‘Budget’ Archives

Sustainable Funding for Natural Resources

The Sustainable Funding for Natural Resources interim committee, which is co-chaired by State Representative Paul Bell of Newton, heard last week that an additional $150 million per year is needed to support Iowa’s natural resources. The goal of the committee is to find a sustainable funding for our natural resources needs, including parks and trails; soil and water conservation; and fish, wildlife, and other natural areas.

The committee also heard from legislative colleagues from Missouri, Minnesota, Michigan, and North Carolina on how they provide sustainable funding for natural resources. The committee hired Iowa State University’s Center for Agriculture and Rural Development to conduct a comprehensive review, analysis, and compilation of existing state and regional data concerning the economic impact and benefits of natural resources in Iowa. The committee will meet again December 11th and make recommendations to the full Legislature.

Category Budget, Environment |

Rep. Staed Appointed VC of Economic Dev Budget

State Representative Art Staed of Cedar Rapids has been named Vice-Chair of the Economic Development Budget Subcommittee by House Speaker Pat Murphy of Dubuque.

“With experience in both small business and education, I trust Rep. Staed to help us create good-paying jobs and make sure our workforce is prepared for the jobs in today’s global economy,” said Murphy.

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Category Budget, Candidates 2011, Jobs & Economy |

Tuition Increase Lowest Since 1980

The Iowa Board of Regents gave their first approval today to a 3.2 tuition increase at state universities next year, the lowest increase since 1980.   Keeping tuition affordable at our state univerisities was one of the top priorties of Democrats in the Iowa Legislature last year.

The scoop from the Cedar Rapids Gazette:

“Students at Iowa’s state universities will likely pay a 3.2 percent more in base tuition next year, after the state Board of Regents gave initial approval to proposed tuition increases today.
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Category Budget, Education, Uncategorized |

Statehouse News [10/18/07]

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Iowa House of Representatives

STATEHOUSE NEWS — October 18, 2007

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FORMER GOVERNORS REPORT ON HEALTH CARE PUBLIC HEARINGS

Last week, former Governors Terry Branstad and Tom Vilsack presented their report on the three health care public hearings that took place during September. The public hearings were held in connection with the Legislative Commission on Affordable Health Care Plans for Small Businesses and Families. Both Governors recommended that the Commission should focus on providing health care coverage for all Iowans. In addition, the Governors stated that money can be saved, and the health of Iowans can be improved, if there is a focus on controlling chronic conditions and improving wellness and prevention programs.
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Category Budget |

Revenue Estimates Coming In

The Revenue Estimating Conference (REC) held their quarterly meeting yester and increased their revenue estimate for FY 2008, from 4.2% to 5.1%. This means the state is estimated to experience an increase in revenues of $288.6 million over FY 2007, an increase of $49.1 million since the April 7th estimate. Revenue coming in to the state is meeting expectations for our 2007 & 2008 budget years. We are making it a priority to maintain a fiscally responsible budget while keeping our savings accounts and “rainy day” accounts full. We are currently on track to keep those committments.

REC Update – October 9, 2007 [link]

REC Update – Raw Data [link]

The REC also made their first estimate on FY 2009. The REC is estimating that FY 2009 revenues will increase by another 2.6% above the new FY 2008 revenue estimate. This means the state is projected to have net general fund receipts of $6.091 billion, which is $156.2 million more than is estimated to be raised in FY 2008. The REC will meet again in December to review both the FY 2008 and FY 2009 revenue estimates. The December estimate for FY 2009 is the estimate that the Governor and Legislature must use when crafting the FY 2009 budget during the 2008 session.

The Governor has recently recommended that executive agencies submit FY 2009 budgets that maintain status quo budgetary levels with minimal “cost of living” adjustments. According to Culver spokespeople:

One reason for the potentially slow growth in 2008-09 is that current-year growth is expected to be large, which makes it a tough act to follow. The panel said Tuesday that 2007-08 revenues should come in at $5.9 billion, up 5.1 percent from the year before. Much of the growth is because of the $1-per-pack increase in the cigarette tax earlier this year.Charles Krogmeier, Gov. Chet Culver’s top budget adviser and a member of the panel, said the 2.6 percent forecast would leave the state roughly $200 million short of the money it needs to cover built-in expenses from previous years. But he noted that much of the shortfall would be covered by a projected budget surplus at the end of the current year.”I’ve been meeting with the governor the last couple days to go over those budgets and see where we might make some adjustments to make up that gap,” Krogmeier said. He said most state agencies are being asked to submit level-funded budgets for 2008-09.

Category Budget, Uncategorized |