I will begin by saying thank you to the members of the Eighty-Fourth General Assembly. Thank you for your commitment and service to the people of Iowa. Special thanks to the Eighteen of you choosing to retire. You will be missed not only by your friends and colleagues here at the Capitol, but moreover by the Iowans in the districts you’ve served over the years.
I want to specifically recognize the two members retiring from the House Republican Leadership team; Speaker Pro-Tem Jeff Kaufmann and Assistant Leader Steve Lukan. I personally want to thank each of you for your friendship and your service to our caucus. Your leadership will be missed. To the other members of the leadership team: Erik, Renee, Dave and Matt - I truly appreciate your input and advice. And last but not least, the Majority Leader – Linda Upmeyer. House Republicans appreciate everything you do. Your dedication and insight are invaluable and have not only made our caucus more determined, but made the Iowa House stronger.

I’d also like to recognize Leader McCarthy. I know I have said this before, but you truly have a difficult job as Minority Leader. During the past two years you have done a commendable job working in a bipartisan manner when you could and trying to keep your opposition civil when you could not, something Iowans deserve and expect.

Once again, thank you to the leadership staff: Josie, Angie, Terri, Tony and Matt. And, in my opinion, the best caucus staff in the building – the House Republican Caucus staff: Jeff, Lew, Lon, Brad, Jason, Kristi, Jill, Amanda, Louis and Dustin. Thank you for your hard work and the timely and reliable information you provide year in and year out.

Chief Clerk Smithson, thank you to you and your staff. The work you all do right here in front me and behind the scenes helps make this chamber operate efficiently.

A special thanks to LSA for all of your hard work. Especially the time and effort put in by all these past few weeks.

I also want to recognize and thank the gentleman to my right, the Speaker’s page Tom Biedenfeld. Tom you have taken good care of me throughout the year. I appreciate your dedication and have enjoyed our baseball conversations between votes and while the House is at ease.

And finally, a special thank you to Governor Terry Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds and their team for their resolve and unwavering leadership during these last two years.

The first day that the Eighty-Fourth General Assembly convened, I outlined to Iowans a set of goals this body would seek to achieve and principals we would follow during the course of conducting legislative business. Since that day, this body has remained focused on the issues important to Iowans and the business the people sent us here to do.
We have worked hard at putting Iowans back to work and reducing the size, scope and cost of state government.

The first action we took to put Iowans back to work was to provide Iowa’s business climate with some much needed certainty and stability. For too long, Iowa employers were reluctant to invest in their operations, preventing them from hiring and expanding. They were reluctant because they constantly threatened with job-killing legislation like the repeal of our Right to Work law and Open Scope Bargaining. House Republicans put those ideas in the rear-view mirror and moved forward.

Employers were reluctant to invest in Iowa’s workforce and economy because Iowa’s budget was unstable. State government was spending more than it took in and the threat of massive tax increases to correct the problem was real and imminent.

I can report to you today we have removed those fears and Iowa’s economy is rebounding and is headed in the right direction.

When Republicans took the majority in the House, more than 110,000 Iowans were unemployed. According to Iowa Workforce Development’s latest report, 87,000 Iowans are looking for work. That number, while still too high and worrisome, is a tangible sign of progress. It is also a reminder that we can and need to continue to do better.
In the last few days, we have had the opportunity to review the changes in the state budget over the last two sessions. Frankly, it really is quite remarkable. Normally a change in law is needed to alter the budget process. But this chamber has fundamentally changed the way state government budgets because we believed it was the right thing to do. In the past, legislators, including Republicans, underfunded previous commitments, spent more than the state was taking in and used one-time money for ongoing expenses. I’m proud to say those practices have ended.

When House Republicans took charge of the state budget in January 2011, Governor Culver had signed the four largest budgets in the state history, forced a $500 million property tax increase, borrowed over $800 million, and left a $900 million spending gap for Governor Branstad and the new legislature.

House Republicans have led the way towards a healthy and accountable state budget that has measurable results for the hardworking taxpayers of Iowa. We have turned a $900 million spending shortfall into $624 million in reserves, $300 million in ending balance and $90 million in the House Republican created Taxpayer Trust Fund. That $390 million should be returned to the taxpayers through broad-based tax relief and will be this body’s first order of business next year.

In Fiscal Year 2011 the state was spending 118% of total available general fund revenue. In Fiscal Year 2012, we reduced that to 93% of total available general fund revenue and in Fiscal Year 2013 it will be 95%.

In terms of on-going revenue, which as you might have heard is a far more important measurement for House Republicans, the state will be spending just 99% in Fiscal Year 2012 and 2013. In the future, we must remain committed to spending less than the state collects from the taxpayers.

Despite skepticism, we have, at a minimum, reduced the cost of state government by $360 million a combination of efficiencies and reprioritization.

Additionally, this General Assembly backfilled the intentional act of underfunding Iowa’s K through 12 education system to ensure property taxpayers were not saddled with that burden; and we honored our commitments to parents and students by funding previous commitments.
House Republicans see it as our duty to cut out waste in government spending so our state can be more efficient and effective. A better run state government means Iowans get to keep more of their own money. Over the last two years House Republicans have persistently tackled tax relief. We sent a 20% income tax reduction to the Senate. We sent four separate and different property tax relief bills across the Rotunda; and like most bills in this chamber all four proposals received bi-partisan support. Regrettably, we could not find common ground with the Senate on these ideas.

All Iowans deserve to see tax relief. It helps Iowa’s economy and puts people back to work. House Republicans will not be deterred or be distracted from this goal. We will be back next year continuing our fight for the hardworking taxpayers of Iowa.

When each of you walk out of here and return home you can say with pride that the House restored commonsense budgeting principles to state government while funding Iowans’ priorities including: education, public safety, healthcare and infrastructure.

In closing, I wish to thank my wife Cathy and each of our four children for their never ending support. Thank you to each of you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your Speaker for the last two years. It is an honor and privilege that I do not take lightly.

During session, each day I wake up thinking about how to move Iowa forward with the hard working taxpayers in mind. We have made progress for the taxpayers but our work is not done. We must continue to build upon the success of the last two years. Iowans deserve it. Thank you and God bless the great State of Iowa.

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Olson replaces retiring representative, Jeff Kaufmann (R-Wilton) who resigned his post on Tuesday.

“It is an honor to serve as the Speaker Pro Tem and I look forward to the challenge,” said Olson. “I am committed to working on behalf of the hardworking taxpayers of Iowa and continuing to move the state forward.”

Olson, who was first elected to the House in 2002, previously served as a House Assistant Leader in 2005. He is a veteran and family farmer in Clinton County. He and his wife, Eunice, have two grown children and four grandchildren.

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As assistant leaders, Smith and Rogers will work with the leadership team to set the agenda for the House Republican caucus. Working directly with the Majority Leader and leadership team, the two will relay information to fellow representatives, while also serving as a point-person on key legislative issues

Both were first elected to the Iowa House in 2010.

“Reps. Smith and Rogers are valued assets to the House. They bring a great deal of insight and leadership to our caucus” said House Majority Leader Linda Upmeyer (R-Garner).

Smith and Rogers were elected by their Republican colleagues Tuesday. They join House Assistant Majority Leaders: Reps. Dave Deyoe (R-Nevada), Renee Schulte (R-Cedar Rapids), and Matt Windschitl (R-Missouri Valley).

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As I construct this survey each year, I try to keep its focus on issues at the forefront of discussion and debate. The questions I asked included topics on the economy, taxes, spending, education and infrastructure. Below you will find the results to the questions asked on the survey.

Again, thanks to those who provided input and as always, you may contact me at (515) 281-3521 or kraig.paulsen@leigs.state.ia.us with your questions or concerns.

1. What two issues do you believe are the most important for the Legislature to address in 2012?

A. Education
B. Jobs and the Economy
C. Health Care
D. Tax Relief
E. Government Spending
F. Crime and Drugs
G. Immigration
H. Marriage

A. 13.72%
B. 29.11%
C. 11.17%
D. 11.79%
E. 23.57%
F. 2.55%
G. 2.55%
H. 4.66%

2. Which way do you believe is the best way to create jobs in Iowa?

A. Government incentive programs like the Iowa Values Fund
B. Improve general business climate for all Iowa employers
C. Provide tax credits for businesses to expand or start in Iowa
D. Other________________

A. 8.70%
B. 54.43%
C. 24.35%
D. 9.22%

3. In Iowa we pay a variety of taxes and fees to fund government. Do you feel like you pay:

A. Too much
B. Not enough
C. The right amount

A. 58.27%
B. 3.06%
C. 35.79%

4. The legislature is considering a number of reforms to Iowa’s education system. One reform includes requiring third grade students to show proficiency in reading before allowing them to advance to fourth grade. Do you support or oppose this concept?

A. Support
B. Oppose

A. 69.48%
B. 26.21%

5. Repairs to Iowa’s roads and bridges are substantially funded by user fees we pay on gasoline and vehicle registration. These dollars are constitutionally protected and can only be spent on road and bridge repairs.

Do you support raising the gas tax to pay for these repairs?
A. Raise the gas tax
B. Don’t raise the gas tax
C. Find savings elsewhere in state government

A. 37.70%
B. 21.77%
C. 38.41%

Do you support raising vehicle registration fees to help pay for these repairs?
A. Raise registration fees
B. Don’t raise registration fees
C. Find savings elsewhere in state government

A. 17.52%
B. 42.83%
C. 36.46%

6. Which of the following statements is closer to your point of view?

A. State government should do more to solve problems and help meet the needs of people.
B. State government is doing too many things better left to individuals and Iowa employers.

A. 26.12%
B. 66.37%

Hello, My name is Thomas Biedenfeld, and I am a senior at Colfax-Mingo High School. During this legislative session, I have had the pleasure of serving as Speaker Paulsen’s Page.

I heard about the Page Program through my Extended Learning Program (ELP) teacher. Last year, I applied for the program, and I served in the Legislative Services Agency. During that session, I ran bill and amendment drafts to drafters, editors, and typists around the Capitol Building and Ola Babcock Miller Building. When these drafts were done, I then delivered them to the Legislators that requested them. This year, I had the opportunity to return to the State Capitol as the Speaker of the House’s Page.

Serving as the Speaker’s page, I have numerous responsibilities. These responsibilities include:
• I take pictures of the House Republicans with their constituents that visit the Capitol, take their information and develop press releases that are sent out to newspapers around the state.
• I run the microphones during debate, but before debate or session begins, I am in charge of bringing the gavels to the chamber, and bring them back to the office after.
• I answer phones and greet guests that visit the office.
• I get lunch for everyone in the office (what most in the office debate as the most important of these tasks).

The job that I enjoy the most is taking pictures of the House Republicans. It gives me the chance to interact with people from around the state. After taking down their information and hearing a town I’ve never heard of, I go back and find out what part of the state where both Representatives and their constituents are from.

I, like many pages, live on my own in Des Moines. While holding a full-time job, these pages often live away from home. Even though my hometown is thirty minutes away from home, I didn’t want to spend every morning in traffic. I live with three other pages in an apartment in Downtown Des Moines. Learning to live on your own is one of the best learning experiences I have had, this experience prepares us for college and living on our own. I have learned how to manage my time and resources during this time, and this is a skill I will use for the rest of my life.

Many pages also have to keep up with homework along with the approximately 40 hours per week we work. Working a full-time job, and keeping up with homework is probably the most difficult thing about this job. I have learned how to communicate with teachers and how to work around issues that arise while not being at school every day. Currently, I am taking 2 classes: Comp I and Intro to Mass Media. These are both Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) classes that I will get college credit for, however they are both different. Intro to Mass Media is an online class that I have little to no interaction with a professor. My Comp I class is a class taken through Colfax-Mingo High School where I have an on-site teacher and the grade is sent to DMACC. Besides these two classes, I also have to update a blog twice weekly. You can read in on my weekly happenings at www.lifeofabiedenfeld.blogspot.com.

Following graduation this May, I plan on continuing paying attention to local, state, and national politics, and working on a few campaigns during the summer. This upcoming fall, I will be attending the University of Iowa where I will be double majoring in Political Science and Communication Studies.

For any high school student that is interested in politics, the Page Program is a great learning experience. I encourage anyone who is interested to contact the Chief Clerk’s office, and pay attention to their website where applications should be posted around the time school is beginning.

As we’re nearing the end of the session, one major issue that Iowans have asked us to address is property tax reform and relief, which the Senate still has not taken up. The looming property tax increase that is facing Iowans has yet to be acted upon by the Senate. Before the Legislature adjourns for the year, we must take up a bill that prevents this increase.

Now is the time for real reform:
If we do nothing, the hardworking taxpayers of Iowa are staring down the barrel of a $2.3 billion property tax increase over the next 10 years, with the majority of that falling to homeowners. We must not let that happen.

Not only does property tax reform affect Iowa homeowners, it also affects Iowa’s economy and is an impediment to putting people back to work. Our uncompetitive property tax system is a burden on job creators and deters businesses of all sizes from expanding, hiring or even settling on Iowa.

The House Republicans have sent three alternative bills to the Senate. All three provide bold, significant solutions that go to all classes of property and are something that job creators and homeowners can continually count on. Our plan ensures that one group of taxpayers is not pitted against the other. ALL Iowans deserve to see relief in their tax bill. Additionally, we have not shifted the burden to any class of property. The nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency’s fiscal note says, “House File 2274 will decrease property taxes paid by all classes of property.”

The Senate Democrats’ plan does not include relief for all classes of property – it actually allows a shift and will increase taxes for homeowners. Additionally, their plan has triggers which create uncertainty for job creators and small business owners.

In addition to these reforms, The House Republicans are providing property tax relief in the form of mental health redesign. Today property taxpayers are required to provide $125 million statewide to pay for mental health services in Iowa. The House Republican proposal brings equity across the state to the mental health levy and puts more of the burden on the state rather than the property taxpayer. Not only does this address equity, it also addresses the question on what should property taxes pay for.

Our budget also fully-funds property tax credits, including the homestead credit. The last time these were fully-funded was 2000.

Now is the time for action, not talk on property tax reform. Iowans expect and deserve action on this legislation.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns please contact me at (515) 281-3521 or kraig.paulsen@legis.state.ia.us

For Fiscal Year 2012, the estimate was increased by $50.9 million for a total of $6.051 billion. Current spending for FY 2012 is just under $6 billion. Of the increase, $14 million will be deposited into the Taxpayers Trust Fund (which reaches its cap of $60 million) and the remainder flows into the ending balance. For FY 2013, the estimate was increased by $29 million, for a total of $6.281 billion.
This proves that House Republicans have taken the correct approach in crafting an efficient and effective state budget. The House Republican budget, that does not spend more than the state takes in, gives Iowans the certainty to weather any economic storm.

Our Budget Returns to Commonsense Budgeting Principles
We align ongoing spending with ongoing revenue. Iowans cannot afford a government that spends more money than it takes in. Anything less jeopardizes Iowa’s long-term economic health.

We end the practice of using one-time money for ongoing expenses. This is not how
Iowans balance their own checkbooks at home and it’s not how House Republicans will balance the government checkbook

As economic uncertainty continues throughout the country, it is imperative that we take a conservative approach to the budget to give stability for Iowa’s job creators. Controlling government spending by spending less than the government takes in demonstrates a commitment to commonsense budgeting and economic health that employers deserve.

As session moves along, we continue to work through the budget process.

Additionally, I continue to be hopeful that something can be done on property taxes. If you remember, the House has passed three bills over to the Senate for their consideration. If we do nothing on property taxes, the hardworking taxpayers of Iowa are starring down the barrel of a $2.3 billion property tax increase over the next 10 years, with the majority of that falling to homeowners. We will continue to work to move this legislation forward.

I will be a guest on Iowa Press this week. You can watch it online herehttp://www.iptv.org/iowapress/ or you can tune in to IPTV on Friday at 7:30pm or Sunday at 12:00p.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at (515) 282-3521 or kraig.paulsen@legis.state.ia.us

Jobs
-If you’re looking for another stimulus bill or I-JOBS plan that plunges our state in to debt, you will not find it in the House Republicans’ plan. Instead, House Republicans believe the best way to put Iowans back to work is to advance policies that create an environment that encourages employers to keep and create jobs right here in Iowa. To review these policies, visit http://kraigpaulsen.com/blog/?p=295

-Additionally, Iowa Workforce Development announced last week that Iowa’s unemployment rate has dropped to 5.4% in the month of January. The last time it was this low was April of 2009 when the number was 5.3%. While this is a great first step, there is still much work to be done.

-Property tax reduction is one area where the Legislature’s action or inaction kill jobs or create an environment where employers can hire Iowans for quality jobs and careers. The House has already take action but if Senate does nothing this year to address Iowa’s serious property tax problem, a huge tax increase will be placed on homeowners and businesses. Therefore, any property tax plan that is considered must benefit everyone. To review the House Republicans’ property tax plan, visit http://kraigpaulsen.com/blog/?p=289

Savings
-Controlling government budgets by spending less than the government receives demonstrates a commitment to commonsense budgeting and economic health that Iowa employers deserve. The threat fluctuating of budgets and higher taxes needs to be removed. To review the House Republicans’ budget plan, visit http://kraigpaulsen.com/blog/?p=299

-Iowans deserve to keep more of their hard-earned money and it is our duty to cut out waste in government spending so our state government can be more efficient and effective. To review information on the House Republicans’ government efficiency bill, visit http://kraigpaulsen.com/blog/?p=301

Certainty
-Property tax reform provides savings for individuals and businesses and it provides certainty for those same people as they plan for their futures. No longer will homeowners or business need to worry about the skyrocketing price tag on their tax bill. They will know exactly what they will pay and how much lower it will be going forward.

-Iowa’s employers must have a commitment from their government to keep spending under control so they can plan for the future and know for certain that there are no tax increases on the horizon.

-By creating a climate that encourages Iowa’s employers to grow their workforce and making government more efficient and effective, Iowans will be certain of the state’s ability to weather any impending storms.

We will continue to focus on creating jobs, savings and certainty on behalf of Iowans because that’s what they deserve and expect.

I would also like to share with you that I have filed for re-election to the Iowa House. After the new redistricting process, I will be running to represent the new district 67 which is Hiawatha, Robins and portions of Marion. It has been an honor serving the great people in district 35. I look forward to continuing to meet with Iowans in my new district and working on your behalf.

As always, feel free to contact me at (515) 281-3521 or kraig.paulsen@legis.state.ia.us

Caucus Newsletter 3-22-12

In this edition:

REC Meets Friday
US Supreme Court Looks at Obamacare
Iowa Ranks 7th in Government Openness

Over the past ten years, Iowa’s test scores in reading and math have fallen while other states have risen. From 1992 to 2009, Iowa’s eighth-grade National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) mathematics scores fell from the top in the nation to average. Additionally, the achievement gap between Iowa students with and without disabilities on the 2009 NAEP is the worst in the nation. Despite Iowa’s above-average scores on the ACT college entrance exam, the percentage of test-takers who met all four ACT benchmarks showing they are ready for college was 30 percent in 2010.

Recent polls have indicated that Iowans demand and support education reform.

By investing in the education of Iowa’s children we are investing in the future of our workforce. During Governor Culver’s last term, the state was spending on education was $2.446 billion ($5,883 per student). In the two years since the House has been controlled by Republicans, we are now spending $2.659 billion ($6,001 per student). This is an increase of $213 million.

We must bring more accountability of taxpayer dollars to parents and taxpayers to ensure each dollar is going directly to Iowa students.

We must ensure Iowa students not only have basic education skills such as math and reading, but that they also have the advanced skills to compete in a globally-competitive economy. To that end, the House bill focused on key principles in reforming Iowa’s education system. They include:
–Providing a path to allow for competency-based learning programs where students progress at their own pace,
meeting proficiency when they are ready.
–Stronger assessments for student achievement, including creating value-added measurements to track a student’s
growth and progress, not just focusing on where they are at any one particular point in time.
–Providing more support to teachers by freeing principles to lead with school administration managers and allowing
principals to annually evaluate teachers, giving them greater support to improve.
–Ensuring high-quality teachers
–Bringing additional innovation to the classroom and the district

This bill was constructed with ideas from both political parties and several Democrat amendments were adopted on the House floor. While some representatives may have different opinions on exactly how we get there, one thing is clear – all members of the House want Iowa students to reach their maximum potential. I believe this legislation will do just that.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at (515) 281-3521 or kraig.paulsen@ielegis.state.ia.us