Spend less, focus on jobs and small businesses, fund local schools, no tax increase

Senate Democrats outline balanced state budget
focused on jobs, educational opportunity

 Democrats in charge of the Iowa Senate today outlined a state budget focused on job creation and protecting Iowa’s quality schools.

The Senate Democrats’ budget calls for $6.145 billion in general fund spending, $16.2 million less Governor Branstad’s proposed budget. The Senate Democrats include a $199 million tax cut to help working Iowans and encourage small business investment in Iowa. It also increases investment in educational opportunities at Iowa’s local schools, and it continues Iowa’s successful ensures access to Iowa’s quality preschool initiative.

“This budget reflects the priorities of Iowans: increased job creation and educational opportunities,” said Senator Bob Dvorsky of Coralville, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “Unlike Governor Branstad’s budget, we spend less, we don’t raise taxes, and we focus on growing Iowa’s small businesses and helping Iowa students get ahead.”

“Budget targets” were released today by the Senate Democrats for each of the Legislature’s seven budget subcommittees. House Republicans released their own targets last week, targets that would lead to layoffs, increased class sizes, higher property taxes, and make it harder for middle-class parents to find affordable preschool.”

Senator Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City, chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, said that the Senate has already unanimously approved a tax cut for 240,000 working Iowans hammered by the recession and also voted to increase state support for local schools.

“During that same time, House Republicans voted to eliminate preschool, eliminate job creation programs, close Workforce Development centers across Iowa, and cut health insurance for 21,000 children. Their only goal was to create a corporate tax break slush fund for large, out-of-state corporations and Iowans making more than $250,000,” said Bolkcom. “Our priorities couldn’t be more different.”

Budget Target Spreadsheet (PDF)

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