April 26, 2007

HIGHLITES FROM THE SENATE

SENATOR MARK ZIEMAN

I have learned during my years in the Senate that the length of each legislative session is much like being at a shopping center – the longer you are there, the more money you spend. The impact of each legislative session is often not realized until long after the final gavel falls.

In 1994, Republicans held a control trifecta, with majorities in both chambers and a Republican governor. That year a 10% income tax reduction was enacted. With Democrats holding a trifecta this year, spending has increased by $540 million. Taxes and fees have been raised by $170 million. There are built-in increases for next year of over $700 million.

Consider this, a six billion dollar budget equates to a tax debt of $2,000 for every man, woman and child in our state. After the built-ins and the raises in taxes and fees, add another $400 each.

In 1970, Iowa’s budget hit the one billion dollar mark for the first time. By the time these current increases are fully implemented, our budget will top out at 6.5 billion dollars. That is astonishing, given the fact that the state’s population has not increased over the last 37 years.

The past Republican trifecta spent dollars to assure job creation. However, that has been undone this year by the assault on the Right to Work law. This proposal saw a chilling affect on economic growth. Companies considering locating in Iowa decided to look elsewhere.

There has been much discussion regarding providing affordable health care, but little accomplished. Property tax reform turned into a residential property tax increase.

This has been a session with an agenda of growing government, passing mandates and assault on our business climate. I hope adjournment comes before the shopping center is forced out of business.

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.