‘Budget’ Archives
Author: deanfiihr Published: February 2nd, 2012
House Republicans released their budget for the 2013 year and it hits the state’s job creation efforts and education especially hard. Here’s the response from House Democratic Leader Kevin McCarthy:
The Republican budget will pull the plug on our job creation efforts next year. House Democrats are committed to strengthening our economy and growing the middle class. We won’t turn our back on economic development efforts to help Iowa Main Street businesses grow while rewarding big Wall Street corporations with over-sized tax breaks that won’t benefit Iowans.
With the future of our economy dependent on a highly-skilled workforce, we also can’t afford to short-change opportunities for Iowans to get the skills they need to land a good-paying job. We’re going to work with the Senate and Governor Branstad to craft a responsible budget.
Tags: budget targets, Iowa Budget, Iowa House Republicans, Kevin McCarthy, Nick Wagner, Scott Raecker
Category 2012 Session Information, Budget, Featured, Recent News |
Author: deanfiihr Published: January 17th, 2012
House Democrats today encouraged Republicans to take quick action on two bills to prevent tuition hikes on national guard members and improve safety at Iowa’s correctional institutions.
“House Democrats are ready to take swift action this week and stop the tuition hike on national guard members. We are ready to work with Republicans and get the bill to the Governor’s desk before we return home for the weekend,” said Rep. Tyler Olson, D-Cedar Rapids, who leads Democrats on the House Appropriations Committee. “With most Iowa students already back at college for the spring semester, we need to take quick action to restore their tuition assistance before it’s too late.”
In December, the Iowa National Guard announced it would reduce awards for the Education Assistance Program from 90% to 50% because of high enrollment.
“Over the interim, we’ve heard from many Iowans with concerns about safety at our correctional institutions,” added Olson. “As legislators, we have an obligation to ensure the safety of workers in dangerous situations as well as protecting the general public from criminals.”
Olson said both bills will be filed tomorrow.
Tags: Iowa Correctional Institutions, Iowa House of Representatives, iowa national guard, National Guard Tuition, Prison Safety, Public Safety, Rep. Tyler Olson
Category 2012 Session Information, Budget, Featured, Public Safety, Recent News, Veterans |
Author: deanfiihr Published: January 10th, 2012
Governor Terry Branstad delivered the annual Condition of the State address in a joint session of the Iowa Legislature on Tuesday. Democrats joined the Governor’s call for bi-partisan on job creation and helping small businesses. In the photo below, State Representative John Wittneben of Estherville was one of the legislators who escorted Governor Branstad to the House Chambers.
Here’s the statement from Rep. Tyler Olson of Cedar Rapids, the lead Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee:
House Democrats are encouraged by the Governor’s focus in his budget on job creation and improving our schools. We are ready to work with the Governor and Republicans this session to help create jobs.
House Democrats will also oppose any effort to weaken the middle class or reward Wall Street over Iowa’s Main Street businesses.
In these tough economic times when many Iowans – including veterans returning from service overseas — are looking for work, we’re disappointed the Governor has no plan to reopen the workforce centers. We are committed to reopening the centers that will help Iowans learn new skills to land a good-paying job and help local businesses find workers.
Tags: Condition of the State, House Democrats, john wittneben, Terry Branstad, Tyler Olson
Category 2012 Session Information, Budget, Featured, Recent News |
Author: deanfiihr Published: November 7th, 2011
State Representative Dan Muhlbauer of Crawford County as Ranking Member of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Committee for the 2012 legislative session.
“As a life-long family farmer, Rep. Muhlbauer knows the critical role that agriculture plays in growing our economy and revitalizing rural communities. He is passionate about agriculture and making sure that rural Iowa isn’t left behind in the economic recovery,” said McCarthy.
In addition to serving as Ranking Member, Muhlbauer will also serve on Public Safety, Ways & Means, Veteran’s Affairs, and the Agriculture Committees.
“Ag and Natural Resources go hand in hand. This is why I feel this is a great position for me, because I am a lifelong farmer and I understand the importance of preserving our natural heritage,” Muhlbauer stated.
The 2012 legislative session starts on January 9th.
Tags: Dan Muhlbauer, Iowa Agriculture, Iowa Natural Resources
Category 2012 Session Information, Agriculture, Budget, Featured, Recent News |
Author: deanfiihr Published: June 6th, 2011
House Democrats requested today that the House hold a public hearing on the large budget omnibus bill HF 697, that was introduced late last week. The bill proposed spends $25 billion, the most in Iowa’s history, deserves public input and Republicans wanted to pass the bill before Iowans had a chance to weigh in.
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Iowa House of Representatives Chamber
Persons wishing to speak may sign up at the Legislative Information Office (LIO), Room G16, located in the Iowa State Capitol, or call the LIO at 515-281-5129. Please do not leave a recorded message by telephone. If unable to attend, you may e-mail written testimony to the LIO: lioinfo@legis.state.ia.us . Please type Testimony in the subject line.
Tags: Budget, budget bill omnibus, HF 697, public hearing
Category Budget, Featured, Recent News |
