End-of-Session Statement by Senate Democratic Leader Janet Petersen
Instead of relying on ribbon-cutting rhetoric and mystery data, Republican leaders should have listened to Iowans and worked in a bipartisan manner.
Budget
Latest revenue estimates show Republican policies continue to damage job growth and economic opportunities
“Today’s updated revenue estimates are more evidence that Governor Reynolds and legislative Republicans are continuing to break those promises to Iowans. That’s bad, bad news for Iowa families and their communities, especially those living in smaller towns and rural ares.”
Governor Reynolds’ claim to balance budget ‘without cuts to education’ is astoundingly false
“Yesterday Governor Kim Reynolds made the astoundingly false claim that she has managed the state budget ‘without cuts to education.’ That’s a real whopper! The truth is that the mid-year budget cuts (Senate File 130) sliced a total of $31.5 million from education. The $4.5 million cut from the Iowa Department of Education was just the beginning.”
Latest state deficit figures show GOP budget is ‘out of whack’ and hurting Iowa families
“Iowa is not in a recession. Iowa is experiencing slow revenue growth because the policies of Governor Reynolds and legislative Republicans are out of whack. Delaying tax refunds for Iowa families and other gimmicks will not solve this budget mess. Republicans must stop showering tens of millions on large tax giveaways to out-of-state corporations. These tax giveaways now top $500 million annually and are the fastest growing part of the state spending.
Sharp cuts by legislative Republicans threaten public safety, education and human services
Bolkcom: “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.”