Published: December 03, 2008 10:50 am      

Culver plans to outline budget cuts next week

DES MOINES — Gov. Chet Culver said Tuesday that he plans to look at state agency budgets and outline potential cuts next week.

Speaking on a conference call, Culver told reporters he and Lt. Gov. Patty Judge would review proposals to trim state agency budgets and expects to outline a plan next week.

“We’ll take some time to really look at the options we have on the table, and I’ll make some decisions as soon as possible,” Culver said.

State officials are expecting budget problems because tax revenues are slowing at a time when previous state commitments will require additional spending.

Culver talked with reporters after meeting in Philadelphia with fellow governors as well as President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden.

Culver said he was impressed with Obama’s outreach to governors, adding that he had the opportunity to address Obama and Biden at a private meeting. Culver said he emphasized the need for an infrastructure package that would include more than just road and bridge work.

“One of the points that I made ... is that I hope our focus on infrastructure in the stimulus package not only focuses on roads and bridges but also railroads and the electrical grid as well,” Culver said.

The governor said that Biden approached him after he spoke and said he understood his point.

Culver said he also talked about the importance of making it easier for states to receive federal funds after a natural disaster.

He said the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to Iowa but that recovery efforts were slowed by red tape and bureaucracy.

“If you want economic stimulus, get the tens of billions of dollars earmarked (to states)... and it won’t cost any additional money,” Culver said. “It’s already been appropriated.”

Culver traveled to Washington after meetings in Philadelphia. He said he had several meetings scheduled, including one with Steve Preston, the secretary of Housing and Urban Development.