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.
Senate Democrats today began work on a comprehensive set of budget bills that meet the most essential needs of Iowans. Democrats say the package will also meet the top two demands of Governor Branstad and House Republicans: Spending less than $5.99 billion and approving a two-year budget.
With just days before the fiscal year ends on July 1, we must focus on finding sensible compromises in the best interest of Iowa families, students, businesses and communities. The Senate, House and Governor have all agreed to the size of next year’s state budget and are now putting the final pieces into place on funding for our local schools, jobs for Iowans and property tax reform.
A statement by Senator Bob Dvorsky, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, on Governor Branstad’s newest threat to shut down state government is below the fold.
Budget negotiations at the Iowa Capitol have stalled over support for education and job creation. Our schools and colleges, as well as Iowa’s recovery from the national recession, will be damaged if we don’t reach a common-sense compromise. To make that happen, Iowans need to get involved. That’s why we’re asking for your help. Please join your friends, neighbors and family members in voicing your concerns about unnecessary cuts to education at every level and the job creation initiatives that are helping our economy recover.
The governor claims a two-year budget is essential to improving Iowa’s budget process. The facts, however, indicate otherwise. The track record of the last decade conclusively demonstrates that two-year budgets would actually increase uncertainty and miscalculation when it comes to Iowa’s budget. A historical analysis of non-partisan economic forecasts is below the fold.
Last year, the Legislature’s Government Oversight Committee began investigating allegations that the Iowa Association of School Boards misused taxpayer dollars intended to support local schools, teachers and students. This week, the Committee unanimously approved a bipartisan bill to ensure transparency and accountability at the Association of School Boards and similar organizations.
Voters clearly voiced their discontent with the lingering national recession at the polls this year. That’s the message we’ll focus on during the 2011 legislative session.
Too many Iowans are still out of work, which means we must stay focused on creating good jobs. We’re ready to work with Governor-elect Branstad and legislators from across the state to ensure that happens.
Senate Budget Chair Bob Dvorsky’s statement on the Revenue Estimating Conference’s upgraded projections is below the fold.
Today Senator Steve Warnstadt of Sioux City wrote a column for the Journal calling on candidates to get serious about their proposals to cut spending. Candidates should provide details about where they would cut, otherwise it’s all just bluster.
