The Iowa state Auditor says the state budget plan written by lawmakers and approved by the governor this spring is “sustainable and responsible.” The new 12-month state budget goes into effect July 1st and State Auditor Mary Mosiman had an overview.

 

Mosiman gives state policymakers a “B plus” grade on their budgeting.

Over the past few years policymakers have used the state’s 800-million dollar surplus to finance property tax relief and an education reform effort. Mosiman says that was possible as state tax revenue grew, but there’s just 80-million dollars in surplus left today.

 

More than eight-and-half BILLION dollars in state tax money will be spent over the next 12 months under the budget plan. At least seven BILLION dollars more in FEDERAL tax dollars will support state-run programs