Legislative Council Adopts Cost Saving Measures
Fiscal responsibility and balancing the state budget were the top priorities of the Legislative Council that met today at the State Capitol in Des Moines.
“Just as families are forced to tighten their belts, state government and the Legislature are no different. We will do our part by cutting over 10% from the Legislature’s budget next year,” said House Speaker Pat Murphy of Dubuque, who noted that savings include a pay freeze for all legislative employees, reducing travel budgets, and cutting back next year’s legislative session by 10 days.
“We know we are faced with another difficult budget next year so we’ve approved a State Government Reorganization Commission to improve efficiency, eliminate duplication, reduce costs and modernize how government works,” said House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Des Moines. “We look forward to working with Governor Culver and the executive branch to find ideas that will not only save money for taxpayers, but also improve service to Iowans.”
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By a unanimous vote today, the Iowa House made sure that Iowans will not have to pay Iowa income taxes on the rebate checks they will be getting from the federal government this spring. It is estimated that rebates to Iowans will total about $1 billion.