Allegations on state’s budget are not true

I want to warn Iowa taxpayers about Republican State Auditor Dave Vaudt making reckless allegations about the state's balanced budget. Vaudt acts more like a partisan Republican than a watchdog for all Iowa taxpayers.

As chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have a vested interest in making sure the Legislature is fiscally responsible. As a result of Democrat and Republican efforts this legislative session:

l We increased transparency, reduced inefficiency and ensured that state government will be leaner and more responsive to Iowans by approving the first substantial reorganization of state government in nearly 25 years,

l The General Fund budget for the next fiscal year is $24.1 million less than the current fiscal year.

l We will have a total of $382 million in the state's reserve accounts.

l The independent, non-partisan Pew Center says that Iowa is the second-best managed state in the nation.

l For the second year in a row, Iowa has a AAA credit rating with Standard & Poor's. Iowa is one of only 11 states to achieve this best-possible rating.

Most Iowans support our efforts to prepare our state for a brighter tomorrow and ensure recovery from the national recession sooner than other states.

Sen. Robert Dvorsky

Coralville