Under the Golden Dome, Too

Iowa lawmakers still crawling towards compromise
 
     The calendar has flipped to June and our work in the legislature continues. You may be wondering why this session has gone into overtime. Simply put, we are fighting to ensure the long-term economic health of our state is not compromised and funding for services to Iowans remains viable year after year. 
     When negotiations began this year, over $200 million separated us from the Senate Majority party. This level of spending would require us to spend more than we take in this year, and therefore risk putting our state in a dangerous economic position. I think most would agree that with $180 million in new revenue, we should be able to fund the priorities of Iowans. If not, we have a spending problem, not a revenue problem. 
     A question I often ask myself is, when will the next fiscal crisis or economic emergency occur in our state? Obviously, that is something we are unable to predict. Therefore, the only prudent thing to do is be responsible and plan ahead. Rather than spend every penny, we should make sure the state is prepared for what the future may bring. For example, it will be some time before we can fully realize the impact the avian flu will have on the jobs and economy of our state.
     Despite our budgeting differences, we are meeting regularly with the Senate Majority party to find compromise on the areas in which we vary and put together a budget that is responsible and sustainable well into the future. 
     Not too long ago, Iowans experienced the ramifications of irresponsible budgeting practices. Due to careless budgeting decisions prior to us coming into the Majority in the House and under the previous administration, Iowans saw a $500 million property tax increase, the state borrowed $800 million that costs taxpayers double to pay back, and there was a $700 million spending gap for the new governor and legislature to fix.
     Upon coming into the Majority, we adopted a set of core budgeting principles that have guided our state into a healthier and more certain economic time. We continue to stand by these principles and will not return to the poor budgeting decisions of the past. We are committed to spending less than we take in and the practice of using one-time money for ongoing expenditures has been abandoned. 
     We have stood by these principles for the last four legislative sessions and have never failed to find common ground with the Senate Majority party. We expect that to continue this year. 
     Going forward, we will not waiver from these principles that have served our state well. Just like a family’s personal budget, Iowans expect government to live within its means. Every dollar the state spends that we don’t have jeopardizes the financial security of Iowa taxpayers and families. We know you expect us to pass a responsible and sustainable budget that meets the needs of Iowans, and that is a commitment we will deliver on. 
     If you have any feedback or questions about the budget or other issues before us, please do not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at linda.upmeyer@legis.iowa.gov or (515) 281-4618.