Fiscal Mismanagement, Historic Spending Levels Define Governor

Governor Culver raises taxes on flood victims and teachers

DES MOINES, IA – Senate Republican Whip Steve Kettering (R-Lake View) issued the following statement today regarding Governor Culver’s shifting of funds to pay for the largest budget in state history:

“During the legislative session, Governor Culver forgot about teachers and flood victims by choosing not to couple with federal income tax law. Apparently, the Governor forgot about them again today when he claimed he balanced the budget without raising taxes.”

“Iowans expect an open and honest budget done in broad daylight and not secret deals in back rooms to shift money around to balance the budget.”

“Iowans can expect Senate Republicans to continue to offer smart solutions to curb excessive spending, reduce the size of state government and provide accountability and transparency.”

Kettering: Unfettered Democrat Spending Spree Continues

Another day, another $175 million put on Iowa’s credit card while Iowa families make sacrifices

DES MOINES, IA – Senate Republican Whip Steve Kettering (R-Lake View), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement today in response to Senate Democrats spending another $175 million for general maintenance.

“Senate Democrats irresponsibly put another $175 million on the state’s credit card to pay for general maintenance after driving up hundreds of millions in deficits during the last two years after Iowa’s budget grew by nearly a billion dollars, clearly an unsustainable rate.”

“Had Governor Culver and legislative Democrats budgeted with responsibility and followed the lead of Iowa families and employers, our state would have the available funding to pay for general maintenance without saddling our children and grandchildren with hundreds of millions of dollars of debt. Iowans are tired of government not living within its means and they are tired of having their tax dollars being used for unfettered spending sprees.”