Anderson meets with State Auditor on the Budget
(DES MOINES Feb 28, 2008)—Rep. Rich Anderson (R-Clarinda) recently met with State Auditor
Dave Vaudt to discuss the state's budget. The Auditor has released several concerns about the proposed budget for Fiscal
Year 2009, which begins July 1 of this year.
The
Auditor, who bills himself as the "taxpayers watchdog", said the proposed budget maxes out the state's credit cards,
leaves future generations to pay for ongoing operating expenditures and spends more than incoming revenue.
"The Auditor has serious concerns about the state's finances,"
said Anderson. "At a time when the state has record revenue growth, there should not be any concerns at all.
Instead of potentially cutting budgets, we should be having a discussion about how much to give back to the taxpayers.
After all, it's their money, not the state's."
There
are also concerns about the proposed budget draining the Senior Living Trust Fund, which is designed to pay for long-term
care for seniors. In addition, the proposed budget takes unused gift cards from consumers and businesses and gives the
money to state government.
"I am very concerned
about the draining of the Senior Living Trust Fund and the swiping of the unused gift cards," said Anderson. "If
we are to give seniors adequate long-term care the fund must be replenished. Also, it is a bad policy to take unused
gift cards from consumers and businesses and give the money to state government."
Rep. Anderson committed to the Auditor to protect the taxpayers while at the same time
funding the priorities of K-12 education, health care and public safety.
If you have any concerns or questions about the state's budget, call Rep. Anderson at
the Iowa House at 515-281-3221.
