Check out some of these great excerpts from a piece by the WFC Courier’s editorial board on the Iowa Taxpayers Association’s , a non-partisan group, review of the state’s fiscal 2011 budget that reveals how Gov. Culver and the democrat’s poor budgeting practices have resulted in higher taxes for Iowans.
“Ed Wallace, president of the Iowa Taxpayers Association, said the Democrat-controlled Legislature and Gov. Chet Culver violated three key principles of sound budgeting. One of those “violations” was that the legislative action that “drastically” shifted costs to counties and schools by underfunding state commitments to local property tax credits and K-12 education – a move that likely will push tough decisions on to local elected officials resulting in higher property taxes.”
“The ITA review also criticized lawmakers for underfunding local property tax credits by about $55 million. Wallace said the state commitment to local governmental entities for the homestead tax credit was underfunded by nearly 36 percent and the ag land property tax credit was nearly 19 percent below the level demanded to fully fund the relief.”
“Branstad said his goals are to restore stability and predictability for services in Iowa. He added non-essential programs should be eliminated if we cannot afford them.”
“When he was governor, Iowa averaged a 4% revenue increase; however Iowa no longer has that luxury in this economy.”
The Comeback Express campaign RV got a facelift this week!
The vehicle, a Winnebago Itasca (an Iowa company!), has logged tens of thousands of miles in traveling the great state of Iowa as part of Terry Branstad’s commitment to visit all 99 counties during this campaign.
The new look also has the addition of our great lieutenant governor nominee, Kim Reynolds! If you haven’t yet, please follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/KimReynoldsIA.
“This strong fundraising period is evidence of the excitement and momentum enjoyed by this campaign. Everywhere Gov. Branstad and Sen. Reynolds travel in this state, they are greeted with eager, enthusiastic support that is ready for a proven leader and effective manager in the governor’s office.”
This past weekend our lieutenant governor nominee Kim Reynolds was crowned Celebrity Steer Show Champion at the Decatur County Fair! Kim performed like a seasoned pro, besting one other noteworthy celebrity, Congressman Steve King, who told Kim that she presented her steer, “with style!”
Be sure to check out Kim and her award-winning steer at the Iowa State Fair in August when they compete to be State Fair champions!
Campaign manager Jeff Boeyink says the following of the ad:
“The point we will continue to drive is that Iowa deserves a government as good as its people. Terry Branstad offers a stark alternative to Chet Culver in offering a return to clean, open, honest and transparent government in Iowa. This ad shows an enthusiastic, passionate reformer.”
This picture is a perfect illustration of why Gov. Culver is desperately attacking us with his first campaign ad.
Next to the headline “New Culver ad sets table for big serving of attacks,” you’ll see the headline, “D.M. cuts include 30% of music, art teachers.”
A story of Culver attacking us, next to a story of massive teacher layoffs couldn’t be more illustrative of why Culver is so desperate. He understands that his mismanagement of state government has put us in a situation where we layoff teachers – or face $500 million property tax increases to keep them. This is hardly an ideal situation heading into the general election.
So why is Chet Culver attacking Terry Branstad? This picture says it all.
Lee County Republican Fundraiser - Branstad lieutenant governor nominee Kim Reynolds attends Lee County Republican fundraiser Kingsley Inn 707 Avenue H Fort Madison, IA (Fort Madison, IA )
Aug 2
ABI Endorse Branstad, Waukee, IA - Monday, August 2, 2010
9 a.m. Former Gov. Terry Branstad holds news conference to receive Iowa ABIâs PAC endorsement
Atlantic Bottling
16200 Hickman Rd.
Waukee, IA (Atlantic Bottling 16200 Hickman Rd. Waukee, IA)
Aug 2
Bremer County âTruth in Budgetingâ Waverly, IA - 2 p.m. Former Gov. Terry Branstad and state Auditor David Vaudt hold Bremer County âTruth in Budgetingâ tour stop
Waverly Public Library
1500 W. Bremer Ave.
Waverly, IA (Waverly Public Library 1500 W. Bremer Ave. Waverly, IA)