From Representative Linda Upmeyer –
January 27, 2011 – The Iowa House passed the first piece of legislation of the 2012 session this week. This bill illustrates our commitment to passing laws that will promote quality job creation in Iowa. The bill, HF 2042, requires that all administrative rules created by state agencies must be accompanied by a ‘Jobs Impact Statement’.
All too often we see government creating rules that go well beyond legislation passed by your elected representatives, prevent job creation, and squelch growth. Under this legislation, every proposed rule from a state agency must now contain a jobs impact statement which sets out in detail the impact of the proposed rule on state agencies, local governments, the public, and Iowa businesses. The statement must assess whether or not the proposed rule will have a positive or negative impact on private sector jobs and employment.
I am dedicated to creating policies that put Iowans back to work. We must not allow government rules to create uncertainty for Iowa businesses. The best way to put Iowans back to work is to advance legislation that encourages certainty and creates a climate for reinvestment in our state. HF 2042 passed the Iowa House with broad bipartisan support on a vote of 92-0. The bill has now been sent to the Senate for their consideration.
Passing legislation that creates jobs goes hand-in-hand with controlling government spending. The governor has constructed a budget which spends less than the state has in ongoing revenue, which we believe is a good start. We will be releasing our state budget proposal shortly and will continue to seek additional savings and efficiencies. As we have been constructing the budget, we have done so with the long-term future of Iowa in mind. Past budgeting practices of overspending one year, then slashing budgets across-the-board the next year, are over. This type of budgeting only led to uncertainty, instability, and hurt Iowans and employers.
Iowans deserve and expect a state government that uses their tax dollars wisely, and I am committed to doing just that- making sure state government is running in an efficient and effective manner. Iowa job creators deserve to know that we are committed to spending less than we take in. We want businesses to feel confident about expanding job opportunities and growing their company, not worry that they will be dealt a tax blow that will force them to cut jobs and hurt their bottom-line.
Our plan of action is to have a responsible state budget that contributes to- instead of takes away from-economic, family, and community health. Iowans deserve quality jobs that develop into careers and the peace of mind to plan for their futures.
If you have any budgeting recommendations, ideas to make state government more efficient, or other issues of concern, please do not hesitate to contact me at linda.upmeyer@legis.state.ia.us or 515-281-4618.
