The predicted adjournment date has passed and the support staff for the legislature is mostly gone, but the hard work continues. A lot of meetings are going on, working on some of the largest items facing the legislature.|From Rep. Linda Upmeyer
The predicted adjournment date has passed and the support staff for the legislature is mostly gone, but the hard work continues. A lot of meetings are going on, working on some of the largest items facing the legislature. We have groups working on the budget, property tax cuts and mental health reform. Most often talked about by the press has been our discussions on the state budget.
For years, House Republicans have been offering ways to rein in state spending, restore fiscal responsibility and reduce the size and scope of government. It is what Iowans asked us to do.
This week, a strong, unified agreement on state spending has been made. On Tuesday, House and Senate Republicans along with Governor Terry Branstad agreed on the overall size of the state budget. We have committed to the taxpayers to significantly reduce state spending. To fulfill that pledge, we have agreed to spend a total less than $6 billion.
This is significant for several reasons. First and foremost, spending less than $6 billion will ensure we implement a budget that spends less than the state takes in. For too long, leaders in Des Moines have resorted to budget gimmicks to continue an unsustainable spending spree that has resulted in “balancing” the state budget on the backs of taxpayers.
Our overall budget stops using one-time money for ongoing expenses and avoids the tactics of purposefully underfunding areas like Medicaid and indigent defense to balance the budget. We fund Iowans’ priorities while reducing the size, scope and cost of government ñ a promise we made to Iowans last fall, and a promise we will keep.
On Monday, May 2, the Legislative Services Agency (LSA) released the revenue numbers through the end of April. After exceeding the Revenue Estimating Conference (REC) estimate for most of the past year, actual revenue in April was down considerably compared to the most recent REC estimate.
Net general fund revenue through April had increased by $175.9 million, or 4 percent above actual FY 2010. However, this month was $41.5 million below the previous April. LSA noted in its memo that some of the decrease is due to timing issues regarding the Unclaimed Property Fund and fee revenue.
While it is too early to panic, there is concern that high gas prices are starting to impact the economy. In addition, the slow planting season could mean a reduced supply and lower productivity in the agriculture sector.
This is a good reminder of why we need to be fiscally responsible. These numbers prove that caution is needed and why only the most conservative budget appropriations should be approved for the FY 2012 and FY 2013 budgets.
On Friday I will be attending the NIACC graduation ceremonies. Congratulations to all of you graduating ñ it’s an honor that you should be very proud of. NIACC does a tremendous job of serving our communities and all of North Iowa. I, myself am a proud graduate.
As we’re winding down the session, I am still available by phone at (515) 281-4618 or email at linda.upmeyer@legis.state.ia.us
