DES MOINES – As the 2014 Iowa legislative session is drawing to a close, the state budget is consuming most of lawmakers’ time.
“How the state spends its money always has been a point of contention between Republicans and Democrats,” an Iowa Senator said Tuesday. “This often results in the budget bills being negotiated in conference committee because the parties have fundamental differences on how state money should be allocated.”
Republicans say they want to return any excess state funds to taxpayers and say that Democrats want to “grow the footprint of government”.
“This is not only irresponsible, it is unsustainable,” the same Iowa Senator opined. “Republicans work diligently to put forth budgetary practices which help create a legacy of opportunity for our children and grandchildren.”
Senate Democrats and House Republicans reached joint budget targets several weeks ago, Senate Republicans reported, “but in many cases the line items differ significantly. Senate Republicans have stressed it is important for government to explore efficiencies and shrink the scope of government.
“We will continue to push for a budget that spends less than we take in on an ongoing basis, doesn’t purposefully underfund programs to balance the budget, doesn’t spend one-time money for ongoing programs and returns money to Iowa taxpayers.”
The Iowa legislative session was supposed to end last week, any lawmakers stopped getting paid at that time.
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