State Government Reorganization

State Senator Quirmbach reviews current budget situation (VIDEO)

January 27, 2011

“For the last 8 or 9 months, state revenues have been coming in above forecast. Last September we closed the books on FY2010 with a $335 million surplus. In October, the Revenue Estimating Conference raised its forecast of state revenues both for the current fiscal year and the next. In December, the REC raised its estimates again, and at the end of December actual revenues were coming in ahead of even the increased estimates. We are on track to run a surplus of $500 million this fiscal year. We will end the year with our reserve funds full to their legal limit and, barring some major screw-up, our AAA bond rating intact.”

The state budget: more signs of improvement

January 20, 2011

A recovering Iowa economy, increasing revenue estimates, budget cuts, government reforms and efficiencies, and an early retirement program approved during the 2010 session have all helped reduce the projected budget gap for the upcoming fiscal year (FY12) to $263 million. The State of Iowa’s overall budget SURPLUS at the end of FY11 is estimated to be $903.5 million, and in FY12 our Rainy Day Funds will be full (10%) with a total of $603.1 million.

Experts: Quality Preschool DOES help kids (Video)

On Wednesday, January 19, the Iowa Senate Education Committee hosted a discussion of the effects of Iowa’s new high quality preschool. Speakers were Betty Zan, UNI Education professor and the Director of the Regents Early Childhood Education, and Patrick Kremer, a retired Marshalltown teacher, principal, and associate superintendent who now works with at-risk young people as a case manager for Youth and Shelter Services of Marshall County.

Senators highlight efforts to increase government accountability

August 20, 2010

Last week Senate President Pro-Tem Jeff Danielson attended Accountability and Transparency Forums across the state to highlight legislation making Iowa government more accountable. A fact sheet about the legislature’s work to increase transparency and links to some of the press coverage of the tour are below the fold.

Roadmap for leaner, more responsive state government

April 14, 2010

In these tough economic times, our goal in the Legislature is to help Iowa families, small businesses and communities emerge from the recession stronger than ever. We did just that throughout the 2010 session by establishing a roadmap for long-term fiscal responsibility while maintaining Iowans’ priorities.

Session puts Iowa families, Main Street first

April 13, 2010

The national recession made the 2010 session one of tough decisions. We made deep cuts in order to keep to our commitments to educational opportunity, affordable health care, renewable energy, public safety and job creation. We tackled the first major reorganization of state government in 25 years. The changes we made will stretch today’s dollars and save hundreds of millions over the next five years.

2010 legislative session adjourns sine die

April 2, 2010

The lingering national recession affected every decision made at the Capitol this year. Despite the economic downturn, legislators worked together on a fiscally responsible effort to help middle-class families, small businesses and other Iowans recover from the national recession.

Legislature wrapping up 2010 session

March 25, 2010

In the last days of the 2010 session of the Iowa Legislature, we are wrapping up the final pieces of a fiscally responsible plan to help middle-class families, small businesses and other Iowans recover from the national recession. We remain committed to balancing the state’s check book without raising your taxes.

CR Gazette: State work force down by 1,500

March 15, 2010

The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that Iowa’s state government has downsized alongside the private sector, with the number of state employees down more than 2 percent, or roughly 1,500 employees, since last year.

Video: Historic government reorganization signed into law

March 14, 2010

Senator Staci Appel led a major effort for government reorganization to streamline services and save taxpayer dollars. The bipartisan legislation, taken together with an Executive Order from the Governor and an early retirement package for state employees, will save Iowa taxpayers a total of $270 million.