tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18918930263584014732024-03-18T20:04:41.131-07:00Herd on the HillThe Iowa Senate Republican Caucus blog.Iowa Senate Republican Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113021518785254733noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1891893026358401473.post-38553296568713561692009-12-16T11:09:00.000-08:002009-12-16T11:09:12.562-08:00Facts about Governor Culver's Efficiency MeasuresNearly half of the options identified by Governor Culver were revenue "enhancements" not savings.<br />
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</div>Iowa Senate Republican Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113021518785254733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1891893026358401473.post-67416759927761970912009-12-08T11:03:00.000-08:002009-12-08T11:03:15.892-08:00Culver Fails to Understand Iowa’s Budget AgainGovernor Culver today claimed that he balanced the states budget without using any of the one time bailout money received from the federal government. This statement is completely and totally false as illustrated by the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency below. Either Governor Culver does not know or he is intentionally misleading the people of Iowa, either way it is unacceptable.<br />
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<strong>Last year over $616 million in one time federal bailout money was used by Governor Culver to balance Iowa’s budget.</strong><br />
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State School Aid – HF 820 provided $40.0 million for FY 2009 and $202.5 million for FY 2010 to be used to fulfill funding for a portion of State school aid. <br />
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Instructional Support State Aid – HF 820 provided $13.1 million in lieu of State aid for the Instructional Support Program in FY 2010. SF 478 (FY 2010 Standing Appropriation Bill) eliminated State funding for the Program for FY 2010. <br />
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Regents Universities – HF 820 provided an FY 2010 appropriation of $80.3 million in ARRA Education Stabilization funds to the Department of Management for distribution to the Regents universities. Senate File 470 (FY 2010 Education Appropriations Bill) made total reductions of $80.3 million compared to estimated net FY 2009 to the Regents budget units under the control of the Education Appropriations Subcommittee. <br />
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Community Colleges – HF 820 provided an FY 2010 appropriation of $23.1 million in ARRA education stabilization funds and $2.5 million in ARRA government stabilization funds to the Department of Management for distribution to the community colleges. Senate File 470 made total reductions of $22.2 million compared to estimated net FY 2009 for general aid to community colleges. <br />
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Medicaid – HF 811 provided $110.0 million for FY 2009 and $144.9 million for FY 2010 to be used to supplement the Medicaid Program.Iowa Senate Republican Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113021518785254733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1891893026358401473.post-85411407774890417932009-12-03T06:44:00.000-08:002009-12-03T06:44:45.276-08:00The Liberty Agenda: Putting People FirstIowa Republicans are united in support of returning to the notion that it is Iowans that run government not the other way around. Since 2006, the final year in which Republicans controlled at least one chamber of the legislature, Iowa’s government has become bloated and unresponsive. The focus has become on what is best for the bureaucracy and maintaining the status quo, rather than what is best for Iowa’s families.<br />
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As Iowans have seen numerous times over the past several years, government is erecting barricades in front of them instead removing roadblocks to their success. Government has become too large too fast and it is time to make sure government is accountable to Iowa’s families.<br />
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Here is what Republicans will do if Iowa voters give us the opportunity:<br />
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<strong>Allow Iowans the Right to Vote on Marriage</strong><br />
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While Iowans differ on the ruling handed down by the Supreme Court all Iowans can agree that the people’s voice has been silenced. There is currently a disagreement between the branches of government. A vote of the people will solve this disagreement. This single act by an individual has been held as the final arbiter in this state and this country for over two centuries. Yet this fundamental democratic act is being thwarted by Democrats who control the Legislature. <br />
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Republicans propose that the citizens of Iowa be allowed the opportunity to determine the definition of marriage in Iowa. This is a judgment that should be left in the hands of the citizens, not unelected judges or an unresponsive legislature. Iowans deserve a voice. <br />
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<strong>A Return to the Fundamentals of Government</strong><br />
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As Iowa’s government has expanded, the role of government has changed drastically from one that focuses limited resources on priorities to one that intrudes into trivial matters at the expense of safety. <br />
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Since 1998, the final year in which Republicans were in control of state government, the bureaucracy paid for by the taxpayer has increased by over 4,149 employees. This increase has failed to provide additional investments into the men and women that protect us as we travel across this state. In fact since 1998 Iowa has gone from 355 state troopers to only 288 troopers protecting Iowans. This reduction of 67 troopers occurred while the rest of the bureaucracy grew and state spending ballooned to the highest point ever recorded.<br />
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Iowa’s government has become unbalanced and out of touch with what Iowa families need and how they want their tax dollars to be spent. Over the past three years alone the bureaucracy has grown to include:<br />
<ul><li>7 new employees in the Governor’s office </li>
<li>2 new gardeners for the Governor’s mansion </li>
<li>20 new employees to collect more taxes </li>
<li>4 new employees to create a data warehouse that is not used </li>
<li>Nearly 1,000 vacant but funded positions </li>
</ul>Republicans propose to return to the 1998 level of troopers within the next 5 years. While it took a decade for this reduction to occur, Republicans will be aggressive in identifying areas of savings that could be utilized to increase the number of troopers protecting Iowans.<br />
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<strong>The Iowa Good Neighbor Act</strong><br />
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Synonymous with being an Iowan, is being a good neighbor. A neighbor offering to watch your child when the school bus comes in the morning or a grandparent spending time with their grandchildren are examples. These are gestures that can make a huge difference to a family looking to balance the demands of work and parenting. Republicans believe that government cannot be allowed to get in the way of Iowans who rely on family and neighbors. <br />
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This fall in Michigan a mother was singled out and nearly fined by Michigan’s version of the Department of Human Services for simply allowing the children waiting in her driveway for the school bus to instead wait inside her house if it was raining or cold. The state decided she was a daycare and attempted to fine her for being unregistered. <br />
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This brought to mind Iowa Democrat’s attempts in 2007 to force grandparents to register as daycare providers if they were watching their own grandchildren on a regular basis. Iowans, whether they are neighbors or grandparents, should not be targeted by the Department of Human Services for simply offering a helping hand. This is why Republicans will offer the Iowa Good Neighbor Act to protect Iowans from the intrusive hand of big government. If Iowans want to lend a helping hand by watching a child, they should not be subjected to nanny-state meddling from government.<br />
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The Iowa Good Neighbor Act will put into Code specific protections for family members and neighbors who are simply being good Iowans. They will not be defined as a daycare or a daycare provider unless they are specifically offering that service.<br />
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The law will put strength behind families and neighbors, not behind the intrusiveness of government inspections. Paternalistic, nanny-state policies are on the rise at the national level and Republicans want to make sure they don’t spread to Iowa.Iowa Senate Republican Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113021518785254733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1891893026358401473.post-51431210639450345932009-11-23T11:23:00.000-08:002009-11-23T11:23:59.687-08:00Making health care accessible, affordable, and portableWe are offering a set of bold, state-based initiatives to make health care more accessible, affordable, and portable. <br />
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Health care reform solutions need not come from Washington, DC. In fact, the best reforms are often those developed closest to the people. Iowans do not need to wait for national politicians to act. Instead, they can join with us in pursuit of a set of common sense Iowa Health Care Initiatives and solve Iowa problems with Iowa solutions.<br />
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ACCESSIBILITY<br />
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<strong>Patients Right to Know Act</strong><br />
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As with any product or service, the more information consumers can access to compare the costs and quality of that product or service, the lower the cost and the higher the quality of the products and services they ultimately consume.<br />
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Consumers have been slow to embrace market practices to the delivery of health services and, as a result, costs may remain high and quality is often unknown.<br />
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We believe the information age provides a tremendous opportunity to dramatically improve access to tools that compare cost and quality in the delivery of health care services on-line. We will propose legislation to establish a statewide information hub that brings together both cost and outcome quality data in a searchable format for online consumers.<br />
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Cost and quality transparency will empower consumers to make better health care decisions in a way that maximizes quality while minimizing cost.<br />
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<strong>Low-Cost Catastrophic Health Plans for those Under 30</strong><br />
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Iowans age 18-30 are known as the “Invincibles” as they often believe, given their relative youth and good health, health insurance is a product they do not need. As a result, when they do have to seek medical treatment it is often for a serious condition and very expensive.<br />
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In fact, there are 106,000 Iowans in this age group who do not have health insurance and account for roughly half of all the uninsured in the entire state. We will propose legislation that will encourage the development of low cost catastrophic insurance products that will provide base care for younger Iowans and limit the amount of uncompensated care that results when uninsured young Iowans need medical treatment.<br />
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AFFORDABILITY<br />
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<strong>Medical Malpractice Reform</strong><br />
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No serious attempt at reducing rising health care and insurance costs can move forward without an honest attempt to address the issue of medical malpractice and tort reform.<br />
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We have continually championed the need to pass legislation that raises the burden of proof on medical malpractice claims and places reasonable limits on payment for damages.<br />
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<strong>Expand Health Insurance Tax Deductibility to Individuals and Small Business</strong><br />
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Current law allows large employers the opportunity to deduct health care costs “above the line” – meaning a straight dollar for dollar reduction in their taxable income equal to the employer share of health insurance costs and provides a tremendous incentive to provide health insurance to their employees.<br />
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Thus, it should be no surprise an independent study shows 94% of employers who have 50 or more employees provide health insurance, whereas 36% of employers who have 10 or fewer employees offer health benefits. <br />
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With a significant portion of our population now working for small businesses or for themselves, we believe such above the line deductions for health insurance costs should be extended to all businesses and individuals, be they subchapter S corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships or sole proprietors.<br />
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Some estimates suggest an above the line deduction for health insurance costs may provide a 30% savings on such costs and provide a significant incentive to offer health insurance benefits to their employees. It’s simple: if it’s good enough for Wall Street, it should be good enough for Main Street.<br />
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<strong>Prevention Credits: Putting a Premium on Wellness</strong><br />
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Prevention programs that encourage long-term commitment to wellness practices are proven to reduce demand for expensive health services and contain future growth in health care spending. However, our current system chooses to focus on imposing penalties on those who practice less healthy lifestyles (smoking, poor food choices, lack of regular exercise) through higher insurance rates rather than rewarding good health practices with lower rates.<br />
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These “prevention credits” will allow an average Iowa family to save upwards of 15% on their health insurance premium or $1,635 on an average family policy. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services there is a return on investment of up to $4.91 for every dollar spent on wellness. This shift in policy will save Iowa families real money while reducing the long term cost of health care in the state. <br />
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We propose legislation to require insurers to offer “prevention credits” to individuals and businesses that can be used to reduce health insurance rates for those individuals and businesses that demonstrate, through measurable periodic screening practices, a commitment to wellness and prevention.<br />
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This “carrot instead of the stick” approach to prevention and wellness should encourage more Iowans and their employers to actively pursue the promised savings through participation in health and wellness practices that reduce health costs in the long term.<br />
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PORTABILITY<br />
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<strong>No Pre-Existing Exclusions when Changing Plans with the same Insurance Provider</strong><br />
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Nothing strikes fear in the hearts of those seeking continuation of health care coverage than the words “pre-existing conditions”. We propose legislation that prohibits the denial of coverage or the imposition of coverage riders due to pre-existing conditions when an insured Iowan moves from one plan to another plan offered by the same insurance company.<br />
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The simple act of moving from Plan A to Plan B (for whatever reason) within the same insurance company should not provide an opportunity to base coverage exclusions as if the employee were accessing coverage with that company for the first time. If the company assumed the risk 20 years ago, it should continue to assume the risk without further exclusions.Iowa Senate Republican Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113021518785254733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1891893026358401473.post-31613289304433177272009-11-19T11:16:00.000-08:002009-11-19T11:17:10.156-08:00A Who Knew What MysteryCulver said he found out about the initial findings Sept. 15, while traveling in eastern Iowa with Tramontina.<br />
<em>“Culver pledges to work with film companies to sort out tax credits”</em><br />
<em>- Thomas Beaumont Des Moines Register 9/21/09</em><br />
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When information was first brought to my attention last week about Iowa’s film tax credit program, I was troubled.<br />
<em>“An outraged Culver: Iowans will not be taken for suckers”</em><br />
<em>- Jason Clayworth Des Moines Register 9/22/09</em><br />
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Tramontina submitted a request for proposals Aug. 10 to find an accounting firm to review operations and expenditures of the Iowa Film Office, which is part of economic development department.<br />
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He hired the Clifton Gunderson firm of West Des Moines on Aug. 19.<br />
<em>“Film tax errors seen as early as July”</em><br />
<em>- Lee Rood Des Moines Register 9/23/09</em><br />
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On Tuesday, Governor Chet Culver in Cedar Rapids said at least three times he learned of the tax credit fiasco either "last Tuesday" or "last week". When I asked him to clarify later on during his news conference, he said he had heard about possible problems before then and that's why he said he directed his legal counsel to push for the audit/review/investigation (whatever the proper term would be here) that now-former Iowa Dept of Economic Director Mike Tramontina discussed in a memo last Wednesday.<br />
<em>“Iowa Lawmaker Says Legislators Knew of Film Issues Early Summer”</em><br />
<em>- Dave Price “Price of Politics” 9/24/09<br />
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SEPT. 15: Gov. Chet Culver first hears of problems with the film tax credit, he says. He asks Tramontina for a summary by the end of the next day.<br />
<em>“Miller: Official's assertion on film credits 'mistaken'”</em><br />
<em>- Lee Rood Des Moines Register 9/25/09</em><br />
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Phil Roeder, spokesman for Culver, said Tramontina raised concerns about the purchase of the automobiles in August, but nobody brought up the depth of the program’s problems until September.<br />
<em>“Lawmaker said he had concerns about film tax credit program months ago”</em><br />
<em>- Charlotte Eby Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier 10/6/09</em><br />
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"It is critical that the Department of Economic Development immediately prevent additional spending for this program," Sen. Bill Dotzler, D-Waterloo, wrote to Mike Tramontina, the department's director, on Aug. 6. Dotzler send copies of his letter to the governor's office, state auditor and attorney general.<br />
<em>“Records show Culver's office was notified about film office trouble in August”<br />
- Lee Rood Des Moines Register 11/7/2009</em><br />
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The question the Governor now needs to answer is what did he know and when did he know it? Governor Culver clearly stated that he did not learn of the problems at the Iowa Film Office until September 15th from former IDED Director Mike Tramontina. Yet both his spokesperson and the Governor himself stated that they knew of the irregularities in August. In fact the Governor went on to claim that he pushed for the audit put out for an RFP by Tramontina on the 10th of August. So Governor what did you know and when did you know it?Iowa Senate Republican Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113021518785254733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1891893026358401473.post-29573991986245740182009-11-19T09:57:00.000-08:002009-11-19T09:58:08.053-08:00Restoring the Fiscal Balance: Iowa Family Budget InitiativesWe have real solutions to help solve Iowa’s budget crisis and protect the very family budgets that will be at risk if bold action is not taken quickly.<br /><br />Constitutional Limit on State Spending<br />We will propose and support an amendment to the Iowa Constitution to limit state spending to no more than 99% of state revenue. The current budget limitation law doesn’t work and, just last year, the legislature authorized nearly 70 loopholes in the current law to allow their outrageous spending increases.<br /><br />Only an amendment to the Iowa Constitution is immune from legislative loopholes. Limiting spending to 99% of revenue ensures a balanced budget and the annual deposit of money into a rainy day fund. In the meantime, we pledge to pass NO budgets that exceed the 99% limit.<br /><br />Iowa families must live within their means--Iowa state government should be no different.<br /><br />Supermajority Vote to Approve New State Debt<br />This year the Governor signed and a majority of the legislature passed legislation that puts Iowa taxpayers on the hook for a $1.7 billion debt. The average Iowa family’s share of that debt is more than $2,000.<br /><br />This debt was passed with support form only one party and was done despite statewide polling that showed 70% of Iowans opposed this additional debt. Iowans need greater protection from runaway state debt and these decisions should require more than a simple majority vote—especially when the repayment of the debt may extend for more than two decades and impact taxpayers too young to vote or not even yet born.<br /><br />We propose requiring a 2/3 supermajority vote of both houses of the Legislature to authorize new state borrowing. Never again should one party have the sole authority to create these long-term debt burdens. <br /><br />At the local level a 60% vote of the people is required to adopt new debt to ensure there is widespread community support for the projects to be funded. At the state level a 2/3 supermajority vote of the Legislature will help guarantee the same kind of broad support for similar state efforts.<br /><br />We support pay-as-you-go budgets as the best method for funding state programs. However, if borrowing is occasionally necessary to meet critical needs, we want to ensure the support for that borrowing extends beyond the short term political objectives of any one party and meets the needs of a broad spectrum of Iowans. A 2/3 supermajority vote helps accomplish that goal.<br /><br />Sunset Authorization of Every State Program<br />During these difficult economic times, every Iowa family has been forced to gather around their kitchen table and examine every aspect of their personal spending. They ask difficult questions and set new spending priorities to ensure their essential needs are met. Unfortunately, this same discussion rarely occurs within state government.<br /><br />We propose a systematic process wherein EVERY program funded by state government will be sunset (de-authorized) by a date certain unless the Governor and Legislature reauthorize that program. This will force a thorough top-to-bottom review of every existing program funded by state government to determine whether the program is effectively and efficiently meeting the needs for which it was created, or if the need even continues to exist.<br /><br />Those programs that are no longer relevant or functioning at a high level will be eliminated, reorganized, or the resources diverted to other priorities--just the way Iowa families eliminate spending that no longer meets their personal needs.<br /><br />Incremental budgeting practices have led to a bloated and expensive state government that is both unsustainable and a drain on Iowa taxpayers. We will streamline state spending and state programs in a way that protects taxpayers from excessive state spending and ensures better delivery of state services to those in need.Iowa Senate Republican Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113021518785254733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1891893026358401473.post-3779436521714185162009-10-07T07:10:00.000-07:002009-10-07T07:20:15.496-07:00A History of Fiscal Mismanagement<strong>In Their Own<br />Words …………….</strong><br /><br />… a deepening national recession dealt Iowa a serious financial blow that Culver said has left him with no choice but to make "significant cuts in government spending."<br />“Budget plan dismays some”<br />- Jennifer Jacobs and Jason Clayworth Des Moines Register 1/29/09<br /><br />The new revenue estimates mean the cuts must go deeper. "This is the worst I've ever seen. This is the worst in my 27 years in the Legislature," Senate Majority Leader Michael Gronstal, D-Council Bluffs, said Friday during taping of Iowa Public Television's "Iowa Press."<br />“More cuts in state jobs, services seen”<br />- Jason Clayworth Des Moines Register 3/21/09<br /><br />"If you look at how deep this recession was," Culver said, "I'm encouraged to see some of the trends showing improvement."<br />“Culver's advisers guardedly upbeat about economic turnaround”<br />- Jennifer Jacobs Des Moines Register 8/11/09<br /><br />"In spite of the economic challenges brought on by the world-wide recession, and a projected shortfall for the fiscal year 2011 budget ….” Culver said in a statement.<br />“Culver dips $45 million from emergency reserves to balance budget”<br />- Jason Clayworth Des Moines Register 9/26/09<br /><br /><strong>And Their Actions Led to ????????</strong><br /><br />Iowa legislators, intensely worried early this year about a looming recession and the economic toll of natural disasters, ended the 2009 session by approving the largest budget in the state's history - $6.3 billion.<br />“Federal stimulus plugs holes, but problems loom for future”<br />- Jason Clayworth Des Moines Register 4/27/09<br /><br />That caps off a five-year spending uptick that, in total, increased by 25 percent from $5.02 billion in 2006.<br />“Federal stimulus plugs holes, but problems loom for future”<br />- Jason Clayworth Des Moines Register 4/27/09<br /><br />The state's revenue would have to grow by almost 10 percent in the 2011 fiscal year for the state to avoid future gaps, the Legislative Services Agency estimated about a month ago.<br />“Federal stimulus plugs holes, but problems loom for future”<br />- Jason Clayworth Des Moines Register 4/27/09<br /><br />That means the upcoming budget will be almost $6.3 billion, the largest in the state's history, according to the Legislative Services Agency.<br />“News Analysis: Session recaps often stretch facts”<br />- Jason Clayworth Des Moines Register 5/10/09<br /><br /><br /><strong>Iowa families cannot afford Governor Culver and Legislative Democrats Record of Fiscal Mismanagement!</strong>Iowa Senate Republican Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113021518785254733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1891893026358401473.post-91609350323090541862009-08-26T11:53:00.000-07:002009-08-26T12:07:49.605-07:00Lights. Camera. Action - but not too much action.“If you build it, He will come.” The Iowa Legislature, in a bi-partisan fashion in 2007 and in 2009, passed film tax incentives to surpass what other states were offering to lure Hollywood into Iowa. Well, the film industry has arrived in Iowa - and it is big business for the state - bringing in film crews, movie stars and the best of Iowa jobs and opportunities. But wait…..like every good Hollywood movie, there is a plot twist ahead.<br /><br />Dozens of film advocates and Iowans are now worried that a law change passed by Iowa Democrats capping the tax credits in the closing days of the 2009 session will effectively kill the tax breaks and this new Iowa industry.<br /><br />Iowa Democrats are proud of their achievements and twittering away <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374348544432284850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 68px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3jqRQki_eiX1-ODtMydUYMZXD7VKazMY2m9n3EAIfq1lu5IJRnTqNsZCv4a4W9vwJAo98rcU5evILtHR9OCrxqffP9crIsiLLHkvRFOyl6DQmuEEEvnzsbvej9e6yUBEuOSiOycVIMg/s320/untitled.bmp" border="0" />on how their insight brought economic development to Iowa. Well, that is nothing more than “Hollywood hype.” Congrats, to the promotions department. But, all the airbrushing and press releases can’t hide the fact that the Democrat’s compulsive spending habits have led to the dismantling of this field of dreams. So, they built it, they came, but the Democrat’s cancelled the game.<br /><br />All the movie magic in the world can't cover this one up. Democrats are, yet again, trying to have it both ways. They need the economic dollars to balance out their flawed budget but don't want to give too many breaks/incentives. This is one tale that won't end well as Iowa's Hollywood dreams are quickly fading to black.<br /><br /><br />Click <a href="http://bit.ly/Reyy3">here</a> to watch a video on an awesome opportunity Iowa has with the film industry, but thanks to the Democrats' tax caps, this could be the last pirate ship that sets sail here.Iowa Senate Republican Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113021518785254733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1891893026358401473.post-62062968029683926272009-08-25T12:24:00.000-07:002009-08-25T13:15:18.439-07:00Wasteful Spending to Find Wasteful SpendingThe Culver administration continues down the path of fiscal irresponsibility as it was <a href="http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090825/NEWS10/908250371/1007/NEWS05">revealed today</a> that they are definitely dumping a firm from Minnesota that they paid $6.35 million to help find ways to cut government spending in Iowa. They're opting to pay a new firm roughly $300,000 to do the same thing. What a bargain! I'm sure that is what Culver and his advisors are thinking. Too bad the state has already spent four years and millions paying the Minnesota firm to find all these ineffeciencies. So what happened to all the suggestions they made and why can't the state simply use their recommendations? The contract was initiated by the Vilsack administration and Culver thinks he can now do better. Obviously, they also didn't like the suggestions. Hopefully, this new firm will offer some suggestions that are liked by someone in the Governor's office so spending this wasteful spending to find more wasteful spending is caught and nipped in the bud. Wishful thinking, we know.....<br /><br />Republicans have been making cost-saving, budget-cutting suggestions to the Democrats for months, but it's fallen on deaf ears. The House Republicans even established a web site gathering ideas from Iowans on how to cut costs. Those suggestions were free. Free is good.Iowa Senate Republican Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113021518785254733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1891893026358401473.post-32047906849547501382009-07-24T08:40:00.000-07:002009-07-24T09:26:07.939-07:00Debt and JobsThe governor announced yesterday that the state would be receiving $100 million to repair roads and bridges. Iowa is getting this money thanks to the bonds that the state is selling. Remember: We've got a triple 'A' rating so lets sell 'em! This isn't free-and-clear money. It's debt that our children and grandchildren will have to pay back and I'm sure they won't be too happy about it once the are old enough to understand why their taxes are so high. <br /><br />This money will be put towards the state's I-JOBS projects aimed at putting Iowans to work, but today, some <a href="http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090724/NEWS10/907240373/1007/NEWS05">people are questioning </a>if that program will really help the state. One economist went so far as suggesting a better economic stimuls would be to lower taxes for businesses. We really like that idea and have some more like it but Democrats don't seem to want to listen. Guess they're enjoying spending your tax dollars and incurring debt too much to think about anything else.<br /><br />There is still no clear answer as to how many jobs will be created from the I-JOBS program and whether those jobs will be quality jobs or temporary, minimum wage jobs. We're just hoping that those pesky pot holes will get filled before the snow falls.Iowa Senate Republican Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113021518785254733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1891893026358401473.post-25365037068051015022009-07-13T13:51:00.000-07:002009-07-13T13:59:00.340-07:00Guest Column by Senator Randy Feenstra<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mtw_K71PWLT-6BooJGcdofz17z1hAkjACB5us4z270ncLXkphTTGNy24SZh1kEJXQZxBktADkvF7XUXlNcMklo7DBfW8lJSCxcXLmNrUAth9BbEj75s4p1tIDdHCVpudIugsBRkOy5g/s1600-h/Randy+Feenstra.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358050816671927106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 194px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 157px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mtw_K71PWLT-6BooJGcdofz17z1hAkjACB5us4z270ncLXkphTTGNy24SZh1kEJXQZxBktADkvF7XUXlNcMklo7DBfW8lJSCxcXLmNrUAth9BbEj75s4p1tIDdHCVpudIugsBRkOy5g/s400/Randy+Feenstra.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>Democrats $56 Million Tax Hike is Politics as Usual</strong><br /><br />The Democrats eliminated major tax deductions and exemptions for Iowa flood and tornado victims in the 2009 legislative session. They also did away with the teachers tax deduction, college tuition assistance tax deduction, and the business depreciation tax deduction. These deductions put over $56 million back into the State General Fund.<br /><br />The elimination of these deductions were never communicated to Iowa citizens or their accountants. The Democrats eliminated these deductions that have been available for years. The Democrats made the tax increases retroactive to the 2008 tax filings that were due April 15th. Iowans had no idea this tax increase was going to occur when they filed their 2008 return. Now the Department of Revenue has thousands of wrong tax returns and they are demanding payback for this tax money.<br /><br />Since this tax hike was done under a cloak of secrecy due to political posturing under the claim of “we never raised taxes,” the Democrats find themselves in quandary.<br /><br />To fix the problem, all Iowans who took these deductions must file an amended tax return or, hope they’re not audited which could result in a 5% tax penalty plus interest. The Iowa Department of Revenue has up to three years to identify these deduction errors and interest accrues until the money is paid. This becomes an expensive violation for something taxpayers did in good faith.<br /><br />After Iowa taxpayers caught this political scheme, Governor Culver stated on Wednesday July 8th, that he would look at “any and all options” to address this snafu. The Vice Chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, Sen. Matt McCoy, noted the issue got knotted up with other tax proposals and stalled during the 2009 session.<br /><br />Lets be crystal clear, this was done with no regard to Iowa taxpayers. I spoke on the floor of the Senate three times demanding that these deductions be passed for the flood victims, teachers, and businesses. I offered amendments to make sure these deductions were restored but got voted down by the Democrats. Every Democrat Senator knew the ramifications of not communicating this tax increase but they decided to play the political game of “We don’t think Iowa citizens are smart enough to catch this tax increase.”<br /><br />It’s very disappointing when the Democrats call for government transparency but do things that contradict this very thought. Frankly, it seams the Democrats no longer care about Iowans; rather, for them it’s about winning elections at all costs. This is truly a failure in good government.</div><div> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Senator Feenstra resides in Hull and sits on the Ways and Means, Education, Rebuild Iowa, and Appropriations Committees. He is also ranking member of the State Government Committee.</span></em></div>Iowa Senate Republican Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113021518785254733noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1891893026358401473.post-34938441939140460532009-07-10T08:32:00.000-07:002009-07-10T08:49:28.891-07:00Having it Both WaysNo surprise here, Governor Culver is <a href="http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090710/NEWS10/907100368/1007/NEWS05">asking</a> the Iowa Department of Revenue to hold off on collecting tax refunds that were issued to flood victims. This comes after the realization that these victim's were taxed on the refunds thanks to Legislative Democrats and the Governor choosing not to couple the Iowa tax code with the federal tax code.<br /><br />During the legislative session, Democrats had ample opportunity to couple the codes but they chose not to. Now, as the governor is publicly ramping up his re-election campaign, he wants to backtrack, safe face and not punish these flood victims. Too little too late if you ask us. With a $160 million revenue shortfall in the Iowa budget, Democrats need the taxes. We don't see this problem going away anytime soon.<br /><br />Here's the <a href="http://www.kgan.com/shared/newsroom/top_stories/videos/kgan_vid_598.shtml">TV story </a>explaining the problem.Iowa Senate Republican Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113021518785254733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1891893026358401473.post-16734553606838064292009-06-16T05:47:00.000-07:002009-06-16T06:04:58.130-07:00When is a pay freeze not a pay freeze?<p><span style="font-family:arial;">Only in state government can a freeze on salaries mean a 4.5% increase in pay. In February, of this year, the Governor agreed to give a $120 million pay increase to state employees. But wait, the headlines were screaming that a pay freeze was going into effect for the upcoming fiscal year.<br /><br />While private employers and employees in Iowa are struggling to keep their doors open the Governor and legislative Democrats continue to spend and spend and spend.<br /><br />Following the announcement the Governor’s team and his big labor buddies were crowing that this was a contract both sides could be proud of. It was also stated that this new contract reflected the current economic realities facing the nation. Well that $120 million dollar pay increase would go a long way to solving the nearly $1 billion budget gap the Governor and legislative Democrats have created by their reckless spending.<br /><br />Well it turns out that in state government a freeze means a pay increase.<br /><br />(The dirty details are below)<br /><br /><strong>Union or Classification - Pay Increase<br /></strong>AFSCME - Central and Community Based Corrections (CBCs) - $39,789,422<br />Iowa United Professionals (IUP) - Social Services and Science - $8,877,590<br />State Police Officer's Council (SPOC) - $2,702,246<br />Judicial Public, Professional, and Maintenance Employees (PPME) - $229,660<br />Judicial AFSCME - $1,811,551<br />Judicial Exempt - $2,402,719<br />Non-Contract - $13,820,381<br />Board of Regents - $51,167,428 </span></p><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><span style="font-family:arial;">Total = $120,800,997</span></strong><br /></span><br /></p>Iowa Senate Republican Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113021518785254733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1891893026358401473.post-25789992981471677542009-06-12T08:37:00.000-07:002009-06-12T08:50:01.573-07:00Here is the rest of the storySince the end of session there has been a lot of fluffy political rhetoric coming from the other side of the aisle. Words like reorganization, budgeting responsibly and accountability. Well as the late great Paul Harvey would say ………… And here is the rest of the story.<br /><br />Over the past three years the Governor and his legislative allies have spent and spent and spent without any thoughts on what tomorrow was going to bring. Well tomorrow has come and there was no plan in place to deal with the problems that the state is now facing. In fact the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency, the bean counters for the legislature, has estimated that Iowa is facing nearly a $1 billion deficit for next year.<br /><br />Is this being accountable to the taxpayer or budgeting responsibly?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMUcXbewBpYZXqFnzCLGuAffpO0ZdZeOBkLiTtbiOe_AWlumNrQIlsGfjRe8cM2LY8nojxu61sUJYG_XHwyrtw5s_XV_Spz8fyPfEExBQFbEXj_7qfmquMn3o-eDg_DyMEIUoLIT4OTY/s1600-h/Approps+vs+Inflation.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346466001699588722" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 309px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMUcXbewBpYZXqFnzCLGuAffpO0ZdZeOBkLiTtbiOe_AWlumNrQIlsGfjRe8cM2LY8nojxu61sUJYG_XHwyrtw5s_XV_Spz8fyPfEExBQFbEXj_7qfmquMn3o-eDg_DyMEIUoLIT4OTY/s400/Approps+vs+Inflation.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />If you look at the last time Republicans were in control of the budget spending was held below the rate of inflation. Over the past three years spending has ballooned out of control and well past the rate of inflation. If the Democrats would have maintained spending levels at typical historical levels there would be no talk of a budget crisis.<br /><br />Spending at the rate of inflation; now that would have been responsible budgeting.Iowa Senate Republican Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113021518785254733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1891893026358401473.post-31641477599099889382009-06-10T08:37:00.000-07:002009-06-10T09:00:25.311-07:00Contradictions GaloreThere is a bake sale taking place at the Capitol today and a dessert auction with all proceeds going to the Iowa Food Bank. A worthy cause and decadent sweets and treats abound. There are so many treats, that if you think of the one thing your grandma made for you as a kid, it is probably being sold here today. The contradiction part is that all this baked goodness is on behalf/part of Lt. Governor Patty Judge's challenge: Your Heart is in Your Hands. Judge is challenging Iowans to live healthier lives by exorcising more, eating well and kicking bad habits. She says in an e-mail to all state employees, "as a former nurse -- I know that our health begins with each of us." So why is she promoting calloric overload in the form of Oreo Layer Cake?<br /><br />This is from the Lt. Gov's challenge web site <a href="http://www.ltgovernorschallenge.us/">http://www.ltgovernorschallenge.us/</a>:<br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#330033;">The Lieutenant Governors' Challenge is a 12-week reward based program. Participants may choose to work toward heart health through fitness choices, health choices, or both.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#330033;">Great, we should all try to live healthy lives and if you set out on a public challenge like this, you should stick to it, not help Iowans deviate from their wellness plan by promoting unhealthy sweets. We all love a good cookie, but is this event really appropriate for the promotion of health and well-being? We say, NO.</span>Iowa Senate Republican Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113021518785254733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1891893026358401473.post-39367396474129932422009-05-28T08:59:00.000-07:002009-05-28T09:01:28.514-07:00A Clear Message SentClick <a href="http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/articles/2009/05/28/news/iowa/457b675acc515cbb862575c400104fb2.txt">here</a> to read about how Iowa is hiring a Texas public releations firm to promote the state and bring in jobs. The article speaks for itself.Iowa Senate Republican Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113021518785254733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1891893026358401473.post-1116460911682855992009-05-27T11:18:00.000-07:002009-05-27T11:30:31.359-07:00Flexing the Line-Item Veto MuscleIt is unfortunate that the Governor sided with bureaucrats and business as usual instead of the taxpayers and transparency this week when he used his line item veto authority on the budget this year. He struck cost saving measures that would have provided at least some transparency. While the Governor struck cost saving measures he did sign into law the largest budget in Iowa's history that leaves the taxpayer staring at a $900 million hole for next year, according to the nonpartisan Legislative Service Agency. This is reality and unfortunately the Governor and his Democratic allies at the Capitol this year stuck their collective heads in the sand like an ostrich hoping good times will come again. This is not a show of leadership skills but simply more political rhetoric and grandstanding from a group of politicians that have been warned for three years that their explosive spending was going to drive this state into the red yet they failed to listen. <br /><br />There is a spending problem in this state and the Governor and his Democratic allies need a lesson in frugality as the taxpayer cannot afford more of the same old tired political games. Reform is needed and Republicans are ready and willing to lead that charge for the taxpayer to help protect their money from those that want to spend it on pork barrel projects and over $120 million in salary increases for state employees. Lets hope that someday common sense will win out.Iowa Senate Republican Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113021518785254733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1891893026358401473.post-9726892126260801582009-05-19T12:11:00.000-07:002009-05-19T12:34:08.223-07:00Spend it While You Got itYesterday, State Auditor David Vaudt released his report on the growing revenue and spending problem the state is facing. Iowa will receive federal stimulus money that will, for one time only, helpt to alleviate the bleeding. But if Iowa continues at the current rate, in 2011, the budget will be 61% less than the previous year. That's huge!<br /><br />Auditor Vaudt gave a good example: for every $1.00 brought into Iowa, the state spent $1.14. Doesn't seem like a lot, but boy does it add up. The bonding numbers are worse. For every $1.00 borrowed, Iowa will end up spending $2.18 to pay it back. How is this fiscal responsibility?<br /><br />Here's the clincher - if spending would have been kept in line with inflation, Iowa would have had a 2% surplus this year! People need to speak up. Iowans will unfortunately feel the ramifications of this in their higher taxes and raised fees next year.Iowa Senate Republican Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113021518785254733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1891893026358401473.post-89233305153881450682009-05-06T10:22:00.000-07:002009-05-06T10:32:23.507-07:00Swine FluThe new, deadly virus has hit Iowa and hit it hard. Not only are there reported cases of the H1N1 virus throughout the state, today, China stated they would no longer accept Iowa pork exports. That is devastating news. <br /><br />Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Bill Northey, released this statement: “Iowa pork, and all pork for that matter, is safe and China and the other countries that are banning pork imports are not acting based on science. It is unfortunate that these unjustified actions are being felt most dramatically by the farmers who raise pork. The industry has already been facing very difficult economics for the last several months, and this just adds to the difficulties experienced by Iowa’s pork producers.”<br /><br />Why are we not hearing more state officials speak out on this? This has a huge affect on Iowa's economy and we can't do enough to correct misconceptions about the virus and Iowa pork.Iowa Senate Republican Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113021518785254733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1891893026358401473.post-14871875629271555382009-04-29T13:16:00.000-07:002009-04-29T13:17:20.112-07:00Iowa Senate Republicans<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyyiQQy8GZ_Lp9tTdRSYzAt-88iFgHVQ6h4mnE1cU5QaoXLSYcC8KPi8L_un-REQLJW-bljXrQvLxjyU1Dp8KZUJdJInfYUsaFs3pRKoVJHSOcPNYh9nAwfSGhdNv89G-g9T8VdziLqs/s1600-h/IowaSRC09.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330209959278238434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyyiQQy8GZ_Lp9tTdRSYzAt-88iFgHVQ6h4mnE1cU5QaoXLSYcC8KPi8L_un-REQLJW-bljXrQvLxjyU1Dp8KZUJdJInfYUsaFs3pRKoVJHSOcPNYh9nAwfSGhdNv89G-g9T8VdziLqs/s400/IowaSRC09.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Iowa Senate Republican Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113021518785254733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1891893026358401473.post-58454974767546377822009-04-26T03:42:00.000-07:002009-04-26T03:49:27.476-07:00The Fall of the GavelIt is 5:42 a.m. on Sunday morning at the State Capitol and the end is here. The final bill of the session is on the Senate floor, the budget is balanced, Iowa has bonded and borrowed so much money that it is insane. The standings bill (pork barrel spending bill) passed and everyone is tired and cranky. Let's do it again next year!!Iowa Senate Republican Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113021518785254733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1891893026358401473.post-18162756283413459822009-04-23T17:37:00.000-07:002009-04-23T17:43:41.746-07:00Down TimeThere is a lot of down time today. Most everyone in the Senate has been at the Capitol for roughly 11 hours and seen only 2 minutes of actual bill work take place. The bills that will hopefully be dispensed with very soon are the Health and Human Services budget bill, a health care bill coming back from the House and a bill regarding flood insurance. <br /><br />Earlier this week Democrats passed a bill appropriating money to 13 state agencies. Amendments were tacked onto the bill that gave the OK for the state to purchase brand new vehicles – even though perfectly good newer vehicles are sitting, gathering dust in parking lots. These new vehicles will have all sorts of upgrades thanks to this amendment. Some of those upgrades include leather seats, satellite radio, GPS, running boards, truck toppers and new floor mats. Pretty nice considering the state is so cash strapped lately. It’s nice to see that tax dollars are being put to good use.............<br /><br />***Update***<br />On a positive note, the new Adam Walsh bill just passed in the Senate tonight. The bill is tougher than the old sex offender law and provides for a 2000 plus foot rule. This was a truly bipartisan bill that will help protect Iowa children. The bill is now on to the House.Iowa Senate Republican Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113021518785254733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1891893026358401473.post-30672187535954121512009-04-21T12:16:00.000-07:002009-04-21T12:35:29.226-07:00The Long Haul Part 2It is safe to say that everyone at the Capitol is getting a little stir crazy. Legislators would be the first to admit that. The weather is nice, the steady stream of bills has become a trickle and after being cooped up in the Capitol with the same people all winter, tempers flare. That is still no excuse to not take care of the important business of Iowa. <br /><br />Democrats don't seem to care as they have dug their heels into the ground and closed the lines of communication. Today Democrats in the House and Senate <a href="http://tinyurl.com/d77b6n">admitted </a>that they are not communicating with the Governor on the most important issue in Iowa - the budget. Until that happens, everyone else is left wondering why egos can't be put in check to get to work. Pouting like high schoolers is sooooo last year..........Iowa Senate Republican Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113021518785254733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1891893026358401473.post-62093258825929872662009-04-20T15:37:00.000-07:002009-04-20T15:44:04.195-07:00In it for the Long HaulAnd that long haul could last longer than originally anticipated. It will all depend on how the Democrats decide to work together on the whole bonding thing. Will it be the Governor's $750 million I-JOBS version or the Senate's $125 million version? It's all up in the air right now and Republicans are just waiting for the dust to settle.<br /><br />Click <a href="http://tinyurl.com/c72o2e">here</a> for more details.Iowa Senate Republican Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113021518785254733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1891893026358401473.post-32938322844478184802009-04-16T12:41:00.000-07:002009-04-16T12:42:57.042-07:00A Summary of This WeekThis is the weekly Republican press conference and it is a good summary of what's been going on at the Capitol this week.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/SA69Z5yGo0o&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/SA69Z5yGo0o&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Iowa Senate Republican Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113021518785254733noreply@blogger.com0