Senator Jerry Behn Details Plan for Healthier Economy

Building a strong Iowa with a healthy economy is so important.

One of the best ways to do that is to have a government that provides certainty and confidence to those businesses, employers and job creators in our communities.

That’s why Senate Republicans are joining with Governor Branstad and House Republicans to lay out specific plans to make government more accountable to you, the hardworking Iowa taxpayer.

Here are the details:

Constitutional Spending Limit

Put the 99 percent spending limit into the Constitution so taxpayers will have permanent protection against excessive state spending.  A law can be easily repealed or temporarily suspended to allow spending beyond our revenue. 

Super Majority Vote to Approve State Debt

Require a 60 percent majority vote in the Iowa House and Senate, as well as the governor’s signature, to authorize state borrowing.  Governor Culver’s IJOBS borrowing scheme yielded few permanent jobs but is costing Iowa taxpayers $55 million a year and will continue to do so for the next 20 years.

Reduce Boards and Commissions and Review Regulations

Embark on a process of review and reform that result in the elimination of at least 25 percent of all state boards and commissions.  Require a comprehensive review to simplify, update, streamline and eliminate outdated or burdensome administrative rules.

Fight Fraud with Technology

Make sound investments in new technology to intensify state efforts to identify and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in the provision of state benefits. 

Fair Pay and Benefit Plans

Agree on a pay and benefits plan that is fair to both state employees and taxpayers. 

Everyone Contributes to Health Insurance

Require all state employees and legislators to pay a portion of their health insurance.  Over 80 percent of all state employees pay nothing for their health insurance which is out of step with vast majority of Iowa taxpayers.

Biennial State Budget

Adopt a two year budget for state government in the first year of a General Assembly.  Biennial budgeting results in slower spending growth and provides stability and predictability for those receiving the services as well as those taxpayers paying the bills.

Lower Iowa’s High Income and Property Taxes

In addition to a stable budget climate, businesses and homeowners need to understand Iowa’s commitment to reducing our high income and property taxes.  The state can directly aid job growth by creating a more competitive tax climate that invites investment and development in Iowa.

This common sense plan will protect the family budget while also ensuring that government provides the basic services that we depend on.

If the right leadership is in place, there is no question that this plan can be implemented. When that happens, the taxpayers of Iowa will be the true winners.

Thanks for your time and as always, I want to hear from you and I can be reached by phone at 515-281-3560 or by e-mail at Jerry.Behn@legis.iowa.gov

Jerry Behn

Senate Republican Leader

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