Wilhelm: New state budget estimate shows the legislature can spend more money

Iowa State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald has issued a new state budget projection--one that predicts the state will have an additional $100 million in its ending balance when this fiscal year comes to a close on June 30th.

State Senator Mary Jo Wilhelm of Cresco says the new projection is evidence that Iowa's economy is recovering even better than expected.

Wilhelm says with $600 million in reserve funds and $400 million in the ending balance there is no need to deeply cut our local schools, community colleges and universities.

"These additional dollars can help protect Iowa's local schools and create new jobs. There are now 100 million more reasons why the compromises needed to end the session should be easier to find."