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Your Capitol Voice: Coming up with the ‘big number’
by Bobby Kaufmann, State Representative · Op-Ed · April 17, 2014


This week I want to give you a “behind the scenes” look at the process that determines how much of your money the state spends.


This process isn’t secretive — anyone can look it up, but most do not take the time to do so. The theme of this explanation is transparency. There is nothing more important than an accountable and open government. All citizens should be able to contribute and obtain information from the process.

Last week I spoke out against hidden and secret settlement agreements. This week I want you to know how we arrived at the “big number” upon which the House and Senate came to an agreement for budgeting. All the individual spending targets and appropriations levels flow from this number.

Iowa’s Revenue Estimating Conference met recently to review and possibly revise state revenue estimates for fiscal years 2014 and 2015. Their conclusion was to leave the December estimate the same. General Fund revenue for FY 2014 is projected to be $6.6822 billion and for FY 2015 the figure remains at $6.9832 billion.

State law requires the three-member board to meet once during the legislative session to revise the revenue estimates for the current year and for the budget year that is being developed by the General Assembly. If the REC’s estimate for the next fiscal year were to be reduced, the Governor would have been required to revise and resubmit his budget. If the estimate goes up, the Legislature is not allowed to spend the increase.

Since their last meeting in mid-December, there had been some concern that the REC would be forced to lower its projection for FY 2015. In January and February, General Fund receipts were not growing at a significant pace. That changed towards the end of February and into March, where personal income tax receipts began to show steadier growth.

At their most recent meeting, all three members expressed the belief that the Iowa economy is growing but not at the pace experienced during the past few years. But all three members also expressed concern over the agricultural economy in Iowa. For each of the members, the key word was “caution.” While Iowa’s economy is growing, it appears we need to be extra sensitive to growth of government.

Next week I will be dedicating my article to the Health and Human Services budget. We passed that budget last week late into the night on Thursday. I didn’t arrive home until after midnight. I want to be sure to include all the details for you because it is one of the largest and most important budgets we pass. This budget includes funding for the Department of Human Services, mental health funding, and a host of other important programs and projects.

Thanks to all of you who sent me well wishes as I recovered from the worst flu/food poisoning of my life. It gave me strength to see your support. We took over two dozen votes while I was ill and I made sure I was in a position to miss none. Part of the time I spent on a cot in the Majority Leaders Office and then got up and walked to the Chamber to vote. I have never missed a vote in two years and don’t intend to. I take it seriously that this is YOUR seat and I believe your elected officials shouldn’t miss votes unless absolutely necessary.

Visitors to the Capitol: Kevin O’Brien, Doug Paul – Coralville, Tom Bender – Iowa City



You may contact Rep. Kaufmann at Bobby.Kaufmann@legis.iowa.gov, 515-281-3221 or 1527 330th St. Wilton, IA, 52778