House Republicans proposed numerous spending reductions for the FY2010 budget (see partial list below), but House majority democrats shot every one of these proposals down.

Although House Democrats claim they are making $260 million in spending reductions, the spending data they distributed this week clearly shows their current budget still spends as much as the previous year.  House Republicans will be offering numerous cost savings ideas again this year, but we’re going to need a virtual public outcry to get democrats to make the necessary spending cutbacks.

Potential Medicaid Crisis Looming

Legislative Democrats plan to underfund Medicaid by $347 million in FY2011, using cash reserves to make up $187 million of the shortfall, and relying on Congress to extend the Medicaid matching rate for another $95 million – provided Congress votes for the extension. However, if these projections don’t occur, the General Fund contribution for Medicaid will amount to only half of the state’s need. Fast forward to FY2012, and Medicaid could need over half a billion in additional General Fund dollars.

In Your Community

We will have our Forum on Saturday, March 20^th from 9:00-10:00 a.m.  It will be held at the Administration Bldg., 2^nd floor, Indianola.

As always, 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.

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

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

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

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

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.

Marriage did play a role in my decision, and will be a key issue in our race, but it is a reflection of my motivation for running – not the motivation itself.  My reason for running comes from a lifetime of hard lessons, from an understanding of just how difficult it can be to raise a family, and from knowing what it’s like to overcome many obstacles along the way.  In short, I’m running not because I am convinced that I am better than anyone else in the district, but rather because I know that I am not.

Two years ago, I would never have imagined that I would be serving in the Iowa House.  I have never had political aspirations, and actually shied away from politics and politicians.  It wasn’t until I met our legislators, and figured out just how unwilling they were to listen to a constituent like me, that I finally got involved.

When I first went to visit the capitol, I watched Senator Appel turn red in the face when asked to defend her actions on the Senate floor.  Instead of thanking me for paying attention, or even trying to convince me that my impression of her was wrong, she just flatly said, “this conversation is over,” and walked away.  I thought that was shockingly disrespectful, until I tried to meet the man who was then our State Representative.  When I asked to speak to him, he came to the front door of the House, looked out at me and the friends that were with me, turned around and went back inside.  We waited for over two hours, but he never again so much as showed his face in the capitol rotunda that afternoon.

As a result, of watching my State Senator walk away from me rather than answer honest questions, and after watching my Sate Representative hide from his constituents, I decided that something had to change.  I knew we needed new representation in the legislature, but I decided early on that I would not be that guy.

I had a picture in my mind of what an elected official looks like, and I certainly didn’t fit the bill.  I thought that politicians were people who came from privileged backgrounds, that they were well connected with powerful people, and that they were more or less born to serve in elected office.  I’m not sure why I thought that office holders were such a separate and privileged class, but I was pretty sure that I had no business running for office.

I’m more than a little too short for my weight, I’m bald, and I’m not especially well known for my diplomacy.  I’m a father of six, who has had to work hard to make my way in the world, and who has a colorful past.  For example, I was married and a father before I could legally drink.  I was anything but a “good boy” growing up, and found myself getting into trouble via the many temptations this culture has to offer.  As a young man an older man I looked up to violated the trust I put in him, which took me years to overcome.  I was essentially the guy you wouldn’t want your daughter to marry, until my wife whipped me into shape and God got a hold of my heart.  As a father of a teenage daughter now, its obvious God has a sense of humor because I find myself trying to protect her from the very sort of boy I was.

I have been poor, abused, and written off.  I know what it feels like to be given up on.  I know what happens to your life when you do the bad things the culture wants to say are really good.  Like many of you, I know what the real world is like, and that it’s not always easy to do the right thing when everyone else seems to be getting away with doing the wrong one.

If they would’ve handed out an award in high school for “least likely to ever run for office” I certainly would’ve won it.  Nevertheless, someone had to take a stand, and my problem was no one was willing to rise up and run against an incumbent in a district that favors the democrats in an anti republican year.

That left me with a dilemma. I could allow my appearance, my business, or my past to keep me from running, or I could step forward and see what happened.

I chose to step forward.

With your help, I beat that incumbent for his Statehouse seat last year, and this year I need your help to rid this district of another elitist politician this go around.  I have nothing to hide.  My life was not always pretty, but it is an example of the grace of God and the power of second chances.  Many of you in this district could use a second chance, and we all could certainly use a little grace.

I’m just like you.  I have kids I love but am not always sure I can afford.  My wife and I have the same ups and downs you have.  We never seem to have enough money, and our family history isn’t a Hallmark Card.  But we believe in the America Dream.  Shawnee and I teach our children that if you do the right thing more often than not, you can be successful here in Iowa.

Sadly, Staci Appel and Chet Culver are remaking Iowa in their image, and if we don’t stop them before it’s too late we’ll leave our children and grandchildren with an Iowa our parents and grandparents wouldn’t recognize.  An Iowa where elites fatten the wallets of their political cronies while your jobs leave the state, and an Iowa where unelected judges impose their twisted morality on the rest of us without allowing us the fundamental right to vote.

Despite my obvious imperfections, I’m willing to take a stand because there’s too much at stake.  But I can’t make that stand alone.  I need your help, and we are better together.  The history of this republic has shown that whenever we the people rise up collectively and take a firm stand, the establishment eventually surrenders.  I want us to make that history happen again.

Please join us for what will sure to be an exciting event with Congressman Ron Paul of Texas who enjoys a national reputation as the premier advocate for liberty in politics today. Dr. Paul is the leading spokesman in Washington for limited constitutional government, low taxes, free markets, and a return to sound monetary policies based on commodity-backed currency.

This will be a great opportunity to come and support Kent for his Senate Bid!

The Event itself will be a free will offering.

Host Committee Spots Available (includes private meeting with Congressman Paul)

Please Contact
Susan Geddes
515-202-3733

Please RSVP to sgeddes0@aol.com (sgeddes zero)

Date:         Saturday November 14th 2009

Time:        9:30am – 10:30am

Place:        Des Moines Airport Holiday Inn – 6111 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA

Recall a fiscal year runs from July 1st through June 30th and we are currently in FY2010.

The previous REC estimate for FY 2010 was $5.843 billion, or negative 1.4 percent compared to actual adjusted FY 2009.   The new estimate is $5.438 billion, or negative 8.4 percent compared to FY 09.   This is $415 million lower than the estimate used to create the FY 2010 budget.

As a result the Governor ordered a 10% across the board cut.   This cut applies to all General Fund expenditures regardless of need or priority.  The cut the Governor made is somewhat larger than was necessary in order to hedge against a further reduction in December and possibly provide some backfill next January.

Most Iowans will see the impact of this cut in their property tax bill.   Among other things, an across the board cut reduces the state funding for the K-12 education foundation formula.    This is the amount the state provides school districts on a per pupil basis.   As across the board cut does not reduce the amount of money a school district can spend.

If the state does not provide its statutory share, school districts have three options:    cut spending, use reserves or raise property taxes.   My expectation is cash reserves will be the first response.   However, realize these cash reserves will almost certainly be refilled using the cash reserve tax levy against property.

As a result of the Governor’s actions, Iowans could see their property taxes increase as much as $250 million dollars.

Last spring when this budget was passed we could see all this coming and nothing the REC said or did was a surprise.  Even with this information the current year’s spending was the largest in the history of Iowa.   We did not have to be in this position.

Additionally, the REC initial estimate for FY 2011 is $5.412 billion, or negative 0.4 percent compared to the new estimate for FY 2010.   Because of the promises that have been made, next year is again going to be a very difficult year.

The state has a severe spending problem and it needs to stop.   Programs and expenditures need to be reviewed for need and benefit to Iowa.  Those that fail the test or are at the bottom of the list need to be eliminated – not reduced by10%.

You may recall that during the 2009 legislative session, House Republicans offered over $330 million in cost-saving measures.   Nearly all were rejected.   Also rejected was a searchable budget database that would allow Iowans to see how the state is spending taxpayer dollars.   Targeted and meaningful budget efficiencies are more responsible than resorting to haphazard across the board cuts.

We cannot continue down the path we are on we need bold leadership from our elected officials.   The Governor should of called a special session  so we could better evaluate the cuts.   Every program the State has is not of equal importance.   So we should of prioritized the cuts accordingly.   Rest assured that my colleagues and I will address this when given the opportunity.