Conservation takes back seat again

Gov. Terry Branstad hasn't been shy about using his veto pen the past couple of years.

After the 2013 legislative session ended, he wiped out supplemental funding that could have filled some serious gaps as the state moved ahead on the reform of mental health care services delivery.

Late last Friday, the governor wrapped up his post-session review of bills by vetoing about $181 million that affected conservation/environmental programs and building projects at state university campuses. He cited concern about long-term commitments to last year's tax and education reform in wake of a recent decline in state revenues. Indeed, there was a sharp decline in May revenues, blamed in part on federal tax law changes.

We understand the governor's aim to be a responsible steward of public funds. He's done many things to help ensure that Iowa stays in the black.

But the overall financial projection beyond May's blip is certainly healthy, with substantial reserves and emergency funds in place. And we think that among his latest vetoes, the cuts to the Resource Enhancement and Protection program and soil conservation and water quality initiatives that assist farmers' efforts, were shortsighted.

Chopping $9 million from the $25 million that received bipartisan approval once again betrayed a 1989 pledge by lawmakers to fund REAP for at least $20 million a year. REAP assist local governments' conservation and outdoor recreation projects.

Even more disappointing: $11.3 million was slashed from the state ag department's budget that provides matching funds to farmers who implement conservation practices that reduce runoff, as well as other watershed projects that protect against flooding and erosion.

Slashing these relatively modest amounts from an overall state budget of $6.9 billion steals momentum from recent progress in watershed management and protection of our priceless soil and water. That is not visionary.

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