State Sen. Tim Kapucian R-Keystone

DES MOINES (SPECIAL) – Senate Republicans have sent a letter to Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller questioning Governor Culver’s budget numbers calling it inaccurate and deceptive. “Iowans have been led along this deceptive budget path for far too long,” said Senator Tim Kapucian (R-Keystone). “In the spirit of bi-partisanship, Republicans offered Democrats solutions to this glaring budget problem months ago, but were unfortunately ignored.” State Auditor David Vaudt recently criticized the Governor’s budget stating that it exceeded the statutory 99% expenditure limitation by $25 million. The Governor’s budget relies on $341 million in alleged savings, however, many discrepancies exist that raise concern for Senate Republicans. “The Governor’s budget is simply inaccurate. He claims that it is balanced but he relies on one-time funds to pay for ongoing expenses which leaves us wondering what sorts of problems we’ll have next year.” Kapucian specifically questions the 2% allowable growth promise that the Governor made to Iowa schools: “We’re left wondering how allowable growth will be fully funded without raising property taxes. And it’s still anybody’s guess how the Democrats will fund all that they’ve promised.”