Currently working its way through the legislative process is a massive 250 page bill with a plan for reorganization of state government. We should always be looking for ways to streamline government, but the need is especially great this year, given the $1.1 billion spending gap for the coming fiscal year.
Many of the ideas in the bill were already proposed by House Republicans last year, and I’m glad to see them now being considered. Our ideas in the bill include selling and privatization of the state vehicle fleet ($18 million), partial elimination of unfilled positions in state government (up to $14.5 million) and consolidation of information technology services ($1 million).
Unfortunately, there are also several items in the bill which I do not support.
HSB565 makes sweeping changes to Iowa’s Empowerment program, moving administration to the Department of Education and away from our local school districts. Empowerment has been very effective in helping to meet the needs of low income/at-risk students. We have seen great benefits locally from this program here locally.
The Governor’s proposed budget anticipates the reorganization bill will result in $341 million in savings; however the non-partisan Legislative Services Agency estimates the FY2011 savings at only $52.7 million. To bridge this gap, House Republicans recently offered another $290 million in cost saving proposals, yet none of these ideas have been considered.
Included in our new budget saving ideas include elimination of taxpayer funded lobbyists ($4 million), selling the Iowa Communications Network ($15 million), delayed implementation of the model core curriculum ($10.5 million), and cuts to office supplies and equipment ($5 million).
Our budget problems stem from overspending during the past several years. The solutions therefore, must come from responsible budget cuts, not tax increases.
