State budget package details reform and funding allocations
The bill outlines a $6.244 billion general fund with a 3.8 percent rise and $230 million extra. It preserves $5.136 billion enacted, dedicates $1.118 billion pending, and predicts 4.2 percent revenue growth with no tax increases. It restructures $17 million, trims $2.5 million from professional development and $5.2 million from class-size grants, caps K 12 growth at 2 percent for five years, adds $20 million to state universities and $25 million to higher ed with 10 percent annual phase-down, proposes $18 million regionalized services, adds $6.5 million for corrections officers this year and $14 million next year, and sets multi year local property tax relief with state reimbursements plus new activity growth. Fiscal 2012 includes $6.5 million for prison staff and $7.5 million for film tax credits, revising the general fund to $6,014 billion.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
CBC
Branstad outlines school transformation and growth goals
Gov. Terry Branstad’s Condition of the State speech centers on school transformation and an ambitious economic expansion. He cites Iowa’s improved finances enabling policy moves to spur job creation and growth, likening opportunity to a farmer’s harvest and stressing work ahead for results.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Branstad
Terry Branstad
Des Moines
Iowa
Branstad plan targets tax cuts and education reforms in Iowa
The proposal outlines a 40 percent cut in commercial property taxes over eight years and a $25 million first year investment in a High Quality Jobs Program with a $2 return per $1 spent. It also calls for GPA requirements, licensure testing, kindergarten readiness, end of course exams, college entrance testing, third grade reading assurance, performance-based layoffs, charter school ease, and task forces to study teacher pay and school days.
Iowa lawmakers hear Branstad plan for DOT savings
Iowa Department of Transportation Director Paul Trombino testified on Governor Branstad’s proposal to save 50 million within a 1.2 billion budget, focusing on efficiencies rather than a gas tax increase. He cited partnerships with cities and counties as key to maximizing investment amid a 215 million need. In the Capitol, 500+ demonstrators urged putting the common good before corporate greed during Branstad’s Condition of the State address.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
DOT
Iowa Department of Transportation
Paul Trombino
Terry Branstad
House Transportation Committee
Trombino
Trombinio
Iowa
Branstad
Iowa Lawmakers Clash Over Tax Reform and Workforce Plans
Rep Tyler Olson accuses governor of lacking a plan to reopen workforce centers while opposing any move that harms Iowa's middle class. Senate leaders criticize his tax shift approach as shifting from commercial to residential. Speaker Kraig Paulsen urges timely property tax reform. Sen Rob Hogg condemns floods and lack of agenda. AFSCME President Danny Homan calls prison staffing funding insufficient and guards at risk.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
House
Wall Street
Iowa
Kraig Paulsen
R-Hiawatha
Senate
Danny Homan
Afscme Council
Also Mentioned on This Page
Governor's Office
Department of Management
Statehouse
Iowa Department of Manager
Rod Boshart
James Q. Lynch
the Gazette
Annette Schulte
Laurie Harker
Associated F
Capitol Digest
Federation of State
Tim Albrecht
van Meter
Ankeny
Mary Mascher
O4owa City
Mascher
Tyler Olson
Cedar Rapids
Appropriations Committee
Mike Gronstal
Council Bluffe
Rob Hogg
Rae
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