This week, freshman members of the House Republican caucus rolled out a Republican plan to put Iowan’s back to work and improve the state’s economy. The G.R.O.W. (generating recovery and opportunity for working Iowans) plan uses a variety of methods such as tax credits, tax deductions and constitutional protections to lift Iowa’s slumping economy.
Last week we got a glimpse what ideas the Democrat-controlled Legislature has for the economy - higher taxes and more regulation. House Republicans believe this is absolutely the wrong direction, they do nothing to put Iowans back to work, and it was time to put ideas on the table which will free up the entrepreneurs and employers in this state to do what they do best – create jobs and grow our economy.
Briefly, the plan focuses on the following proposals: Constitutionally protect Iowa’s right-to-work law, Expand student loan interest deduction, Expand shovel-ready permits, Create a telecommuting tax credit, Implement a Social Security tax deduction,. Expand the Small business internship grant program, Increase the research activities credit, and Freeze property taxes
This legislation will spark Iowa’s economy and be a step in the right direction to put the 80,000+ Iowans who are unemployed back to work. Visit the House Republicans’ website (www.iowahouserepublicans.com) for more detailed information.
Deappropriating the Fleet
Also this week, the House took up House File 414 which is a “de-appropriations bill”. First of all, realize this bill actually spends more than it cuts. It also transfers one-time funding source dollars to cover on-going expenses. This is the same method of balancing the budget used the past two years and is the primary reason we are in this budget mess.
What I really want to mention regarding this bill is that, as you recall, House Republicans promised to bring more truth and transparency to the state budget process. Several weeks ago House Republicans added a feature to our website designed to get Iowans’ input for budget savings. Today we followed through to implement some of those ideas.
Over the span of a month, we have received more than 500 submissions from Iowans. As part of the Republican plan to cut wasteful spending, Republicans offered the following amendments on House File 414:
H-1093 by Reps. Raecker, Wagner and Helland increases the cut to state government by $8 million by reducing the office supply, service contracts and equipment purchases expenditure line items. It was a total shock to me that the state spends around $20 million a year on pens, pencils, paper clips and other office supplies. This averages out to be $820 per state employee. What it really looks like to me is a wasteful slush fund.
H-1085 by Reps. Watts, Raecker, Alons requires the Iowa Telecommunications and Technology Commission to develop a request for proposal to sell or lease the Iowa Communications Network during FY 2010.
H-1086 by Reps. Raecker, Alons, Watts prohibits the Department of Administrative Services from purchasing new vehicles for the state vehicle fleet for the remainder of FY 2009 and FY 2010. Iowa has 2,956 cars and trucks and on average, the state sells off and replaces about 600 of them every year. In his research, Rep. Raecker uncovered that we spend $18 million in annual maintenance and other expenses to operate the fleet, which is valued at $17.6 million. This is absolutely crazy. The state has some of the newest vehicles on the road. See http://www.iowahouserepublicans.com
We offered a few other amendments but these three were ideas that came from Iowans like you. We have spent the last 7 weeks diving into budgets and listening to the ideas of Iowans with the goal of weeding out waste and inefficiencies. This is the start – if you have additional ideas please submit them at http://www.iowahouserepublicans.com
Regrettably, the majority party decided not to accept a single one of these proposals. I do not understand why these were rejected. But we believe in time these efforts will bear fruit for a leaner more efficient and transparent state government and we are committed to staying at it.
Lastly, following up on the discussion surrounding the prevailing wage bill that has dominated the Legislature for the past couple weeks—the Majority Leader has put a motion to reconsider on the bill. This is a procedural motion that could permit him to reconsider the bill at a time of his choosing.
So while Iowans have been victorious for the moment, we must remain attentive. I am very confident that House Democrats will attempt to pass this legislation before we adjourn for the year. Please continue to stay engaged on this issue and let us know where you stand.
I know I do not get to respond to every email you reply with individually, but I do read them and make note of your concerns. Thanks for being interested in House Republicans and your state government.
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