James Van Fossen - Iowa State House Representative

The Week In Review

March 24, 2000
E-mail: jvanfos@legis.state.ia.us

Session Week 11
Fax: 319-355-9954

Budget Myths Unveiled

Republican Plan Good For Iowa

Since Republicans announced their budget proposal March 1, Governor Vilsack and Democratic legislators have been stealing a page from President Clinton’s playbook: capitalizing on the politics of fear and avoiding discussion of their own "risky spending spree". What follows is a brief discussion on the myths perpetrated by the Governor and the media and the truth of the Republican budget plan.

Myth #1: The Republican plan will close unemployment offices in rural Iowa.

The Republican plan does not cut funding for unemployment offices. These programs are not funded with general tax revenue. Rather, the programs are funded with $7.5 million from the unemployment administration surcharge fund. This is the same level as last year.

Myth #2: The Republican budget plan cuts environmental funding, keeping the state from cleaning-up polluted waterways or maintaining clean air.

Republicans have proposed the Environment First Fund, a $35 million program to maintain clean air, water and soil across Iowa. This is the largest environmental initiative in state history and promotes development of wetlands, habitat and parks.

Myth #3: The Republican budget plan will reduce the safety of Iowa’s communities.

Republicans have proposed a $2.3 million overall increase for the state’s justice system to continue to fight drug dealers, violent offenders, and other rehabilitation programs for those in need.

Myth #4: The Republican budget plan will leave 842 prison beds empty and allow criminals to re-enter society free from probation or parole.

The Republican budget plan calls for the investment of $9.2 million for opening the new prison beds.

Myth #5: The Republican budget plan cuts nursing home inspectors and will cause the state to fall out of compliance with federal nursing home inspection rules.

The Republican budget increases funding for nursing home inspectors by $176,000 over the next 15 months. The Governor proposed $143,000 in spending over a twelve month period beginning in July. This funding will make it possible to hire six new inspectors. Republicans will not risk the health and well being of Iowa’s seniors.

Republicans have put forth an honest budget plan. The Governor proposes a reckless budget scheme – shifting funds, record spending proposals – amidst a flurry of verbal assaults at Republican Legislators. It’s time Iowa families know the truth.

Ways & Means Update

Bills Passed in the Ways & Means Committee this week:

HF738 a bill establishing a tax credit against individual and corporate income tax liability for small business guaranty fees paid.

HF2221 a bill relating to tax credits available to eligible housing businesses which build or rehabilitate housing in designated enterprise zones.

HSB588 a bill relating to the Iowa educational savings plan trust.

Bills Assigned in the Ways & means Committee This Week:

HSB764 a bill relating to the computation of interest on a medical assistance debt.

HSB765 a bill exempting sales to certain tax exempt nonprofit music organizations from sales and use taxes.

HSB766 a bill relating to the assessment for property tax purposes of certain affordable housing for low-income individuals and families.

HSB768 a bill related to an alternative method of computing the research activities credit for the purposes of state income tax.

You can track these bills on the Internet at: www.legis.state.ia.us

Week in Review Archives

02-25-00
03-03-00
03-10-00

03-17-00