Legislature Ends With Balanced Budget; Help for Small Businesses & Middle Class
The 2010 legislative session adjourned on Tuesday, March 30th, and the Iowa Legislature responsibly balanced the state budget without raising taxes while laying the groundwork for Iowa’s economic recovery.
During these tough economic times, we focused on the priorities of middle class families – balancing the budget, good-paying jobs and a quality education. We made tough choices and reorganized state government to find over $265 million in savings instead of raising taxes, which has put Iowa in a much better position than many other states.
For Fiscal Year 2011, which starts July 1, the budget plan approved spends less than last year and even spends less than the state budget approved four years ago. The ending balance next year will be over $180 million and an additional $200 million will still be in the state’s savings account.
The Legislature approved a new $5 million small business loan fund and expanded technical assistance for businesses and entrepreneurs. An additional $100,000 was given to Iowa Small Business Development Centers, which provide one on one counseling and support for business owners at 15 locations across Iowa, and the state also expanded on-line support for Iowa small businesses at MyEntre.Net.
Legislators increased funding for k-12 schools $147 million next year, expanded preschool to all four year olds, and continued plans to make sure every student graduates with the skills necessary to land a good-paying job in today’s global economy.
House Approves More Support for Small Businesses
In another effort to create good-paying jobs, the Iowa House approved a series of initiatives to help small businesses today, including a new Save Our Small Business Fund designed to help business owners having trouble accessing resources to stay open or expand.
The small business initiatives were approved on Senate File 2389. The Save Our Small Business Fund will provide loans up to $50,000 to small businesses with under 35 employees. Other pieces of the initiative include expanding eligible for the state’s loan buy-down program (Linked Investment for Tomorrow Fund), a statewide website of vacant buildings targeted for redevelopment, one comprehensive website with links to all assistance available to small businesses, and a special committee to find ways to reduce regulatory barriers facing small businesses.
In addition to the incentives approved today, lawmakers have already provided an additional $100,000 for Small Business Development Centers, expanded the statewide MyEntre.Net program to help accelerate the growth of firms most likely to create jobs in Iowa, and kept Iowa’s 55 Workforce Development Centers open to help the unemployed find work or get job training assistance.
Wrapping up Session
State Representatives Ray Zirkelbach and Marcie Frevert on the last day of session on March 30, 2010.
Statehouse Newsletter
End of Session Newsletter 3.31.10
House Expands Job Creation Efforts; Protects Small Businesses
The House of Representatives voted to continue to protect and create good paying jobs in Iowa and boost support for Iowa’s small businesses.
The job creation plan we approved today will expand critical support for small businesses and help put Iowans back to work.
House File 2522 provides an additional $100,000 for Small Business Development Centers that provide one on one counseling and support to small businesses at 15 locations across Iowa.
It also expands the statewide MyEntereNet program to help accelerate the growth of firms most likely to create jobs in Iowa while improving access to services and capital for hundreds of other Iowa companies.
In addition, the bill continues support for over 55 Workforce Development Centers across Iowa that help the unemployed find work and job training assistance. The centers also provide services to employers looking to hire employees.
Balanced Budget, Education Top Priorities in Iowa House
The Iowa House today approved the blueprint for education next year that maintains key priorities in education while keeping the state budget balanced.
In these tough economic times, we know there are tough choices to make but we are keeping focused on priorities in education. The blueprint we approved today will keep the state budget balanced, ensure more four year olds have access to quality preschool and keep good teachers in the classroom.
The bill, Senate File 2376, allocates about $850 million for the Board of Regents, College Student Aid Commission, Department of the Blind, and other education institutions. Given the state’s tight budget times, most areas of the plan are reduced about 4% from last year but re-directs some resources to key priorities, like k-12 education.
As the national economy begins to recover, it’s essential that we have a skilled workforce to take advantage of new job opportunities in high-tech industries like renewable energy. I’m proud that we are continuing our commitment to raise standards and make sure our kids graduate with the skills necessary to land a job in today’s global economy.
Rep. Zirkelbach at Bill Signing
State Representative Ray Zirkelbach joined Governor Chet Culver for the signing of House File 2110, that will provide unemployment benefits for spouses who must leave their jobs because their partner was called to active duty. Other initiatives this year to help spouses at home include protecting them from withdrawal penalties if they must leave college mid-term and directing state agencies to help them transfer teaching certificates or professional certifications to their new home state.
Rep. Zirkelbach with Iowa Football Coach Kirk Ferentz
State Representative Ray Zirkelbach met with Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz March 10 before a resolution was read on the House floor honoring the achievements of the Iowa football team and their coach.
Rep. Zirkelbach with Constituents
State Representatives Ray Zirkelbach and Tom Schueller met with Pat Ready, Tom Avenarius, Barb Kilburg, and Ron Healey when they visited the Capitol on March 10.
