FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Contact: Josie Klingaman (515) 419-1038

Paulsen Reacts to State Employee Raises

(DES MOINES)—Today House Republican Leader Kraig Paulsen (R-Hiawatha) reacted to news that, despite taking a pay “freeze,” some state employees will actually see up to a 9 percent increase in salary and benefits.

In addition to the merit and step raises that state employees will see this new fiscal year, they will also receive an increase in deferred compensation benefits as well as insurance premiums. These benefits add up to an $886,000 and $474,000 increase respectively.

“At a time when the government’s current budget is out of balance and next year’s budget is facing a billion dollar hole, it’s irresponsible to be handing out salary increases and benefits,” said Paulsen. “While private sector employees are dealing with layoffs, furloughs, and higher health insurance premiums, state government is actually doing the opposite. Only in government does a pay freeze cost the taxpayers over $120 million.”

Today marks the first day of the 2010 fiscal year.

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On Monday, Rep. Jeff Kaufmann (Wilton), Jodi Tymeson (Winterset) and Annette Sweeney (Alden) met with landowners from Clarke County who have been fighting to save their land from a group trying to take advantage of a loophole in the state’s eminent domain law.

You can read more about the roundtable here http://coveringiowapolitics.com/?p=2097

Pictured here are the Republican Reps with local landowners.

(DES MOINES)—House Republican Leader Kraig Paulsen (R-Hiawatha) today issued the following statement in response to Governor Culver’s recent vetoes and budget bill signings:

“After all the talk of budget cuts and not raising taxes, it’s very regrettable the governor failed to use his veto pen to protect Iowans’ pocketbooks. This governor just finished signing significant overspending and what amounts to the largest general fund spending in the history of Iowa. Furthermore, it raises multiple fees and will definitely result in Iowans paying more in property taxes. During these tough economic times we should be looking for ways to help Iowans keep more of their money.”

Fact Check:

• SF 478, the Standings Appropriations bill, included a provision to allow a city to assess a franchise fee based upon a percentage of gross revenues generated from sales of the franchisee within the city not to exceed 5%. Franchise fees collected shall be credited to the franchise fee account within the city’s general fund.

• SF 465 increased the filing fee in the each county recorders’ office by $2 per document in order to redact a social security number and credit card number off land records.

• SF 218 Allowable Growth for FY11. The property tax increase will be $58 million

• SF 81 created $30 million in new property taxing authority for Iowa schools.

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Iowa Department of Public Health continues to actively track the swine influenza outbreak in the United States. As of this morning, there are 64 cases of swine flu reported in the U.S., occurring in five states (California, Kansas, New York, Ohio and Texas). There have been no U.S. deaths associated with swine flu. Internationally, cases have now been confirmed in Canada, Mexico, Scotland, and Spain. U.S. cases appear to be mild. As of this time, there are no confirmed cases of swine flu in Iowa.

The department is coordinating with other state agencies, all governmental local public health and hospital partners, and the University Hygienic Laboratory regarding specimen testing and sampling procedures. IDPH continues to update and develop additional guidance and resources for public health and healthcare providers.

As with seasonal influenza, IDPH is urging all Iowans to help prevent the spread of swine flu by taking the following precautions:

When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue. If you don’t have a tissue cough or sneeze into your elbow.

After you cough or sneeze, wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand gel.

If you are ill with a respiratory illness (coughing and sneezing), stay home from work or school so you don’t make others sick.

Avoid close contact with others who are coughing or appear to be ill.

Symptoms of swine influenza include fever (greater than 100 F), along with cough, sore throat, headache and body aches, and extreme tiredness. Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider.

If you have recently visited Mexico or areas in the U.S. where swine influenza cases have been confirmed, and develop swine flu symptoms within seven to ten days after your return, it’s important to contact your health care provider, and remind them to contact local public health officials.