Senate Journal: Page 36: Tuesday, January 9, 1996

         When I grew up in rural Iowa, we didnt need locks on our doors. Let
    us work together to restore that sense of security once again to the
    neighborhoods, schools, and homes of Iowa.

         As a state, we are better prepared than ever to act on the
    priorities I have outlined for you today. We made the tough decisions
    that Washington is only now beginning to grapple with. Our actions have
    paid off.

         No state in the nation stands in the solid financial position we
    are in today.  Our cash reserves are full and we have a GAAP balance of
    $435 million. This year, Financial World magazine ranked Iowa as the 6th
    best managed state in the nation. Our goal should be no less than to be
    the best managed state in the nation.

         This year, we must continue to live by the spending reforms that
    took our state government from a $400 million deficit to a surplus that
    is even greater.  This budget that I am presenting to you protects our
    cash reserves and keeps ongoing expenditures at 4% growth.

         We know from our history that there are times to reap and times to
    sow, that there are droughts and floods that follow bin-busting
    harvests. We must be prudent in our spending today so that we will be
    able to meet the needs of Iowans when times are leaner.

         We are also working to make state government more accountable and
    responsive.  The bi-partisan Council on Human Investment, chaired by Lt.
    Governor Joy Corning, is developing and implemeting a new state budget
    system that ties expenditures to the results Iowans want. The system,
    called Budgeting for Results, will be used by seven agencies beginning
    this year and will be expanded to all state agencies by the year 2000.

         This is also the time to pay attention to our infrastructure needs.
    It is the generations turn to invest in our public facilities.
    Therefore, I am recommending that we establish a permanent
    Infrastructure Fund that will provide a reliable and steady stream of
    funding to build and rebuild our public buildings and infrastructure.

         This year, we Iowans have much to celebrate, much to give thanks
    for, much to reflect upon. Iowas subtle magic, that Hugh Sidey
    described, has indeed been protected and enlarged. Today, we are better
    prepared for our future than ever before.

         But birthdays involve gift-giving. And it is that last feature of
    our sesquicentennial that we must also remember throughout this year.

         As citizens, each of us should take the time this year to help out
    a friend in need; assist a family in trouble; help clean up a park;
    coach the local team; serve on a community board; and say a prayer for
    our local troops overseas.  These are gifts we can give our state. They
    will make this an even better, more civil place. Such giving is one of

Iowa General Assembly

Index: Senate Journal (76th General Assembly: Session 2)

© 1996 Cornell College and League of Women Voters of Iowa

Comments? sjourn@legis.iowa.gov.

Last update: Fri Jan 12 20:45:07 CST 1996
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