House GF Balance Sheet
FY 2013 House Targets

Today House and Senate Republicans joined together to release their budget targets. The Republican plan, crafted with job creators in mind, is a conservative approach that will create stability and certainty for all Iowans.

The Republican budget returns to the commonsense budgeting principles of aligning ongoing spending with ongoing revenue, ending the practice of using one-time money for ongoing expenses, and not intentionally underfunding entitlement programs.

“As economic uncertainty continues throughout the country, it is imperative that we take a conservative approach to the budget to give stability for Iowa’s job creators,” said House Speaker Kraig Paulsen (R-Hiawatha). “The best way to help Iowa’s employers is to keep control of government spending. “

Highlights of the Republican plan include:
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House Speaker Kraig Paulsen (R-Hiawatha) issued the following statement in regards to Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Matt Strawn’s departure:

“I want to thank Chairman Strawn for his work on behalf of Iowa Republicans. His dedication to advancing conservative principles is to be commended.

“Iowa Republicans are energized and committed to expanding our House Majority and electing conservatives who work to get the economy moving forward, put Iowans back to work and give taxpayers a seat at the table.”

Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Matt Strawn today announced he will be stepping down as the state’s top Iowa GOP party official, effective Friday, February 10. Strawn has served as chairman of the Iowa GOP since January 2009. The Republican Party of Iowa State Central Committee will be charged with setting the date to elect Strawn’s successor.

The prepared text of Strawn’s message to Iowa Republicans follows below:
January 31, 2012
Dear Iowa Republican:

In December 2008, when I campaigned to serve as your Chairman, my top goal was to make the Iowa GOP a relevant force again in Iowa politics by ushering in an era where the Republican Party returned to winning elections without betraying our conservative principles.
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Bipartisan Jobs Bill Kicks off the Year

Today the Iowa House passed the first bill of the 2012 Legislative session, House File 2042, a bill that requires all administrative rules created by state agencies must be accompanied by a ‘Jobs Impact Statement’.

The bill codifies a requirement previously put in place by Governor Branstad via Executive Order 71. It requires that every proposed rule contain a jobs impact statement which sets out in detail the impact of the proposed rule on state agencies, local governments, the public and Iowa businesses. Additionally, it must determine whether a proposed rule would have a positive or negative impact on private sector jobs and employment.

“House Republicans are committed to creating policies that put Iowans back to work. During these difficult economic times, we must not let government rules create uncertainty for Iowa’s businesses,” said House Majority Leader Linda Upmeyer (R-Garner). “The best way to put Iowans back to work is to advance policies that create an environment that encourages employers to keep and create jobs right here in Iowa.”

The bill passed the House unanimously and is now sent to the Senate for their consideration.

House Speaker Kraig Paulsen (R-Hiawatha) released the following statement regarding the efficiency report issued by the Iowa Department of Transportation:

“I commend Gov. Branstad and officials at the Department of Transportation for reviewing their department to find efficiencies. For those areas that require the legislature to act, we will begin the review right away.

“Iowans deserve an efficient and effective state government and House Republicans are going to continue to work hard to ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely.”

Taxpayer funds saved are equivalent to a two-cent highway user fee increase

Today, during his remarks at a Transportation Day 2012 event in Des Moines, Gov. Terry E. Branstad announced that the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) has identified $50 million in Road Use Tax Fund (RUTF) efficiencies.

The full report can be found here
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Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today welcomed the news that Southwest Airlines, along with its wholly-owned subsidy, AirTran Airways, confirmed today the intent to convert AirTran Airways operations at 22 domestic and international airports to Southwest operations over time.

Des Moines International Airport was one of the cities listed in their announcement.

Gov. Branstad and his administration have been in contact with Southwest Airlines executives since taking office last January, hoping to persuade them to bring their air service to Des Moines.
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Senate and House Republicans will be in Davenport on Saturday, March 26, 2011 as part of the Rules & Regulations tour. The event is open for the public and media.

WHAT: Davenport “Re-Open Iowa for Business” Rules & Regulations Listening Tour Event with Legislative Republicans and Brenna Findley, legal counsel for Governor Terry E. Branstad
WHEN: 10:00 am, Saturday, March 26, 2011
WHERE: Davenport Public Library, 600 Eastern Avenue, Davenport

After three days of debate, the House passed House File 525 on Friday. House File 525 makes changes designed to save taxpayer’s dollars. The bill does not eliminate Iowa’s collective bargaining law, rather it addresses two things: what is within the scope of negotiations between management and labor along with arbitration procedures.

“We’re leveling the playing field for taxpayers,” said Rep. Ron Jorgensen (R-Sioux City), the bill’s floor manager.

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(DES MOINES)—Speaker Pro Tem Jeff Kaufmann (R-Wilton) delivered opening remarks to the Iowa House of Representatives today. The following are his remarks, as prepared for delivery:

Thank you Representatives Chambers, Grassley, and Swaim. You are friends and colleagues and I will do my best to not let you down. And my appreciation to all of my fellow legislators; I have the greatest respect for all of you.

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