responsible for half of the nation’s job growth in June. PolitiFact’s bottom line: “We rate the state GOP claim False.”

Lt. Gov. Reynolds backtracks on support for Workforce Offices (Video)

August 1, 2011

Today underthegoldendome.com uncovered video of Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds giving an unconditional endorsement of Iowa Workforce Offices while she was campaigning for office. Yet these days Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Gov. Terry Branstad are standing by their plan to close at least 36 Workforce Offices across the state at a time when more than 100,000 Iowans are out of work.

Fiscal year ends with big surplus (Video)

July 21, 2011

We take fiscal responsibility seriously in the Iowa Senate, and we’re proud to say that once again this year, the Legislature balanced the state budget without raising taxes. In fact, the 2011 fiscal year ended with the biggest surplus in Iowa’s history.

You don’t have to take our word for it. Check out the video by the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency detailing Iowa’s strong finish for fiscal year 2011.

As Governor Branstad, his team and allies try to get their stories straight, injured workers face bleak future

July 13, 2011

A statement from Sen. Bill Dotzler, Chair of the Senate Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee, is below the fold.

2011 Legislative session in review

July 6, 2011

The Legislature adjourned for the summer on June 30. The Senate Democratic Research staff has compiled a review to help you sort through the highlights, low-lights and missed opportunities of the 2011 legislative session. (Updated 8/1/11)

Prepared closing remarks by Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal on close of the 2011 legislative session

June 30, 2011

Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal’s remarks on the closing of the 2011 legislative session are below the fold.

Senator Sodders and Representative Smith press for timely completion of Iowa Veterans Home renovations

June 28, 2011

Senator Steve Sodders of State Center and Representative Mark Smith of Marshalltown met with Commandant David Worley last week to discuss concerns about changes to the construction plans at the Iowa Veterans Home. The legislators arranged the meeting after hearing that in May the Branstad administration unilaterally withdrew Iowa’s application for federal funding of the project.

Governor Branstad’s shutdown already underway when it comes to helping unemployed Iowans

This week the Branstad administration began closing local workforce offices that help unemployed Iowans find work, despite the recent passage of Senate File 517, bi-partisan legislation to keep the offices open. “Governor Branstad and Teresa Wahlert, his Director of Iowa Workforce Development, are sneaking out of town like thieves in the night, stealing services from unemployed Iowans,” said Senator Bill Dotzler, chair of the Senate Economic Development Budget Subcommittee.

Senate approves bipartisan budget reforms

June 25, 2011

The Iowa Senate unanimously approved budget reform legislation this week. House File 148 limits the ability of a governor to transfer funds when the Legislature is not in session. Currently, Iowa governors have some of the most liberal transfer authority in the nation, potentially undermining the Legislature’s constitutional duty to write the state budget.