Senate Journal: Page 4: Monday, January 13, 2003
common sense to the state budget process. Republicans are committed to working with
Democrats to balance Iowa’s budget, but we are not willing to violate our commitment
to sound budgeting practices in order to get there. Balancing the budget requires
tough choices and it means that no sacred cow can be ignored-just as we are doing with
our tax code. We have to take a long look at our state labor costs and what steps can be
taken to get these costs under control.
The Program Elimination Commission has generated a great deal of discussion
regarding what areas of state government can be downsized or eliminated. This group
of Iowans, which included Senators Mike Connolly and Neal Schuerer, put in a lot of
thought and work into this very important issue, and we should give their report very
serious consideration. Two of the most important areas that the commission identified
were sentencing reforms and Medicaid cost-containment measures.
And, finally, this session will see us continue to focus on boosting student
achievement in the classroom. There will be strong efforts made to eliminate
inequities in funding provided to our schools, and there will be efforts to enhance the
accountability of our local schools.
This may sound like a long list of goals and the task may seem daunting right
know, but I know we are up to the task. I look forward to working with each and every
one of you to make this a very productive session for the people of Iowa.
REMARKS BY THE MINORITY LEADER
Senator Gronstal addressed the Senate as follows:
Thank you, Madam President.
Madam President and ladies and gentlemen of the Senate.
First of all, I'd like to welcome the new members, those of you that moved from the
lower chamber to the upper chamber, those who won reelection last fall on the
campaign trail, and the holdover senators who were lucky enough to have NOT been on
the campaign trail last fall.
It is good to see all of you.
For the past two years, we have waded through an unprecedented fiscal crisis,
resulting in deep cuts in services that are critical to many Iowa families.
Unfortunately, the past two years were also highlighted by unprecedented partisan
bickering and a remarkable lack of bipartisan cooperation.
What I am hoping for this year is a change of heart. And this is not just wishful
thinking.
History tells us that we are at our best in the Iowa Legislature when we sit down,
resolve our differences, and move ahead with confidence and boldness.
When we are together and bold, the people of Iowa-whether they are Republican or
Democrat-are the winners.
© 2003 Cornell College and
League of Women Voters of Iowa
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