IOWA Politics 26 Apr 2010 08:28 pm
2010 April 24 Your Capitol Voice
Your Capitol Voice
Representative Jeff Kaufmann
It has been two weeks since the end of the 2010 legislative session and time to pen my last column. Since adjournment I have had three additional forums with at least one to go.
There is acknowledgement among legislators of both parties that there was good bipartisan policy passed this session. There is also acknowledgement that there is still a large budget gap. Everyone agrees, with the exception of a few radical blogs, that this budget gap will be around 1 billion dollars. In fact at my Johnson County forum last week, all legislators, Republican and Democrat, agreed on this amount which is also confirmed by the State Auditor.
The real problem is that over 700 million in one-time money was used for ongoing expenses. Analyses that deny the seriousness of this budget gap intentionally leave out this crucial fact. The crux of the problem for next year is that the one-time dollars are likely gone and there are little to no more funds from which to take money.
We can argue as to whether we have a revenue issue or spending problem in this state, but what about a solution? Whether I agree or not, it was a duly-elected Legislature that had a large enough majority to pass the increased spending and these problem budgets. Next session Iowans will demand constructive discussion on how to truly balance the budget (as opposed to using one-time money and reserves) and how to control spending while providing needed services. Iowans will demand the legislature do better and they must. These issues will command my attention through the spring, summer, and fall. I will need your feedback now more than ever.
Open dialogue is always a challenge in an election year, but we can’t wait until after the November elections to craft solutions. I need to keep open the lines of communications here at home. This interim you will continue to see me in your community and attending your events. I plan, once again, to visit every city council and school board meeting in the District. I will likely attend hundreds of meetings, events, parades, and ceremonies in the next 9 months.
Please do not hesitate to contact me and do not hesitate to invite me to your community event if you think my presence would be constructive or helpful. My job is to reflect this District and expect nothing to change in my taking that expectation seriously.
Meanwhile I will return to the other facets of my life. I will be teaching a full load this summer and fall. I will be working to complete the South Bethel project in Tipton and a host of other historical projects. And of course, there is hay to make, fences to mend, and lambs and calves to get ready for market. Essentially I get to settle into the roles of what I am, and not just what I do.
Thank you for the honor of representing you at the State Capitol.
Contact Information:
E: mail: jeff.kaufmann@legis.state.ia.us
Mail: 2125 Old Muscatine Road Wilton IA 52778
Phone: 563-732-2902
