House Republican Leader Kraig Paulsen (R-Hiawatha) delivered closing remarks to the Iowa House of Representatives today. The following are his remarks, as prepared for delivery:
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, ladies and gentleman of the House,
As we close another General Assembly, I want to begin by thanking the members of the Republican caucus. Thank you for your service, for your thoughtfulness in lawmaking and for your trust and friendship. It’s an honor to serve as your leader. Thanks to this year’s leadership team: Rod Roberts, Jeff Kaufmann, Steve Lukan, Matt Windschitl, Dave Deyoe, Erik Helland and Renee Schulte. Your efforts leading our caucus, on behalf of Iowans, are very much appreciated. A special thank you to the Republican Whip, Linda Upmeyer. You’re always willing to take on new challenges and your excellent leadership and commitment to House Republicans and the State of Iowa are much appreciated.
There are numerous staff members who make this building operate. Thank you for all for your hard work. Specifically, I want to thank the House Republican staff: Noreen, Jeff, Josie, Lew, Lon, Brad, Ann, Matt, Tony, Kristi and Jason. I continue to be impressed at how hard you work to keep us informed and focused. You are the best caucus staff in the building. Thanks to our page, Daxton Oberreuter– you helped our office run smoothly, we appreciated your work this year and wish you luck next year at UNI.
Representatives May, Rants, Roberts, Sorenson, Struyk, and Tymeson, the House Republican caucus is better for your service. Thank you to all House retirees. The state of Iowa is a better place because of your service and we all wish you the best of luck.
Thank you also to Speaker Murphy and Leader McCarthy. You committed to include Republicans in the process and in the ways you could, you followed through on your promise. I appreciated that. You heard us out on our proposal to reorganize government. While Republicans think the final bill did not go far enough to find savings, we believe Iowans were better served because both parties were included in the process and worked together towards a common goal. In the end, we were left with a bill that was a step in the right direction.
At the start of the session I said that House Republicans would focus on three things. 1– Creating an environment which welcomes employers and encourages them to invest in our workforce. 2– Passing an affordable and responsible budget and 3– Standing up to the creeping federal intrusion into the lives of Iowans.
Unfortunately, 111,000 Iowans remain out of work and instead of working with employers, this body saddled them with more regulation and targeted them with property tax increases. Instead, we spent time on cowl lamps and lead wheel weights. This body even took the time to debate and spend money on heated sidewalks.
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Budget, Press Releases, Taxes | admin | August 18, 2010 | 
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Yesterday Gov. Chet Culver committed the property taxpayer to another round of tax increases. He promised a 4 percent increase for fiscal year 2012 in allowable growth, the state aid provided to Iowa’s schools. According to the non-partisan Legislative Services Agency, Culver’s pledge would be roughly a $338 million increase in school spending authority. At a minimum, current law says $40 million would fall on the property tax payer.
