Published: March 24, 2009 08:38 am      

Tightening the state’s budget belt in troubled times

We continue to adjust state spending and boost job-creation efforts in response to the deepening national recession.

Although economic conditions have nosedived in recent months, I am more committed than ever to balancing the state budget without raising taxes and to increasing investment to create good-paying jobs across Iowa.

This legislative session, we’ve already responded to the national recession by cutting the current year’s General Fund budget by approximately $30 million. Democrats and Republicans are now working on an overall budget that cuts an additional $133.9 million from the Governor’s budget proposal.

There is plenty of evidence that national economic conditions are getting worse. The state’s Revenue Estimating Conference (REC) is scheduled to meet this week to review Iowa’s revenue forecast. If, as expected, the REC lowers its estimate for the state’s projected revenues, the Legislature will respond and make further budget cuts.

This year, we are tightening our belts, but we’ll work hard to fulfill the promises we’ve made on health care, education, jobs and renewable energy. Fiscal responsibility will help us keep our promises.

Where is the federal recovery money in Iowa?

Iowa is expected to receive approximately $1.9 billion in one-time, direct assistance as part of the new federal stimulus package.

You can see how that money is being used at http://recovery.iowa.gov. The web site helps Iowans learn about the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and also track state efforts to make the best use of Iowa’s funds, providing accountability and transparency.

In addition, the Iowa Department of Transportation, which was awarded $56 million in construction projects from ARRA funds, has created a similar web site on the benefit of federal funds to the state’s transportation system at www.iowadot.gov/recovery.

Upcoming public forums

• Maqouketa legislative forum sponsored by the Jackson County Farm Bureau and Maquoketa Area Chamber of Commerce at 9 a.m., Saturday, at Maquoketa City Hall.

• Clinton legislative coffee at 9 a.m., April 11, at the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce, 721 S. Second St.

To contact Sen. Stewart during the week, call the Senate Switchboard at (515) 281-3371. On weekends he can be reached at home at (563) 689-4523. E-mail him at roger.stewart@legis.state.ia.us.



Roger Stewart, a Democrat from Preston, is a member of the Iowa Senate representing District 13.