by Art Smith | Feb 1, 2010
This week’s Conservative Reader Report will feature an interview with George Eichhorn, who is an Iowa House member and candidate for Iowa Secretary of State. We’ll talk with George about both the goings on at the State house, and what he plans to do as Secretary of State.
In the second hour, Liberal Edge host Bruce Stone will join us for a discussion about the Iowa Republican Platform. Bruce wants to challenge us on some of the planks from 2008. Better put a helmet on, eh? Plus we’ll have the news on issues you care about most, along with the Smart and Dumb politicians of the week!
We want your phone calls (515-327-1007 or 888-327-1007) and comments in the Chat Room, so join us at www.desmoineslocallive.com at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, February 2!
Only on, The Conservative Reader Report!
by Art Smith | Jan 26, 2010
Independent gubernatorial hopeful Jonathan Narcisse will be joining us in the studio today to talk about his campaign and all the things he thinks he can do to help Iowa. Kevin Hall, The Des Moines Conservative Examiner, will also be in the studio helping me pepper Jonathan with questions. You can also ask questions of Jonathan, by calling in at 515-327-1007 or 888-327-1007. Two full hours with the former Des Moins School Board member!
As usual, we will also be talking about the political news of interest to you today, a preview of the State of the Union address planned for Wednesday night, along with the smart and dumb politicians of the week, only on The Conservative Reader Report on Des Moines Local Live!
Programming note: we will be filling in for Dr. Pat Bertroche this Friday on The Reasonable Republican, also on Des Moines Local Live, airing from 2 to 4 PM!
by Art Smith | Jan 18, 2010
This week on The Conservative Reader Report, we will have Shane Vander Hart from Serve Our Youth as our guest during the first hour to talk about mentoring opportunities and an update on how the new programs at Server Our Youth are progressing.
During the second hour, Craig Robinson of the The Iowa Republican and Kim Lehman, one Iowa’s representatives to the Republican National Committee and President of Iowa Right To Life. Our topic will be the purpose and future of political parties in America.
We’ll have updates on the Iowa Legislature’s first week of session, along with the Dumb and Smart politicians of the week.
Only on The Conservative Reader Report!
by Art Smith | Jan 12, 2010
Today Iowa’s Governor Culver walked up to the brink of his career, looked down, and jumped. The lead up to this event were announcements that he would “set the record straight” on the budget, provide “big, bold” ideas for Iowa and a “surprise” for schools. All of these sound like great sound bites to attract viewers, but Chet needed a compelling message and earnest delivery. Instead, he brought the same “rah-rah” cheer that has kept Iowa spending itself into oblivion, with a severe lack of enthusiasm in his voice. And the best word he could use to describe the condition of Iowa: resilient.
Chet’s speech was a big “cheer” for IJOBs, a contentious program at best, and he was heavily defensive of the program bought with our grandchildren’s taxes (if they become gamblers). Rightly so, the Governor promoted the “successes” of the past year, many of which Iowan’s should be proud, such as the late year AFSCME agreement and progress in rebuilding from weather-related disasters. But while proclaiming that the new budget will be balanced, he provided scant information on how that would be accomplished aside from a priority to “reorganize government”.
And for the hundreds of Iowans who showed up today on both side of the Definition of Marriage issue, not a peep.
Of course, he also did not speak to Fair Share, Prevailing Wage, or repealing Federal Deductability. But then, why stir the pot?
It has taken far too long for the Governor to respond to critics regarding his handling of the state’s budget, a problem which started a year ago (or even prior to that, but let’s not digress) when the Governor presented a monstrous budget recommendation which led to the largest spending plan Iowa has ever seen (during a recession no less) and pressed for legislators to borrow $650 Billion (costing Iowans $1.4 Billion). The problems this has created didn’t just get dropped on Culver’s doorstep last week… it’s been worsening since the 2009 Legislative session concluded. His effort to “set the record straight” on his management of the budget this past year amounted to little more than the usual creative accounting and deflection. His answer to critics: “Our budget has been balanced every day”. Eyes were rolling throughout the chamber during that line.
As far as his “big, bold” ideas are concerned, there’s no doubt it’s big. The Governor is clearly anxious to continue spending money he doesn’t have, and wants the legislature, among other things, to take money from the Roads Fund to pay for increases to the State Patrol and Department of Public Safety. This amounts to cost-shifting, and it will quickly catch up with us. If we can’t operate from the state’s operating revenues, we’ll have more of the same mess that was created last year by using Federal Stimulus money to finance operating expenses. The problem: when that money is gone we won’t have anywhere else to go. To fund these great ideas, at the end of the day, we will be raising taxes, whether by repealing Federal Deductability, raising fees, or raising those things actually called “taxes”.
Culver’s number one priority, rightly, is Jobs. His solution, funding training programs, is wrong. What’s needed are changes in government policies to help businesses be more productive and consumers to have more resources to stimulate economic growth. No amount of money poured into training is going to create jobs.
The “surprise” for schools is exactly that… a 2% increase in spending on schools. This was not just a surprise for the school districts… the collective “gulp” from Democratic lawmakers was palpable. It will be interesting to see if that’s an increase over the original spending level or the post-10% reduction. Either way, this increase means even more money will need to be cut elsewhere, and neither the Governor nor the Legislature has shown the gumption to stand up and say what everyone else knows: we have to start completely cutting unnecessary programs. But as long as the Governor is “proud” of such things as the fact that we will have the best 21st century Veterans Home, we will be fighting a losing battle.
If the Governor is serious about funding quality education in the state, this plan still does not get us there. Forcing schools to use up their cash reserves doesn’t help either. Culver and the legislature need to grasp that the state can’t necessarily solve every education problem. Far better to work toward real consolidation as Iowa’s school district populations fall, and hold school districts accountable for how they spend state money.
Clearly, our Governor is trying very hard to get Iowa back on it’s feet. But trying hard and succeeding can be two entirely different things. The Governor, although starting to understand the realities of economics, is still flailing around in hopes of being lucky enough to hit that perfect solution that solves all of our problems at once.
It’s not going to be that easy.
The fact is, we need to cut this budget back to the bones… or perhaps just start over again. What do we really need the government to do for us? Unfortunately, there is an awful lot of money being spent on Iowans “wants”. This should not even be the focus of government, but that’s what it has turned into.
And no one in power in Des Moines has the will to do what’s needed.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
One other point: the Governor mentioned that he and the Lt. Governor (Patty Judge) will be going on an “Iowa Jobs Tour”. You’d think he might want to combine this tour with his upcoming campaign… oh, wait…
by | Jan 12, 2010
(DES MOINES)—House Republican Leader Kraig Paulsen (R-Hiawatha) commented on the governor’s condition of the state address today.
“The governor needs to be straight with Iowans, he has raised taxes to balance his budget and that is unacceptable. Balancing the budget is not good enough if it’s on the backs of the taxpayer.
“Among others, the governor has signed utility tax increases, raised taxes on Iowa employers, and a $250 million tax levied on property tax payers. The governor has repeatedly proposed and signed over a half a billion dollars in tax increases.
“Iowa families have been tightening their belts but, they can no longer be asked to carry the weight of this governor’s mistakes and mismanagement.â€
by Art Smith | Jan 12, 2010
After three years of job losses, unbalanced budgets and property tax increases, Governor’s record does not match his rhetoric.
DES MOINES, IA – Senate Republican Leader Paul McKinley (R-Chariton) issued the following statement today regarding Governor Culver’s Condition of the State Address delivered to a joint session of the 83rd General Assembly:
“I reject the notion that Governor Culver has balanced the budget without raising taxes. Iowans are faced with the reality of higher property taxes and they know better than to believe the governor’s hollow rhetoric.
“Governor Culver cannot continue promoting legislation that creates barriers to job growth, encourages employers to leave our state, raises property taxes and expect Iowans to believe he is serious about creating long-term private sector jobs.
“The Governor and I can agree on one thing and that is that Iowans are resilient. They have been resilient in the face of obstacles created by this Governor to job creation, economic prosperity and fiscal responsibility. Senate Republicans intend to focus on solutions that will make it easier for long-term sustainable jobs to be created, to provide necessary property tax relief and to craft a budget that is fiscally responsible and sustainable.
by Art Smith | Jan 11, 2010
Tomorrow is Governor Culver’s big Condition of the State speech (or “State of the State” speach, which some have dubbed an “SOS”). We will be at the Statehouse watching the speech, providing commentary here at The Conservative Reader: Iowa, at The Des Moines Register’s web site and on The Conservative Reader Report (www.desmoineslocallive.com) in the afternoon at 3:00 PM.
On the show I will have Iowa House Member Erik Helland from Polk County, and Senator Shawn Hamerlinck from Senate District 42 (parts of Scott and Clinton Counties), along with Kim Lehman, President of Iowa Right to Life and Iowa’s Committee Woman to the Republican National Committee (RNC).
During the first hour we’ll be talking about the Condition of the State speech, along with thoughts about the session’s agenda with all three of our guests. During the second hour, we’ll be discussing the RNC Resolutions currently under consideration with Kim Lehman.
Your calls are welcome at 515-327-1007 or 888-327-1007.
Plus the current hot political news, and of course, the Smart and Dumb politicians of the week! All of this only on The Conservative Reader Report.
by Art Smith | Jan 11, 2010
DES MOINES, IA – Senate Republican Leader Paul McKinley (R-Chariton) today delivered his opening day speech of the second session of the 83rd Iowa General Assembly on the floor of the Iowa Senate. His remarks, as prepared for delivery, are as follows:
“Thank you Mr. President.
Friends and colleagues:
There is an ancient Chinese curse that says, “May you live in interesting times.†Is there any doubt that we live in interesting times?
As we start this new legislative session in this new decade, we are faced with a great number of challenges. Before the gavel falls for the final time this year, I know this body will be asked to act on many of these challenges. We are all going to be asked to make choices and take votes that we all wish we could avoid.
As we convene today in these interesting times, our state faces the largest deficit its history as a result of this Legislature passing and this governor signing the largest amount of spending in state history just months ago. Never in Iowa’s 164 years have we seen a deficit top $1 billion dollars but that is precisely the fiscal predicament that we must contend with in this shortened session.
Iowa does not have a revenue problem – we have a spending problem. Only three months ago, Governor Culver signed a ten percent across-the-board cut. Given the level of unsustainable spending and because our Constitution thankfully demands a balanced budget, action needed to be taken. Yet, it was all avoidable.
Some may wish to cast blame with Washington or Wall Street but that misses the mark. Had we spent at the rate of inflation since 2004, our state would not have had the $415 million dollar hole that needed to be eliminated by the governor’s across-the-board cut. Instead, we would have had a balanced budget, an $80 million dollar surplus and very few of the difficult fiscal decisions that we now must tackle in the coming weeks. Even after the governor made his across-the-board reduction, we are still left with the second most spending ever.
Republicans offered hundreds of millions in immediate cost savings last year and while most of them were voted down, we will continue to work hard to find savings, eliminate waste and offer innovative solutions that will result in a leaner and more efficient delivery of services to our constituents. Senate Republicans will continue to offer common sense solutions and a fiscally responsible vision for the years ahead.
If this body is truly serious about reorganizing government, Republicans stand ready to offer our solutions and suggestions to fundamentally and systemically reform the way our government operates. We must strive for lasting reforms and reject short-sighted attempts that will only further exacerbate the problem later. Now is not the time to kick the can further down the road.
We must now work together to pass a sustainable and responsible budget that funds the core essential services of government and reflects the priorities of our citizens. We must accomplish this without shifting taxes onto local governments, raising fees or continuing the past practice of using one-time dollars for ongoing expenditures.
While much of our focus may be on the budget, we face another tremendous challenge. We have 113,000 Iowans in the ranks of the unemployed and many other of our fellow citizens are underemployed having endured furloughs, benefit cuts and hour reductions. Our unemployment rate is now at levels not seen since the depths of the Farm Crisis a generation ago.
Senate Republicans believe we must make this session about jobs. We must grow this economy and send a clear message that Iowa is a destination for all those who wish to find success and fulfill their economic dreams. We must never lose focus on the future and remember that while we aim to help the Iowans of today, we are also building a state so that all of our children, grandchildren and the future generations of Iowans can find a job, build a business and raise their families here. Many of us have been given so much and have achieved our dreams as a result of the lives we have lived in this wonderful state. We must work every day this session to make it possible for others to realize their dreams here too.
Last session, Iowa put $1.7 billion dollars on the credit card to create temporary government make-work. Yet, all of that debt, to be paid off over three decades, will not lead to good paying sustainable private sector jobs. It is one thing to pay someone to dig a ditch and fill it back up and it is another thing to make it easier for sustainable private sector jobs to be created in every community in every county. We must move away from the mindset of allowing government to pick winners and losers and strive to help all who seek success.
Jobs can be created during a recession and during tough economic times. I know because I created lots of jobs in southern Iowa during the Farm Crisis. We must unleash the entrepreneurial spirit and ingenuity of the private sector. We know small business, the engine of economic growth in this state, is responsible for two out of every three new jobs created. We must not add additional barriers that will make it more difficult for jobs to be created.
Already, we’ve learned that the property taxpayers of this state will likely be forced to shoulder upwards of $270 million in growth stopping increases this year alone. Let’s create a climate with reasonable levels of regulation and taxation that encourages private investment in our workforce. It’s time to set aside the legislation that raises taxes, puts out of balance the labor-management relationship and enacts new over zealous regulations that send jobs across our borders. We should not punish the very people who we need to help grow our state. Senate Republicans intend to focus on jobs and property tax relief and for the future of Iowa, our kids and grandchildren, I pray there is bi-partisan support.
Besides getting our fiscal house in order, working to make it easier for sustainable private sector jobs to be created and helping the property taxpayers, we will certainly be asked work on other important endeavors. Challenges exist in education, health care, energy, agriculture and with our natural resources. We must do better in providing oversight and never stop trying to make our government more open and transparent. We must also challenge ourselves to guarantee ample public safety and ensure that we have roads and infrastructure that are safe, reliable and capable of supporting the Iowa economy of the future.
With a shortened session, we must work efficiently and diligently on behalf of the citizens of this great state – the citizens and taxpayers who elected us and put their trust in us to carry out their wishes. They are asking us to lay the foundation for a brighter and more optimistic future. Senate Republicans are eager and energized to play a significant role in leading Iowa forward.
This is now the second session where I have served as the Republican Leader and as I have traveled extensively throughout this wonderful state in the past few months, I’ve met with Iowans from all corners of the state and from all walks of life. I’ve heard one common message: government is too big, too out-of-touch and it is increasingly out-of-control. In fact, I know there are tea partiers here today and I welcome their scrutiny. Whether Iowans are gathering at tea parties all over the state demanding a greater voice, less spending, a smaller government, more freedom, liberty and opportunity or whether they want us, the members of the General Assembly, to finally give them a vote on the basic definition of marriage: we have a duty to listen to their concerns for they are the reason we are in this chamber today.
We, as elected officials, have been granted an incredible authority to set policy and represent the people of this state. As individuals, we are here to serve as the voice and vote of our constituents in our districts but together we must work for the betterment of all.
Senate Republicans are again ready to get to work for the people of this state. Our agenda is straight forward: if it helps streamline government, keeps government within its means and does not ask for the taxpayer to shoulder even more of the burden through higher taxes, you will see broad Republican support. If the proposals help make it easier for sustainable private sector jobs to be created, you will see broad Republican support. If we are about expanding freedom, liberty and opportunity in this state, Republicans will be on board. But if the proposals and legislation seeks to do otherwise – if they seek to continue to grow government, raise taxes and make it more difficult for jobs to be created – do not be surprised to find us strongly opposed.
I want to conclude by offering one more famous Chinese proverb. It says, quite simply, “May you find what you are looking for.†There are 50 of us in this chamber and together we represent the three million Iowans that call our beautiful state home. Every Iowan is unique and special but we all are looking for similar things: a better life and jobs for our family, good schools and safe communities for our children and a government that lives within its means, promotes liberty and fosters opportunity.
Iowans are blessed with common sense, are hardworking, frugal and optimistic about the future. They care about their communities, their schools and the neighbors around them. Our people are smart, they love this state and they want what is best for their families. This sense of independence, community and self sufficiency is the bedrock and lifeblood of this great state.
Mr. President, let us work together every day to offer a more optimistic, hopeful and prosperous future. Always be proud to be an Iowan and though we live in interesting times, may we all find what we are looking for.
Thank you very much.â€
by Art Smith | Jan 11, 2010
(DES MOINES)—House Republican Leader Kraig Paulsen (R-Hiawatha) delivered opening remarks to the Iowa House of Representatives today. The following are his remarks, as prepared for delivery:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, ladies and gentlemen of the House, family and friends:
First I want to start by welcoming Representative Royd Chambers back to the House. Thank you for your service, Royd, we’re very happy to have you home.
Obviously we have a difficult year ahead of us. But rather than look at this as a problem I hope this body will choose to see opportunity. Opportunity for a stronger Iowa, opportunity to create an efficient and open state government. An opportunity to give the state back to the people.
Last year we heard a lot of blame being passed out. House Republicans don’t think this is helpful. Wasn’t it President Truman who said, “the buck stops here?â€Â Instead of blaming our state’s troubles on someone else, House Republicans have taken action and are ready to take action again this year.
Make no mistake though, just like I said last year … if blame is continued to be misplaced, as Republicans believe it has in the past, I will continue to talk about the pork of the last three years – the 2,600 new state employees – the 17+% spending increases. Mr. Speaker, Republicans prefer to move on; I hope Democrats feel the same.
Last year in my opening day speech I called for increased truth and transparency in state government, vowed to stand up against tax increases, and pointed out the importance of reducing the cost of government. As we worked through the year, Republicans crafted legislation to do just that. While most of it was not supported at the time, these ideas are now being revered as a good plan.
Today, those three goals have not changed. House Republicans will continue our efforts in those areas and add a few more to the list.
During the interim we went back to our home districts, met with our constituents and developed several bold solutions for the state of Iowa. The only party to put forth an agenda, we focused on empowering families, reducing budgets, and strengthening education and healthcare, just to name a few. We will put our plan into action with legislation that will hopefully be given a better reception than our efforts last year.
We will also focus on creating an environment which is welcoming to employers and encourages them to invest in our workforce, passing an affordable and responsible budget and standing up to the creeping federal intrusion into the lives of Iowans.
When we convened last year, 80,000 Iowans were out of work. When we adjourned that number had jumped to over 100,000. Now it is somewhere around 115,000 Iowans out of work. House Republicans will offer concrete and realistic ideas to put Iowans back to work.
We’ve repeatedly been saying we must reduce spending and we must be fiscally conservative with Iowans’ tax dollars. While bloated budgets, increased spending and growing debt is now the norm—let me be very clear about where we stand—House Republicans will not support any budget that spends more money than it takes in. Balancing the budget is not good enough if it’s on the backs of the property taxpayer.
The taxpayer deserves a seat at the table and House Republicans will make sure that happens.
Republicans believe state government disregarded Iowans’ concerns last year. Pushing bills through at all hours of the night with little debate, removing citizens from the very building they pay for, budgets created behind closed doors, and we failed to permit them to have the final say on how marriage should be defined in Iowa.
Abraham Lincoln once said, “Public sentiment is everything. With public sentiment, nothing can fail; without it nothing can succeed.â€
Mr. Speaker, it’s time to listen to the will of the people. House Republicans believe it’s time to return state government back to the hands of Iowans, allowing their voices to be heard…they deserve a seat at the table that they pay for.
Mr. Speaker, House Republicans stand ready to move Iowa forward. Mr. Speaker House Republicans are ready to go to work. Thank you.
by Art Smith | Jan 11, 2010
I attended this morning’s 2010 Republican Legislative Kickoff Breakfast. At least 200 people, including legislators, party leaders, lobbyists and candidates were in attendance. The event was opened by Jim Kurtenbach, Iowa Republican Party Co-chair. Brief speeches were given by:
- Steve King, US House District 5 Representative. Â Invocation and some comments. Â He acknowledged that the results of our work are in God’s hands.
- Linda Upmeyer , Iowa House Republican Whip. Â She reminded us to pray, work to get volunteers on campaigns, and raise the financial resources needed to win.
- Kraig Paulsen , Iowa House Republican Leader. Â He commented that he has a lot of love in his trunk, plus a few sticks of dynomite.
- Steve Kettering, Iowa Senate Republican Whip, Â He said “A comeback for Republicans is a comeback for all Iowans!”
- Paul McKinley, Iowa Senate Republican Leader. Â Paul related a story about meeting some US Department of Labor employees in New York who stayed at the Ritz Carlton at the government’s expense… their comment: “It’s a new day!”.
- Matt Strawn, Iowa Republican Party Chair. Â “Iowans have gotten a taste of what a Democrat dominated government is like” and “we have solutions”.
Through out the speeches, a consistent message of satisfaction that all Iowa Republicans in the 2009 voted consistently with the party, that we cannot support a budget that exceeds revenue, that we need to give Iowans the right to vote on the definition of Marriage, labor unions cannot be allowed to destroy Iowa businesses, and that Democrats are extremely vulnerable.
I was honored to sit next Royd Chambers from Sheldon, who was deployed with the Iowa Air National Guard to Kyrgyzstan during the 2009 session. I was also seated next to Bill Northey, Iowa’s Secretary of Agriculture. I had a good chat with Bill about the upcoming budget work in his department, and it sounds like everyone is putting the nose to the grindstone!
Governor Branstad was there, as well as Bob Vander Plaats. I’m assuming the Rod Roberts and Chris Rants were also there, but I did not get a chance to see them. Other candidates that I happened to see included:
- George Eichhorn, running for Secretary of State
- Dave Funk, Brad Zaun (Iowa Senator from Urbandale), and Mark Rees, all three running for US House District 3
- Chris Reed and Mariannette Miller-Meeks, both running for US House District 2
I saw Dave Vaudt as well… Tom Latham was not able to attend the event.
Overall, the event was encouraging and a great opportunity to connect with folks I had not seen in a while. Â Although Republicans are in the minority, our legislators are ready to do the hard work of helping reduce unnecessary spending and fight for Iowans rights.