Legis.News -- Inside the Iowa Legislature, January 3, 2003
By House Democratic Leader Dick Myers

MORE TOUGH DECISIONS AWAIT 2003 SESSION

The 2003 legislative session will kickoff on Monday, January 13. Once
again, due to the
sluggish economy, the state budget will be extremely tight. Budget
issues will no doubt
command most of the headlines from now until adjournment in April.

This will make the third consecutive year of very tough budgeting. In
the past two years,
we have slashed state spending significantly. Today, state government in
Iowa is spending
LESS than it did four years ago.

At the same time, thanks to Governor Vilsack's leadership, we have been
able to improve
public schools by reducing class sizes and improving teacher pay. It is
a matter of
establishing priorities and sticking by them.

In difficult budget times, it is crucial to maintain focus on
priorities. In 2003, House
Democrats will continue to concentrate on three major areas:

Managing and balancing the state budget.
Improving the economic security of Iowans today.
Modernizing Iowa and providing economic growth for our children's
future.

We cannot let ourselves be sidetracked from these goals. Any diversion
from these
priorities would be a waste of our time and taxpayers' money.

I am pleased to hear the public declarations of cooperation coming from
the Governor and
Republican leaders. We serve the public well when we work collectively,
and this year will
require our best efforts.

*************************************************************
THE DEMOCRATIC AGENDA FOR 2003

Democrats will introduce specific legislation this year to further our
plan to protect
Iowans' economic security and foster modernization and growth for the
future.

Our Democratic agenda includes:

* Making income tax rates more competitive and simplifying tax forms.
* Taking commercial advantage of university research.
* Lowering prescription drug costs for seniors.
* Incorporating character education into all public school curricula.
* Continuing class-size reductions in elementary grades.
* Proving insurance parity for mentally illness.
* Raising the state's minimum wage.
* Protecting the privacy of Iowans' medical and financial records.

Democrats intend to work from day one to develop and enact this agenda.
We look forward to
working with Governor Vilsack and majority Republicans to that end.

*************************************************************
CONTACT INFORMATION

For more information and news from the Iowa House of Representatives,
visit our website at
<www.iowahouse.org> or call (515) 281-3521.

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