The 2010 Legislative session has adjourned for the year and during the interim while legislators are not in session (May thru December) I will be monitoring the Revenue Estimate Conference Committee's reports to ensure Iowa is in good fiscal standing and be prepared to voice my concerns if the budget is out of line.

Those of you who know me and follow my voting record understand that I am fiscally conservative especially during these uncertain economic times.

As I review multiple reports from various sources I am optimistic that our economy is improving and we are on a rebound.

If you have any friends who are not on the list encourage them to subscribe. Please feel free to contact me at 515 988 2344 if you have questions or concerns.

As always, I’m honored to serve you.



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Fiscal Year Ends with Economy Improving

With preliminary numbers showing a $265 million unexpected revenue gain, the state will likely end the 2010 fiscal year with a strong budget surplus of over $300 million. While the state won’t officially close the books on fiscal year 2010 for a couple months, the unexpected gain is a sign the state’s economy is improving.

The Revenue Estimating Conference had projected a $500 million decline in revenues from fiscal year 2009, an estimate that assumed Iowa would lag behind the national recovery. The preliminary figures released after the state fiscal year ended on June 30 show the state experiencing a $235 million decline in revenues, leaving $265 million in an unexpected gain.

The Legislature balanced the fiscal year 2010 budget by limiting general fund expenditures to $5.3 billion, leaving a projected ending balance of $100 million. These new revenue figures will push up the end of the year surplus to over $300 million. Read More

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“Curb It-Click It” Campaign for Safe Roads

Jointly with the Governor’s Office, the Departments of Transportation and Public Safety launched the “Curb It-Click It” campaign in an effort to make Iowa’s roads safer. This campaign comes as a result of two bills passed by the Legislature: banning texting while driving and the youth seatbelt law.

Detailed information about Iowa’s seatbelt and texting laws can be found at www.iowadot.gov/CurbItClickIt. Read More

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Efficiency Efforts Save Taxpayers $300 Million

A newly released report says actions taken by the Legislature to make state government more efficient will save Iowa taxpayers $300 million over the next two years. The savings, which are $30 million more than originally anticipated, come from a package of government reorganization bills approved during the 2010 legislative session. Read More

With Anniversary of GI Bill, $3 Billion in Benefits Issued