Update From The House
Straight Talk from Rep. Kent Sorenson
February 19, 2010
Budget Crisis Update
Governor Culver’s budget proposal is out of balance. “Expenditures exceed revenues by as much as $400 million,” says state auditor Vaudt. Unfortunately, we haven’t had the opportunity to debate the budget bill on the floor yet, but you can rest assured that I won’t be voting for a budget that spends more than we take in and I won’t be voting for an increase in your taxes. I will keep you up to date as we debate the various parts of the budget for FY 2011
Government Reorganization Bill Debate Underway
We began debate on the Government Reorganization Bill today and will be considering over 35 proposed amendments, many of which offer additional cost saving ideas. In last week’s newsletter I told you about a bill I sponsored (HF2263) that would save over $100 million by requiring the Iowa Department of Human Services to validate social security numbers before providing services. Were you aware that Iowa spends millions of taxpayer dollars on services provided to illegal immigrants? We will be offering this bill as an amendment to the reorganization bill this week. This amendment alone has the potential to nearly double the savings in the Government Reorganization Bill.
Elimination of the Federal Tax Deduction Again being Considered
Federal deductibility gives taxpayers the ability to deduct 100% of their Federal tax payments on their Iowa income tax returns. However, after last year’s outpouring from concerned citizens trying to stop this bill, the House Ways and Means committee has taken it up again for consideration. The matter was assigned to subcommittee in late January, just two weeks after the National Taxpayers Union released a poll stating that 77% of Iowans support keeping federal deductibility and believe it is in their best financial interest. Along with other House Republicans, I will work to ensure this bill does not go forward.
Forum with Rep. Kent Sorenson and State Auditor, David Vaudt – Saturday, February 20th
You are invited to attend this month’s forum in Indianola at the Administration Building, 301 North Buxton, 2nd floor. The forum will be held between 9:00-10:30 a.m. State Auditor, David Vaudt will be discussing the state budget. His presentation is very informative and interesting. If you have any questions regarding the forum, please contact Susan at 515-202-3733.
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.
Respectfully,
Rep. Kent Sorenson
Kent.sorenson@legis.state.ia.us
515-962-2192