FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, April 1, 2009 Contact: Josie Klingaman (515) 419-1038
Republicans Present Budget-Saving Measures to Democrats (DES MOINES)—Today House Republican Leader Kraig Paulsen (R-Hiawatha) released a comprehensive list of more than $215 million in budget-saving measures he will be presenting to Democrat legislative leaders. “On the first day of the legislative session, I indicated that House Republicans would be diving into state budgets to find serious savings for the taxpayers of Iowa,” said Paulsen. “Today we are here to offer a list that goes to reducing the size and scope of state government, that brings more accountability to budgeting and reduces unnecessary spending.” The following is the list House Republicans presented to Democrats: Eliminate ‘phantom employees,’ unfunded full time employee positions. (Savings: $25,000,000) A pay reduction for all state employees and officials. (Savings: 72,500,000) -sliding scale of 2% cut for $40,000 to 10% cut for over $100,000 Charge state employees a monthly fee for health insurance premiums. (Savings: $17,800,000) Sell the vehicle fleet, outsource vehicle leasing. (Savings: $34,000,000) -One-time infusion due to sale, ongoing savings of $18 million less the money for leasing Reduce office supplies, service contracts, and equipment purchases. (Savings: $10,000,000) Combine all state information technology systems. (Savings: $20,000,000) -Including combining the 6 different email systems Sell or lease the Iowa Communications Network. (Savings: $15,000,000) Reduce funding for library acquisitions at Regents by 50%. (Savings: $13,500,000) No DNR land acquisition for FY 2010. (Savings: $5,000,000) Freeze out-of-state travel. (Savings: $1,500,000) -allow a waiver process via Executive Council for critical functions Eliminate ‘extras’ on existing state vehicle purchases. (Savings: $87,000) -bug shields, stereos, GPS systems and other add-ons Archiving Iowa governor’s records. (Savings: $39,000) -reduce by 50% Eliminate Washington, DC internship. (Savings: $90,000) -seek private funding
Eliminate charter flights by members of DOT commission. (Savings: $17,000) Suspend per diem for ex-officio members on boards & commissions. (*direct savings unknown at this time) Require all employees to turn in receipts for meal expenses. (*direct savings unknown at this time)
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