April 27, 2006

HIGHLITES FROM THE SENATE

SENATOR MARK ZIEMAN

Negotiations regarding the details of the budget continue as of today. Last year we learned that the Governor and leaders of the House and Senate must all be at the table to hammer out a pre-agreed budget. Unfortunately, the Governor’s schedule has had him out of town and unavailable for any discussions. We will patiently await his return to the Capitol.

The main contention in these negotiations is setting the level of spending at a point the state can afford. I am very concerned that the level the House and Senate republicans have agreed to may not be sustainable. We have agreed to spend $281 million in new revenues, which is an increase of 5 ½% over last year.

We have a consensus to increase teacher pay more than the Governor proposed to us in January. Using Iowa State Education Association figures, the proposal would raise teacher pay from 41st to 32nd in the nation. My colleagues at the bargaining table tell me the Governor would likely have accepted this deal, but Senator Gronstal vetoed it, wanting more spending, which translates into more of your income.

Thanks to an Iowa economy that is moving at a brisk pace, considerably above early predictions, we are experiencing an unexpected increase in revenues. However, due to an increase in the level of spending, we have not repaid the rainy day fund or the Senior Living Trust fund that were raided in order to have balanced budgets in previous years. If we continue down this path of spending all we take in, we will be in dire straits the next time the economy slows or falters.

With no budget agreement currently on the radar, we have had time to work out the details of the whistle blowers protection bill. The bill, as proposed, only protects state employees. We want to encourage those forthright employees who report wrong doing and make sure they are fully protected.

As I told you in last week’s newsletter, I would foresee the legislature adjourning next week, but there is no guarantee.

SENATOR MARK ZIEMAN

Senate District 8

For further information or clarification, please contact me at the Capitol (515) 281-3371 or at my home (563) 864-3104