House Republican Leader Kraig Paulsen (R-Hiawatha) released the following statement in response to Gov. Culver’s budget press conference:

“Gov. Culver has a history of reckless and irresponsible budgeting. He’s approved the largest budget in state history, he forced an increase in property taxes by over $500 million, and he’s left a budget shortfall of over $1 billion for next year, including $600 million in Medicaid. Not to mention the wasteful pork barrel projects he supported, taxpayer money spent on things like heated sidewalks and a train station to nowhere.

“Iowans expect commonsense budgeting from their government; not pork barrel projects, careless debt spending and tax increases.

“House Republicans offered over $600 million in budget savings ideas. We’re committed to bringing sensible budgeting back to state government.”