WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - Jan. 28, 2010 - Governor Culver's 2011 budget proposal underscores the need for genuine budget reform, according to Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF). The proposal, announced yesterday, is a reflection of a broken budget process; one that over-commits in strong economies and struggles to uphold the state's highest priorities in an economic downturn.
The proposal, combined with last year's 10 percent across-the-board budget cuts, will result in increased taxes for property owners. Property taxes have increased 60 percent in the last ten years, proving that our state's problems precede the current administration and legislative body. Other priorities, such as higher education, public safety, and soil conservation, will continue to suffer until meaningful reform is implemented.
"Today's budget process shifts state responsibilities to property taxpayers and fails to provide a long-term stable and predictable budget," said IFBF President Craig Lang. "Until we address the shortcomings of a volatile budget process, decision makers will face tough decisions and property taxpayers will continue to shoulder the burden."
To improve the state's budgeting process, Farm Bureau members are asking Culver and other decision makers to establish an affordable state budget that will: 1) fund Iowa priorities and lessen the potential shifts in property taxes; 2) ensure that the state's emergency funds are at a level sufficient to protect priorities when revenues are declining; 3) create fiscal responsibility by not using one-time resources to fund on-going expenditures; and 4) protect property taxpayers when across-the-board cuts are enacted.