Iowa Republican Party Chairman - and former Iowa House Speaker Pro Tem - Jeff Kaufmann issued the following statement regarding the FY17 budget:
"The budget is balanced and Iowa will pay its bills on time. Thanks to Governor Kim Reynolds steady, stable management, and her partnership with Republican legislators, we've closed the books on FY'17.
"In contrast to Democrats in the legislature and those vying for higher office, who panicked and prematurely called for a special session, Governor Reynolds and Republican legislators chose not to play political games. Where Democrats attempted to spend the FY'17 ending balance money on ongoing expenses, Republicans instead stayed levelheaded, closely monitored revenues and spending, and consistently deployed fiscally responsible practices to ensure taxpayer money was spent wisely.
"As a livestock farmer, I know our agriculture economy has had a tough few years, and that takes a major toll on the state budget. I trust Governor Reynolds and Republican legislators to run the state efficiently regardless of the challenges that may face us, and I know they'll craft a responsible budget that protects taxpayers and provides the services Iowans need.
"With one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country and the highest graduation rates in the country, Iowa is headed in the right direction. Republicans are proud of that, but we also believe more must be done to help Iowans in every corner of the state. Now that we've closed the door on FY'17, we can push forward and do just that.”
