Elesha Gayman

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  • REPRESENTATIVE GAYMAN ANNOUNCES LEGISLATIVE FORUM EVEN IN ELDRIDGE

    Posted Feb 17 at 4 PM

    Des Moines, IA —State Representative Elesha Gayman of Davenport announced today that she will be hosting a Legislative Forum in Eldridge, Iowa and is asking residents to share their ideas and concerns with her.

    “I value the ideas and suggestions from my constituents which help guide my work in the Iowa House,” said Gayman. “With the legislative session nearly half over, my top priority will be balancing the state budget without raising taxes while maintaining our commitments in education, health care, and good-paying jobs.”

    If you are unable to attend the forum please feel free to contact Representative Gayman at elesha.gayman@legis.state.ia.us, at the State Capitol 515-281-3221, or at home 563-650-6140.

    Saturday, February 20th at 10:30AM
    Eldridge Public Library
    200 N 6th Avenue


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  • House Approves Education Reform Package; Protects Property Tax Payers

    Posted Jan 15 at 2 PM

    HOUSE APPROVES EDUCATION REFORM PACKAGE; PROTECTS PROPERTY TAX PAYERS

    Des Moines, Iowa – In just the first week of the 2010 legislative session, State Representative Elesha Gayman of Davenport has already approved a package of education initiatives to strengthen k-12 schools and protect local property taxpayers.

    “As Iowans expect in tough times, we’re working diligently to help middle class families and strengthen our schools. We’ve already approved an education initiative to bring up to $175 million to Iowa K-12 schools to improve student achievement and make sure our kids graduate with the skills they need to compete in today’s global economy,” said Gayman.

    Senate File 2033 includes a host of changes to Iowa’s school system that will help Iowa compete for up to $175 million in Race to the Top funds. Another bill approved, House File 2030, will benefit Iowa property tax payers by ensuring school districts spend down their cash reserves before raising property taxes.

    “It’s just common sense for school districts to spend down their reserves before asking property taxpayers for more money. Middle class families are struggling to make ends meet and this will help ease the burden on Iowa tax payers,” said Gayman.

    Requested by schools last fall, two other bills approved by the Iowa House on Friday will delay setting the school aid formula schools by one year, instead of setting it two years in advance.

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  • Balanced Budget & Jobs Top Priorities for 2010 Priorities

    Posted Jan 14 at 2 PM

    The 2010 session of the Iowa Legislature opened on Monday, January 11th at the State Capitol in Des Moines. Top priorities for legislators this year include helping middle class families, balancing the state budget without raising taxes, and creating good-paying jobs across Iowa. Governor Chet Culver delivered his 2010 Condition of the State address to the Legislature on Tuesday with similar priorities such as job creation, strong schools, quality healthcare, and continuing to rebuild Iowa after the floods of 2008. Chief Justice Marsha Ternus also delivered the State of the Judiciary speech on Wednesday and said the courts must continue to find solutions to ensure equal justice during these tough economic times. While these are tough times for many Iowans and difficult challenges are ahead, legislators noted Iowa's future looks bright. With just 80 days to complete our work this year, the Legislature is already moving quickly with an education package to give K-12 schools a boost. Governor Culver is expected to sign these bills before this first week is over.

  • Harkin Announces New Student Loan Repayment Program

    Posted Jul 15 at 1 PM

    Harkin Announces New Student Loan Repayment Program

    U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) announced that beginning July 1, a new student loan repayment program will become available. Current and former students will also see other changes in their student aid that will help them meet rising tuition costs.

    Income Based Repayment

    The Income Based Repayment (IBR), a provision in the federal College
    Cost Reduction and Access Act, caps monthly federal loan payments based on income and family size and forgives any debt and interest that remains after 25 years. If a borrower owes more on their student loans than they earn in a year, they can probably benefit from IBR.

    IBR is available for almost all federal loans made by any lender. Loans include those made past, present and future for college or graduate school. 73% Graduate with Debt

    Currently, 73 percent of Iowa students at four year colleges and universities graduate with debt. According to the Iowa College Student Aid Commission, between the 2000 2001 and 2008 2009 school years, the cost of attending a four year public college in Iowa increased 70 percent, from $7,592 to $13,591. The average amount of debt is $26,208.

    Senator Harkin announced that in addition to the IBR plan, students and current borrowers will benefit from:
    * Lowered cost of federal student loans. The interest rate for subsidized Stafford loans will be lowered from 6.0 percent to 5.6
    percent. These loans usually go to students from families making under $80,000 annually and accrue no interest while the student is in school.
    * Increased maximum Pell Grant award. The Pell Grant award
    increases from $4,731 to $5,350 this year. Pell grants are need based from the federal government and go mostly to students with family incomes below $5,000.

  • Update and Additional Information on Middle Class Tax Cut

    Posted Apr 02 at 2 PM

    The House Ways and Means Committee passed legislation cutting income tax rates by about 20% for all Iowans and cutting taxes for the middle class by $34 million. Although revenue neutral to the state, taxes on 67% of Iowans stay the same or decrease. The bill also eliminates nine lines from the Iowa income tax form, the biggest tax simplification in decades.

    From        To           Current Rates New Rates
    $0           $1,444     0.36%           0.31%
    $1,444    $2,888     0.72%           0.60%
    $2,888    $5,776     2.43%           2.00%
    $5,776    $12,996   4.50%           4.28%
    $12,99    $21,660   6.12%           5.56%
    $21,660  $28,880   6.48%           5.56%
    $28,880  $43,320   6.80%           5.87%
    $43,320  $64,980   7.92%           6.80%
    $63,315  or more    8.98%           6.98%


    House File 807 eliminates the deduction for federal taxes, raising $595 million. Of that, $589 million is used to cut all tax rates, and the remaining $9 million is used to increase a tax exemption for the blind and those age 65 and over from $20 to $40, to increase the Earned Income Tax Credit, increase the Child and Dependent Care Credit, and increase the Early Child Development Credit.

    Everyone's specific tax situation is unique, so there are people in every income group that may see their taxes go up slightly, stay the same, or go down. But generally, taxes of households with incomes under $125,000 will either stay the same or go down.

    Why End the Federal Deduction?
    Only six states allow any federal deduction. Iowa, Alabama, and Louisiana allow a 100% deduction. Missouri, Montana and Oregon only allow partial deductions. States with no deduction have lower tax rates. Ending the deduc3tion will result in a 20% cut in every Iowan's income tax rate.

    Iowa's 8.98% top rate is the 4th highest in the country. The bill cuts this to 6.98%, the lowest in 40 years, and puts Iowa more in line with the neighboring states of Illinois (3%), Kansas (6.45%), Minnesota (7.85%), Missouri (6.0%), Nebraska (6.84%), Wisconsin (6.75%). South Dakota has no income tax.

    The lower rate improves efforts to attract new businesses to Iowa. Development professionals have complained for 30 years about the false perception that Iowa is one of the highest tax states, when in reality it ranks 37th in per capita tax revenues.

    Even President Reagan realized one needed to get rid of some deduction to get rates down. His Tax Reform Act of 1986 cut rates but also repealed the second earner deduction, repealed the sales tax deduction, set a 2% deduction threshold limit on passive losses, put income limits on IRAs for those covered by pensions, and repealed investment tax credits.

    No State Revenue Increase
    Once again, under House File 807, the state will receive the same amount of revenue as under current tax law.

  • MIDDLE CLASS TAX CUT PLAN CLEARS FIRST HURDLE

    Posted Apr 01 at 11 AM

    Des Moines, Iowa – A middle class tax cut plan introduced in the Iowa House last week is picking up support after it was approved by the House Ways & Means Committee on Monday night.

    “In these tough economic times, it’s time to give middle class families a break. Our plan will cut $34 million in state taxes for Iowans making under $125,000 and reduce income tax rates for every taxpayer in Iowa,” said State Representative Elesha Gayman of Davenport.

    The proposal, House Study Bill 284, cuts tax rates for every Iowa taxpayer, ensures that two thirds of Iowans would receive a tax cut or see no increase in the amount of taxes they pay each year, and simplifies Iowa’s income tax system by eliminating federal deductibility. Iowa currently has the 4th highest income tax rates in the country because it is one of just three states with federal deductibility.

    “The middle class tax cut plan will also attract more good-paying jobs to Iowa and strengthen our business climate by reducing Iowa’s income tax rates to make them more competitive with neighboring states,” added Gayman. “This plan will make our tax system fair and simple while raising the same amount of revenue for the state. It will not increase state revenues.”

    The elimination of federal deductibility and rate reduction idea has long been part of the platform of groups like the Iowa Chamber Alliance, Professional Developers of Iowa, and the Iowa Taxpayer’s Association.

    The middle class tax cut plan has five key components:
    • Increases the elderly and blind personal credit from $20 to $40 which means that every Iowan over 65 will get the increased deduction
    • Expands a refundable tax credit for working families with some families eligible for a tax credit up to $5,000
    • Increases the Child and Dependent Care Credit
    • Reduces all tax rates -- Iowa’s top income tax rate will drop 22% from 8.98 to 6.98, which is the lowest rate in 40 years
    • Eliminates federal deductibility on Iowa tax forms which simplifies tax returns by eliminating nine lines on the income tax form

    The bill will now be considered by the full House.

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  • REPRESENTATIVE GAYMAN INVITES FAMILIES TO IOWA HOUSE DAY WITH THE STEAMWHEELERS

    Posted Mar 09 at 5 PM

    Des Moines, IA – Representative Elesha Gayman, D- Davenport, along with Members of the Iowa House of Representatives and The Quad City Steamwheelers, invite you to join them on March 29th as the Steamwheelers open their season against the Peoria Pirates.

    Representatives from Eastern Iowa and their families will be in attendance for this family-friendly social event. Come, meet your legislators who represent your interests in the State House in an informal setting and enjoy the game with neighbors, friends and family.

    "This is the perfect opportunity for constituents to come out and meet with their Representatives outside of a typical setting," Gayman said. "We would be pleased to have many families come out and join us to cheer on the Steamwheelers and spend some quality time together."

    A section of seats has been reserved for this event and the deadline to purchase a ticket within this section is March 26th. Tickets are only $7.00 dollars per person and may be ordered by calling 309-797-8500 or visiting:

    http://www.steamwheelerfans.com/proshop/tix_iarepgrouptickets.shtml


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  • Prevailing Wage

    Posted Feb 26 at 6 PM

    There has been much concern and angst both pro and con regarding HF333. It has become obvious from the emails and calls that have been received that some clarification on the bill is necessary. I believe it is important that my constituents understand what this bill strives to accomplish. I voted for this bill and I want to take this opportunity to inform my constituents about the bill and why I was a “yes” vote.

    Introduction
    Prevailing wage isn’t anything new to Iowa or contractors (big & small) that have had experience with federal prevailing wage projects or state projects in Illinois.

    What is prevailing wage? Prevailing wage is defined as the hourly wage, usual benefits and overtime, paid in the largest city in each county, to the majority of workers, laborers, and mechanics. Prevailing wages are established, by the Department of Labor and Industries, for each trade and occupation employed in the performance of public work. They are established separately for each county, and are reflective of local wage conditions. To see what prevailing wages are presently in Scott County, please go to http://www.gpo.gov/davisbacom/. Click on “Browse All Determinations by State”, then click on Iowa and go down to Scott County, and click on the code under “Building”.

    All states surrounding Iowa have state prevailing wage laws with the exception of South Dakota. The proposed Iowa legislation will only apply to public projects above a certain spending threshold. The compromise amendment which was offered provided that prevailing wage would apply to the following:

    -Any vertical infrastructure public project that is $1.5 million or greater and receives 20% of funding from state funds for infrastructure projects.

    -Any public horizontal or vertical project that is $1.5 million or more regardless of the public body’s population.

    -For school districts, for both vertical infrastructure and horizontal and transportation infrastructure, the project has to be $300,000 or more.

    -For Regents institutions and community colleges, for vertical infrastructure, any public project. For horizontal and transportation infrastructure, the project has to be $100,000 or more.

    -Cities and counties with horizontal infrastructure projects (within a county with a population of 40,000 or more and projects that are $100,000 or more; a city with a population of 20,000 or more and projects that are $100,000 or more).

    -Both vertical and horizontal and transportation infrastructure. For any vertical and horizontal public project with a disaster related expenditure in Blackhawk, Johnson, Linn, Polk, and Scott counties that receives any state funding for the project.


    It will have NO impact on private construction projects. Everyone bidding on a project subject to prevailing wage will have to follow the same guidelines, making it will be a level playing field.

    The legislation will encourage competition for public contracts with greater emphasis placed upon quality of work, rather than low bid. As we gear-up to rebuild after last summer’s natural disasters and to retool our infrastructure with state and federal stimulus money, we need to make sure that we are getting a quality work product. Prevailing wage will discourage contractors coming in from out of state, bringing in poorly trained workers, low-balling bids and sub-par work that may need to be fixed at a later date.

    The bill will also put money into the pockets of Iowa workers and their families. The federal stimulus package will about create 1,000 jobs with expenditures in the range of $1 billion. These jobs, because of the federal Davis-Bacon Act, provisions will require that prevailing wage apply.

    HF 333
    House file 333 requires a contractor to pay workers an hourly prevailing wage to be based on what is normally paid in the area by contractors for similar projects, and to be adjusted on an annual basis by the Iowa Department of Workforce Development (IWD). Contractors are prohibited from paying less than the established prevailing wage, but can pay more.

    The Iowa Labor Commissioner determines the wage rates for specific geographical areas and for specific crafts, classifications, and types of workers. For horizontal transportation infrastructure, which includes, though is not limited to, roads and streets, the wage rate would be already subject to the Federal Davis-Bacon Act.

    Impact
    This bill has the potential to affect the salaries paid to construction workers on most public projects. The exact dollar amount is not known, but local governments and school districts that pay 10-40% for labor costs on construction projects based on information that was provided to the Legislative Services Agency by the Iowa State Association of Counties, Board of Regents, and Dept of Transportation. The league of cities and Iowa Department of Administrative Services did not submit an estimate.

    Here is an example of what could happen, typically, according to the LSA, based upon the information LSA received. If the total project cost was $100,000 and, of that amount, labor cost $25,000, and prevailing wages increased the labor costs 20% ($5,000). This would result in an increased contract cost of $5,000.

    Other areas where legislation has created a wage threshold in Iowa:

    1. Iowa’s Minimum Wage Law, currently Above the Federal Government

    91D.1 (1)(a)
    The state hourly wage shall be at least $6.20 as of April 1, 2007, and $7.25 as of January 1, 2008.

    2. Enterprise Zone Program:

    15E.193(1)(c):
    Pays an average wage that is at or greater than ninety percent of the lesser of the average county wage or average regional wage, as determined by the department. However, the wage paid by the business shall not be less than seven dollars and fifty cents per hour.

    3. Grow Iowa Values Fund (Both the Grants and the Tax Credits Reference Same Section):

    15G.112 Financial assistance.
    1. In order to be eligible to receive financial assistance from the department from the moneys appropriated in section 15G.111, subsection 1, paragraph "a", from the grow Iowa values fund to the department for programs administered by the department, the average annual wage, including benefits, of new jobs created must be equal to or greater than one hundred thirty percent of the average county wage. For purposes of this section, "average county wage" and "benefits" mean the same as defined in section 15.335A.

    15.335A Tax Incentives (High Quality Jobs Creation Program HQJC)
    (a.) The number of new high quality jobs created with an annual wage, including benefits, equal to or greater than one hundred thirty percent of the average county wage….”

    (b.) "Average county wage" means the annualized, average hourly wage based on wage information compiled by the department of workforce development.

    4. Accelerated Career Education Program (Refereed as 260G Through the Community Colleges):

    260G.3 (8)
    An agreement shall provide for a wage level of no less than two hundred percent of the federal poverty level for a family of two as defined by the most recently revised poverty income guidelines as published by the United States department of health and human services at the time the agreement is entered into. The wage level shall be recertified for each year provided in the agreement on the anniversary of the effective date of the agreement.


    Specific concerns

    There are a number of concerns that have been brought to my attention that I would like to address here:

    1. Out-of-state contractors - while it is true that prevailing wage does not prevent out-of-state contractors from coming into Iowa, it will help middle class Iowans by reducing the “need” to bring outsiders into the state.

    2. Prevailing wages prevent the hiring of new employees because the new employees earn the same amount as an employee who has been with the company longer – Nothing in the prevailing wage legislation prevents an employer from paying a more experienced employee more money for his experience.

    3. Payment to a contractor has taken longer with prevailing wage contracts – this may be true, but in Iowa the only experience to date has been with the Federal prevailing wage law. There is no state prevailing wage law in effect in Iowa. We do know that this legislation, if passed, will provide transparency through the Iowa Workforce Development on-line system.

    4. Prevailing wage laws are discriminatory – I am aware of the history of the Bacon-Davis Act:

    “But it took the worldwide Great Depression -- which at its height saw one out of four Americans unemployed -- to fuel the passing of the Davis-Bacon Act by a Republican Congress and a Republican President, Herbert Hoover. Representative Bacon, say modern conservative opponents of the law, initially introduced the bill after a contractor employed African-American workers from Alabama to build a Veterans' Bureau hospital in his New York district. More accurately, the legislative history of Davis-Bacon reflects a desire by Congress to reserve jobs on federal projects for local workers, who nationwide faced epidemic unemployment. Opponents to the Davis-Bacon Act have claimed that there was racist intent to the law, but critics have countered that this is a red herring, stating that it was a sincere attempt to make amends for having kept jobs from local workers and now flatly dismiss the conservative claim that it had Jim Crow origins.” -- Wikipedia

    Prevailing wage does encourage the hiring of skilled local workers and also aid in the work of training young people to become skilled tradesmen and tradeswomen. It also works to stop the exploitation of workers. Union apprenticeship programs (which prevailing wage tends to promote) actively recruit and train minorities up to the present day.

    While prevailing wage laws do encourage the hiring of skilled local workers, they also work to train young people to become skilled trades people. Unions account for approximately 50% of the employees in this field in Iowa. If we continue too provide low-wage jobs we will end up paying for it later with government assistance programs.

  • Congressman Bruce Braley Visits State Capitol, Federal Stimulus to Create 37,000 Iowa Jobs

    Posted Feb 23 at 4 PM


    Congressman Bruce Braley visited with Democratic Representatives Tuesday about the federal stimulus plan. The Congressman is pictured here at the Iowa Capitol with Representative Elesha Gayman.

    On Tuesday, President Obama signed into law the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Nationally, the stimulus package of tax cuts and carefully targeted investments is estimated to create or save 3.5 million jobs over the next two years.
    Nationally, the economy is in a crisis not seen since the Great Depression. The financial credit markets are frozen, consumer purchasing power is in decline, in the last four months the country has lost 2 million jobs and we may see another 3 to 5 million lost in the next year.


    The short term goal of the stimulus package is to prevent the loss of millions of jobs and to get the economy moving again. The long term goal is to make the needed investments that restore the ability of average middle income families to increase their income and build a decent future for their children.


    Iowa's Share of the Stimulus


    Iowa's share of the federal stimulus package is estimated to be $1.9 billion over the next two years. These key investments are estimated to create or retain 37,000 jobs in Iowa over the next two years.
    Highlights of the package:


    • Clean, Efficient, American Energy: Put people back to work today, and reduce dependence on foreign oil tomorrow, by strengthening efforts directed at doubling renewable energy production and renovate public buildings to make them more energy efficient.
    • Transform our Economy with Science and Technology: Put scientists to work looking for the next great discovery, creating jobs in cutting edge technologies, and making smart investments that will help businesses in every community succeed in a global economy.
    • Modernize Roads, Bridges, Transit and Waterways: Build a 21st century economy by engaging contractors across the nation to create jobs rebuilding our crumbling roads and bridges, modernizing public buildings, and putting people to work cleaning our air, water and land.
    • Education for the 21st Century: Enable more children to learn in 21st century classrooms, labs, and libraries to help our kids compete with any worker in the world.
    • Lower Healthcare Costs: Save jobs, money, and lives, by updating and computerizing our healthcare system to cut red tape, prevent medical mistakes, and help reduce healthcare costs by billions of dollars each year.
    • Help Workers Hurt by the Economy: High unemployment and rising costs have outpaced Americans' paychecks. Investing in worker training and helping them find jobs will help struggling families make ends meet.
    • Save Public Sector Jobs and Protect Vital Services: Provide relief to states so they can continue to employ teachers, firefighters and police officers, and provide vital services without having to unnecessarily raise middle class taxes.

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  • REPRESENTATIVE GAYMAN INVITES PUBLIC TO LOCAL LISTENING POST FORUM IN ELDRIDGE

    Posted Feb 17 at 1 PM

    February 17, 2009

    For More Information:
    Representative Gayman
    515-281-3221


    Representative Elesha Gayman announced today that she will be holding a listening post at the Eldridge Public Library this Sunday.

    “Listening and being available when people have a concern is the most important job of a State Representative,” said Gayman. “I hope constituents will be able to set aside some time to share their suggestions and ideas with me.”

    Representative Gayman has scheduled numerous Listening Posts around the district and would like you to join in to share your views on education, healthcare, and our state’s tight budget.

    Representative Gayman’s regular listening post schedule is as follows:

    1 p.m. February 22, Eldridge Public Library 200 N Sixth Ave., Eldridge
    8 a.m. March 7, Hickory Gardens, 3311 Hickory Grove Rd., Davenport
    10 a.m. March7, United Neighbors, 808 N. Harrison St., Davenport
    1 p.m. March 21, Buffalo City Hall, 329 Dodge St., Buffalo
    8 a.m. April 4, Hickory Gardens, 3311 Hickory Grove Rd., Davenport
    1 p.m. April 18, Long Grove Fire Station, 121 N. 1st St., Long Grove


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  • Educational Compact for Military Children Moves to Floor

    Posted Feb 10 at 11 AM

    The Iowa House is set to debate legislation designated to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents. House File 29, which passed the House Veterans Affairs Committee unanimously, allows Iowa to join the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children.

    The average military student faces transition challenges more than twice during high school, and most military children will have six to nine different school systems in their lives from kindergarten to 12th grade. With more than half of all military personnel supporting families, the impacts of reassignment and long deployments are key considerations when making long term life choices.

    Specific impacts on military children include:
    • Transfer of Records
    • Course Sequencing
    • Graduation Requirements
    • Exclusion from Extra Curricular Activities
    • Redundant or Missed Entrance/Exit Testing
    • Kindergarten and First Grade Entrance Age Variations
    • Power of Custodial Parents While Parents are Deployed

    The Council of State Governments estimates that the cost for Iowa to join the compact would be $180 this year. If adopted by the Legislature, Iowa would be the 12th state to join the compact.

    Representative Ray Zirkelbach (D-Monticello) and Representative McKinley Bailey (D-Webster City), both Iraq war veterans, introduced House File 29 to add Iowa to this compact.

  • Tax Credit Available for Middle Class Families

    Posted Feb 05 at 11 AM

    Working families who do not earn a lot of money may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), as well as free help preparing their tax return. The EITC is the federal government’s largest program benefiting lower earning workers.

    The Internal Revenue Service estimates that 2025% of eligible taxpayers fail to claim the credit. This could put as much as $4,824 into the pockets of a family with two children, or send as much as $2,917 to a family with one child, or up to $438 for a worker with no children.

    “The extra dollars eligible taxpayers can get through EITC can make their lives a little easier,” said Elisabeth Buck, director of Iowa Workforce Development. Buck said some individuals and families may qualify for the credit for the first time because of unemployment or other changes in their financial, marital or parental status during the past year.

    Taxpayers with the earnings of or below the following should check to see if they qualify:


    • $38,646 ($41,646 if married filing jointly) for families with two or more children.
    • $33,995 ($36,995 married filing jointly) for families with one child.
    • $12,880 ($15,880 married filing jointly) if there are no children.

    Iowa offers its own EITC, which is equal to 7% of the federal tax credit. Both federal and state credits are refundable so if the credit is larger than your tax liability, you get a refund for the difference.

    The EITC is a valuable but complex tax break. Free help is available to determine eligibility and file a claim through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites or at a local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. To locate a VITA site near you, call 1800-829-8482.

    For more information on where to locate your local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center, please call the toll free number 1-800-829-1040 or visit www.IRS.gov.

  • Submit your Ideas at New 'Open Budget' Website

    Posted Feb 02 at 3 PM

    Des Moines, Iowa – State Representative Elesha Gayman of Davenport today launched a new website to bring more transparency to the state budget process and give constituents a direct voice in crafting a balanced, responsible state budget. The website address is www.iowahouse.org/openbudget.

    “These are difficult times for family budgets and the state budget. I want Iowans to understand more about the state budget and hear what they think. The new ‘Open Budget’ website has detailed information about Iowa’s budget and opportunities to submit suggestions or ideas for cost savings as well as budget priorities,” said Gayman.

    The Open Budget website has specific information for the seven appropriations areas that the Legislature uses to craft the state budget. There is also a budget analysis from the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau on the Governor’s budget recommendations just released last week.

    “While I know there are difficult choices ahead, I am committed to a fiscally responsible, balanced state budget that doesn’t forget middle class families,” concluded Gayman.

    # # #

  • Capitol Recap

    Posted Jan 31 at 9 PM

    Governor Releases Budget Recommendations for 2010

    Governor Culver released his budget recommendations for fiscal year 2010 on Wednesday. The Governor is proposing a scaled back budget that spends $6.2 billion.

    The Governor proposes closing a potential budget gap of $680 million without raising taxes. The troubled national economy is causing budget problems for Iowa and many other states across the county. Iowa is fortunate to have set aside $620 million in reserves to help weather this economic downturn.

    The proposed budget closes the projected gap by continuing $180 million in reductions that were made in fiscal year 2009, implementing 6.5% reductions to most of the budget for fiscal year 2010, saving approximately $400 million, and using $200 million from the state’s cash reserve fund.

    The Governor protects certain key areas of the budget from the effects of the 6.5% reductions. These include such areas as disaster relief funding, public safety, workforce development, human services, the teacher quality program, and preschool funding.

    The Legislature's Budget Subcommittees will continue to meet over the next couple of months to review the Governor's budget and craft their own recommendations for fiscal year 2010. The committees will analyze the impact of the proposals on communities and listen to the concerns of constituents. The Legislature will finalize a budget before it adjourns in April that maintains the priorities of most Iowans, while responsibly balancing the whole state budget.



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