From the Des Moines Register today: First, cut in half the money given to each state agency. Then ask leaders of those agencies to explain why they should get as much money as last year, Republican state lawmakers said Monday.

That’s how the budget process should work in the Iowa Legislature this year, said Senate Republican Leader Paul McKinley and House Republican Leader Kraig Paulsen.

It was their idea about how lawmakers can pare spending in the midst of a recession that’s putting a stranglehold on Iowa tax revenues. But the decisions on how lawmakers handle their budget committees will be up to the Democrats who control both chambers of the Legislature.

McKinley, in a meeting with reporters and editors of The Des Moines Register, said: “I would like to start with the assumption that every appropriations committee cuts in half the amount of money that various agencies received last year and then have justifications from those various departments and agencies why they should receive more.”

“I think they should show why Iowans’ hard-earned tax money should go toward the various programs they’re recommending,” added McKinley, who is from Chariton.

Paulsen, who is from Hiawatha, agreed.

One Democratic leader seemed open to the idea.

“It’s an idea worth considering as we seek to balance the budget responsibly and keep our commitments,” said Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal of Council Bluffs.

Source: Des Moines Register

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