Legislative Democrats alarmed by potential impact of deep, mid-year budget cuts
DES MOINES – Democratic leaders of the Iowa House and Senate raised concerns about the impact of deep, mid-year budget cuts proposed today by legislative Republicans.
State Sen. Joe Bolkcom, ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, stated:
“The deep, mid-year budget cuts endorsed today by Republican legislators are mean-spirited and will harm Iowa college students, working families and seniors. The last thing we should do is cut services that Iowans depend on, including higher education, job training, public safety and human services.
“Second, this unnecessary budget mess could have been avoided if Governor Branstad, Lt. Governor Reynolds and legislative Republicans had focused more time and energy over the past six years on strengthening our schools, building the skilled workforce that Iowa employers need and improving quality of life for all Iowans. We need to make the economy work for Iowa families, especially in our small towns and rural areas.
“The Republican proposal unveiled today sends the wrong message about the future of our state. The budget slashing by Governor Branstad, Lt. Governor Reynolds and Republican legislators leaves the fastest growing part of the state budget off the table: excessive tax credits. It is time to drain the swamp.”
State Rep. Chris Hall of Sioux City, ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, stated:
“The Iowa GOP has lost all credibility on budgeting. After giving away the state’s budget surplus, policies enacted by the Branstad-Reynolds Administration have slowed the state’s economy and left the budget in the red.
“Republicans’ failed fiscal policies aren’t working for Iowa families or growing the state’s economy. Tax breaks for corporations now top $500 million annually. Iowa would not be making cuts if the GOP had used better judgment in managing the state budget. The unfortunate result is Iowa students and working families are being forced to pay for failed Republican policies again.”