Republicans in the Iowa legislature appear to be aiming for an overall spending plan that’s BELOW the revised budget Governor Terry Branstad has suggested for the next 15 months, while Democrats accuse the Republican governor of playing a “shell game” with the budget. Branstad says “difficult decisions” have to be made, given lower-than-expected state tax revenue.
Senator Charles Schneider, a Republican from West Des Moines, leads the senate committee that writes state budget plans. He says with uncertainty about state tax collections, it’s “smart” for legislators to consider cutting more deeply than Branstad recommends — to ensure lawmakers aren’t forced to make ANOTHER round of budget cuts in early 2018.
Democrats say the decision to borrow 131-million dollars from the state’s cash reserve to ensure the current year’s budget stays in the black is forcing Iowans to pay for Branstad’s “corporate tax giveaways.” Democrats also say the budget dilemma is proof the state’s economy is floundering under Branstad’s leadership.
