Posted by Kent Sorenson on February 4, 2010 · Leave a Comment
February 6, 2010
We are four weeks into this legislative session. The majority of our time has been spent dealing with the budget crisis that has been created by irresponsible spending and bad budget decisions. During Gov. Culver’s term, the gap between state spending and revenue has skyrocketed. In FY2009, the spending gap was $400 million, which increased to $800 million in FY2010. Fiscal Services is now estimating a $1.1 billion spending gap for FY2011.
One of the ways that the majority party has chosen to deal with this gap is to sponsor HF2001, which allows Iowa school districts to shift up to $380 million in employee benefit costs from the general fund to property taxes. If passed, HF2001 could result in up to $380 million in additional property taxes for Iowans – so much for “not raising your taxes.” (Governor Culver’s words)
Another way that the majority party plans to deal with the budget mess is to create yet another new operating structure of state government. Democratic leaders of the State Government Reorganization committee claim that there are “scores of millions of dollars to be saved.” However, last week we learned that the current recommended changes yield $1.7 million in FY2010, $28.9 million in the second year and $66.7 million in FY2012, which is far short of the earlier prediction of $200 million in savings from the chairs of the State Government Reorganization Committee, or the Governor’s prediction of $341 million.
If you were to go into a DHS Office, you would see signs declaring that social security numbers are not verified. Every year the people of Iowa spend millions of taxpayer dollars on services that are used by illegal immigrants. I have drafted a bill that requires the DHS to validate the social security number of all applicants before services are granted. The department would need to incorporate the verification requirement into all application processes in the most cost-effective manner. This action would save our state close to $100 million dollars per year.
As I write this newsletter, I am struck by the enormity of the job that lies ahead, particularly with Governor Culver and the Democratic party in control of the legislature. I would ask that all of you stay informed and involved in the business of your government and make your voice heard.
Representative Kent Sorenson
Kent.sorenson@legis.state.ia.us
515-962-2192
Posted by Kent Sorenson on February 1, 2010 · Leave a Comment
January 29, 2010
Iowa’s $1.1 Billion Spending Gap
Governor Culver has increased Iowa’s annual budget by $1 billion during the first three years of his term, and now we are going into fiscal year 2011 with a $1.1 billion spending gap. This is not a coincidence; it is gross mismanagement of our tax dollars. How much is a billion dollars, you say? Here’s how I picture it: You would have to spend $38,052 every single hour of the three years Culver’s been Governor to spend an extra billion dollars. That’s over $913,000 in additional spending every single day!
Government Reorganization Savings Inflated in Governor’s Budget:
Governor Culver included $341 million in Government Reorganization Savings for the FY2011 Budget. However, the Fiscal Impact Statement released on January 20 by the Legislative Services Division predicts only $29 million in savings for FY2011. This overinflated tally includes a shift of $50 million in State Patrol Costs to the Road Fund. Folks, shifting expenditures from one fund to another is not a savings to the taxpayers of Iowa.
I am all for shrinking Government if that is what we are truly doing, but I am not going to allow someone to use smoke and mirrors tactics to shift things around and call it something it is not. As I watch this unfold I am going to be honest to my constituents. Last year we offered over $300 million in cost saving ideas in amendments during floor debates and not one was accepted. Instead, the majority party choose to keep buying bug shields, leather seats, and Bose stereos for state cars, rather than being thrifty with Iowans tax dollars.
House Republicans are working to find real solutions to our state budget crisis, and I look forward to receiving your input as we continue this complicated process.
Respectfully,
Representative Kent Sorenson
515-962-2192
kent@kentsorenson.com
Posted by Kent Sorenson on January 26, 2010 · Leave a Comment
Iowa government is facing its toughest year yet. As you will read below, the current financial outlook for Iowa is bleak. But in the midst of all these problems, I want you to know that House Republican leaders are asking questions designed to hold legislators accountable and keeping the upcoming budget process transparent for all Iowans to scrutinize.
Iowa’s Spending Gap Rises Perilously
During Governor Culver’s term, the gap between state spending and revenue has skyrocketed. In FY2009, the spending gap was $400 million, which increased to $800 million in FY2010. However, fiscal services is now estimating a $1.1 billion spending gap for FY2011.
How Much Money Will Government Reorganization Save ?
Only a couple weeks ago, Democratic leaders of the State Government Reorganization Committee claimed that there were “scores of millions of dollars to be saved” through creating a new operating structure of state government. However, this week we learned that the current recommended changes yield only 1.7 million savings in FY2010, 28.9 million in FY2011, and $66.7 million in FY 2012, which is far short of the earlier prediction of $200 million in savings.
Property Taxpayers Beware! Education Bill Watch
House File 2001, sponsored by key Democrats, allows Iowa school districts to shift up to $380 million in employee benefit costs from the general fund to property taxes. If passed, HF2001 could result in up to $380 million in additional property taxes for Iowans.
In Your Community
I want to hear your input on addressing Iowa’s issues. Our first 2010 legislative forum is on Saturday, January 30 from 9-10 am at the Norwalk Library, 1051 North Avenue. I look forward to seeing you there!
As I write this newsletter, I am struck by the enormity of the job that lies ahead, particularly with Governor Culver and Democrats in control of the legislature. I’ll need your help this year to make sure our voices are heard.
Respectfully,
Rep. Kent Sorenson
Kent.sorenson@legis.state.ia.us
515-962-2192
Posted by Kent Sorenson on January 20, 2010 · Leave a Comment
The Iowa Legislature opened its 2010 session this week, and there is much to be done in Iowa to follow the will of its people. I am writing this newsletter to help you stay informed and be involved in your government. Together, we’ll hold our elected officials accountable – for both transparency in how they conduct the legislature, and how they spend our hard-earned money.
Governor Culver’s Condition of the State Speech
Governor Culver’s address on Tuesday included the statement, “I’m proud of the fact that we’ve balanced the budget three years in a row, without raising taxes on hardworking Iowans.” However, the governor has signed utility tax increases, employer tax increases, and levied a $250 million property tax increase during this time. He continually avoided taking responsibility for Iowa’s current budget crisis.
Did you know that over $7 million of the $165 million designated for disaster relief and prevention is being funneled to projects that aren’t even disaster related?
This year Iowans will have the opportunity of voting Culver out of office, but we have a tough year ahead keeping fiscal irresponsibility in check.
Let Us Vote Rally
On Tuesday, January 12, Iowans from all across the state once again came to the statehouse to ask their legislators to let them vote on a marriage amendment. I had the opportunity to speak to the 1000+ Iowans gathered and I am humbled by the overwhelming grassroots effort to protect the vital institution of marriage in Iowa.
Hot Topics Ahead
I’ll be keeping you informed as we take on numerous fundamental issues in this session, including balancing the state budget, improving education, addressing labor and unemployment issues, enacting gun legislation, and once again, preserving the institution of marriage in Iowa.
In Your Community
Join me for the first of our 2010 legislative forums on Saturday, January 30 from 9-10 am at the Norwalk Library, 1051 North Avenue. I look forward to seeing you there!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent our district in the House of Representatives. That responsibility means a lot to me, and I am working hard to ensure your voice is heard.
Respectfully,
Rep. Kent Sorenson
Kent.sorenson@legis.state.ia.us
515- 962-2192
Posted by Kent Sorenson on November 26, 2009 · Leave a Comment
It has been just over one year since I was elected to represent you at our state’s capitol. Let me say thank you to all of you who have given your time and resources as we work together to preserve our liberties we are so grateful for the encouragement you have given our family as we, with great humility, have the privilege to fight for Iowa values.
As our families take time to focus on what we are thankful for, let us remember our military families and their great sacrifice while they answer the call this country has placed on them.
Have a good time with your family and friends this Thanksgiving season.
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