In This Issue. Republicans finally released their new budget proposal this week, but there are few specifics as to what specific programs or projects they will cut or eliminate. Such deep cuts could decimate some programs, including those of key importance to Iowans, such as education, environmental protection, and protection of children, the disabled and elderly.
Republicans also use fiscal gimmicks to help make their budget balance.
Worse yet, Republicans are planning their budget in a vacuum, refusing to share specific details with Democratic colleagues and the Governor. Without bipartisan discussion or public input, the budget proposal seems murky. I serve as the ranking Democratic member on the Health and Human Rights Appropriations Sub Committee. We were presented with the Republican budget on Wednesday morning and were told that we would approve it on Thursday morning. We objected to this process because we feel more time is needed to study the impact of the proposed cuts and give affected constituencies an opportunity to provide input.