State legislature remains at an impasse over the budget

Four months after the Iowa Legislature convened, it is stuck in an impasse over the state budget.

Lawmakers have been sent home as only their leaders remain in Des Moines to try to hammer out an agreement that will have the necessary support from both parties.

But State Senator Mary Jo Wilhjelm of Cresco doesn't like what she's been hearing lately.

She says she initially assumed the state legislature would eventually find common ground in continuing to save money where it could while keeping local schools, individuals with disabilities, the elderly and our veterans funded. 

Wilhelm points out that state revenues have been BETTER than anticipated.  Says Wilhelm, "The tough decisions we made over the last two years are paying off.  State government reorganization, reducing the number of state employees, and cutting wasteful corporate tax credits saved hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars. Iowa's state reserve funds are full at $600 million, and we will end this session with an additional $300 million in our accounts." 

Instead Governor Terry Branstad to support the large budget cuts proposed by the House.

Says Wilhelm, "I am worried about education for our students at every level—pre-school, K-12, community colleges and universities. I'm concerned about what will happen to some of our most vulnerable Iowans if we cut the RSVP program, nursing homes and mental health services. Unless your voices are heard, Iowa could needlessly be forced backwards in terms of education, quality of life and job creation."