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.”
Governor's Re-Nominations Show Lack of Leadership At a Time When Iowa's Economy Needs It Most...
Sen. McKinley: "I ask Governor Culver to show some leadership, re-consider these two appointments, and get serious about growing Iowa’s economy through the creation of new electrical generation instead of throwing a temper tantrum because he did not get his way."
DES MOINES, IA – Senate Republican Leader Paul McKinley issued the following statement today regarding the nominations of Carrie La Seur to the Environmental Protection Council and Shearon Elderkin to the Iowa Power Fund board:
"Earlier this month, the Senate exercised important oversight of the executive branch through advise and consent of Governor Culver’s nominations and found the governor’s nominations of Carrie La Seur to the Iowa Power Fund board and Shearon Elderkin to the Environmental Protection Council not to be in the best interest of the taxpayers of Iowa. Today, Governor Culver again nominated both Ms. La Seur and Mrs. Elderkin to serve in important roles in state government but simply traded their positions around. These two nominations show that Governor Culver is more interested in thumbing his nose at the will of the Senate than showing real leadership that all Iowans deserve.
Ms. La Seur and Mrs. Elderkin have consistently shown themselves to be activists that ignore legislative intent at a time when this state’s economic future relies on added electrical generation. I ask Governor Culver to show some leadership, re-consider these two appointments, and get serious about growing Iowa’s economy through the creation of new electrical generation instead of throwing a temper tantrum because he did not get his way. We will continue the advice and consent role of the Iowa Senate again next session."
DES MOINES, IA – The following are Senate Republican Leader Paul McKinley’s (R-Chariton) final remarks as prepared for delivery. Thank you, Mr. President. Friends and Colleagues: I know we are about to drop the gavel for the final time on this year’s legislative session and I know we are all a little tired but before we go home to the people in our districts, I think it might be necessary to look back at the last 104 days and provide the people of Iowa with some needed perspective. After all, it is the people of Iowa who are our employers and it is the people of Iowa who make our communities unique and our state something we can all be proud of. These three million people elected us to act as their voice and their vote. They sent us to represent them. They are the hardworking people who truly make this state work. Yet, many Iowans have been left wondering whether their opinion really matters and if legislators are really listening to them. It would be a mistake for us to forget what our very own Constitution says in Article 1, Section 2. The first sentence simply states: "All political power is inherent in the people." Government is supposed to be of the people and for the people but sometimes this session I was left wondering at times if this was government versus the people. We have witnessed the frustrations of so many Iowans who just want their government to live within its means. This Legislature has now spent more money than any Legislature in the 163 year history of the state of Iowa. There has been too much spending and too much borrowing and as a result, Iowans have become discouraged. As a result, we witnessed several thousand Iowans gather not only here at the capitol – but across Iowa and this country on April 15 to protest the spending and taxation policies of their government. They feel like their government is not listening to them.
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By the time you rub your eyes, slide into your Sunday morning slippers and pick up the newspaper at your door, it will be too late...
In just a matter of hours, members of the 83rd General Assembly will have authorized the largest state budget in history and adding insult to injury is $765 Million in new bonding (borrowing) which swells to $1.6 Billion on the shoulders of our children over the next 20 years.
tac·tic (t
k
t
k) n. An expedient for achieving a goal; a maneuver.
Speaking of tactics and maneuvers, how does transparent government ever function when lawmakers debate on a Friday night into the wee hours of Saturday morning? This was planned folks. Most lobbyists are home, your weekday news anchors typically have Friday nights and the weekends off. By the time this news becomes ink on paper, boxes will have been packed and our state senators and representatives will be safely home, sleeping in for sure.
Back in February, Senate Leader Mike Gronstal was called out on these late night sessions by the "Dean" David Yepsen on Iowa Press. Here's an excerpt:
Yepsen:Will you move this in such a way, Senator, that people in Iowa have a chance to hear about this? One of the criticisms was made last time, you kind of did it slamma-jamma and in a big hurry and people didn't have a chance to have a debate.
So, will this be done over a period of several weeks in daylight hours so we all get a chance to see the bill?
Gronstal: I accept that criticism, David, I accept that and that's why I think the show right before session started I talked about these issues, I talked about them out loud, that's why Senator Courtney on Monday, probably mid-week next week will bring out a bill on giving workers a better voice in their medical care after they have been injured on the job. So, people didn't like that. We're fine. We're going to debate this and have that discussion. We're going to talk about what it means for the future of Iowa whether we want to have a low wage, low skill economy or whether we want to have unions that are a little bit stronger and that lead to better working conditions. Tomorrow is Saturday, everybody has their weekend thanks to organized labor.
I'm told legislators have already been notified to expect Sunday debate. Again, back to the maneuvers and tactics we discussed at the beginning. Lord forbid we would recess for the weekend and return to normal business hours Monday morning! Problem is, everyone is then paying attention and every reporter within 300 miles of Des Moines would likely arrive to cover this spending frenzy.
How to you dodge accountability? Well, truth be told, you don't. You delay it. Accountability occurs next time our state's leaders are up for re-election. Remember this weekend. You have every right to be angry and insulted by these developments.
There will be a flurry of press releases Monday morning and then the "blame game" begins.
Democrats will blame Republicans for obstructing flood relief and Republicans will bring daylight to the massive and unconstitutional spending that occurred in the overnight hours this weekend.
Remember the term winners and losers from the Federal Deductibility Debate?
Well the losers are Iowa taxpayers and the "Biggest Losers" are Iowa's children.
We just gave the next generation a inheritance that will come back in future years to shame us for our failure to lead during tough times.
For the policy wonks reading today, here's the link to the Standings Bill.
Here's how the 83rd General Assembly makes legislative sauage. Click here for a link.
This story cuts two ways today.
First, the image above is rather "sterile" and I won't use sensational pictures to make my point. I imagine that most of you have already seen them. I remember the first time my then teenage daughter found one on line and then came to me sobbing. This is how murder is "framed" to a teenage girl on the MTV channel. It's just a pill. . Just like the aspirin you take when you have your cycle to help with cramps. The problem is you can't take an aspirin to your school anymore. It's forbidden. However that same school nurse will gladly drive you to the local Planned Parenthood Clinic and help you take this pill and I add...without the consent of your parents, or the father for that matter. I would add these adds are "targeted" specifically to young teens purely for the purposes of creating a "market" and then...a profit for this drug. Tax dollars paid for this ad below, take a look.
Many of you have already heard that the FDA under the Obama administration is now going to allow Plan B to be dispensed to 17 year-old girls.
Second,it appears that Iowa's version of the 3 stooges, (Culver, Gronstal, Murphy) are about to invoke their own "Plan B" possibly as soon as today. Let me be clear, this isn't about what's best for Iowa. It's about political survival now. This session has denigrated to that point. There's no hiding from it now.
It's not as easy as taking a "pill" but I predict the legislative process will be "aborted" today and tomorrow and in the aftermath of what's about to unfold, you may hear sensational stories about party line votes and a complete breakdown of sensible legislative priorities.
Republicans have done a remarkable job this session offering alternate ideas and cost saving measures which have been universally rejected across the aisle. You couldn't have asked for more effective "loyal opposition" from the Republican caucus this year and I congratulate Kraig Paulsen and Paul McKinley for their unified leadership under these strange and unpredictable circumstances.
Once again we now see why elections matter and why Republicans are uniting across this state to take back our state government and restore some common sense to the process. Watch closely these next few days, there's no way the Democrats will be able to hide behind press releases and MSM coverage. I also doubt they'll be able to clean this mess up before the next election....yes, it's that bad.
"I would rather be a little extra careful this year and hope that next year's economy is better and I'd rather find out next January we cut a little too much and now we can afford to fix some things."
Senate Leader Mike Gronstal, Iowa Press - Friday, February 6th 2009
It could be code talk, or possibly the classic Freudian slip, but last evening on Iowa Press, Senate Leader Mike Gronstal appeared to show his hand and it appears he's "hoping" the "Porkulus" package will deal him a few aces across the budget table this next year?
The other slip was a bit of sunlight on the "secret schedule" that is only spoken of in the privacy of caucus meetings. You know, the infamous late night gatherings where policy making is conceived in the absence of full debate!
Gronstal: "We've got the federal stimulus package and we've got the March revenue estimate. One of them will probably be negative, one of them will probably be positive. Towards the end of March we will make final decisions about the budget."
Good plan, I'm doing the same thing. I'm scratching quick picks and collecting pick 4's while I wait until April 14th to make final decisions on my taxes too!
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