Column - Trimming A Branch

Hundreds of state employees are on the brink of having their jobs washed away in a wave of budget cuts.

State troopers, prison guards, you name it. But there's one group of state employees that has remained untouched.

That group is the 150-seat Iowa Legislature. Even after taking a 10 percent funding cut, the Legislative branch budget is $31.9 million.

That's a lot of dough. A little nip here and tuck there and we could save millions. And what do you want, folks, prison guards or politicians?

To our west, Nebraska has a unicameral legislature that's all Senate and no House. It was created by voters in the midst of the Great Depression in 1934 to save scarce dollars. The Unicameral was on the ballot alongside measures repealing prohibition and allowing parimutuel betting. Thirsty drinkers and gamblers love small government.

Sure, I know what you're thinking. Since when do we take cues from Nebraska?

Actually, I'm taking my cue from Gov. Chet Culver. Two years in a row, Culver has delivered a one-man vote of noconfidence in the Iowa Legislature. Last year, he decided the worst natural disaster in state history was no reason to call a special legislative session. This fall, he's decided, so far, to handle a massive budget crisis all by his lonesome. He can move mountains of money, dip into reserves and cut across the board, all without legislative oversight or input. He won't call them back, no matter how bad it gets.

Evidently he thinks we elected them to be on standby.

So the governor can wrestle huge challenges with a branch of government tied behind his back. The judicial branch can shake the nation with its far-reaching rulings. The Legislature can pass resolutions honoring Everly on the occasion of its quasquicentennial.

Where would you cut?

An Iowa unicameral would take some getting used to, admittedly.

Downsizing the Legislature could send economic shock waves through the commemorative lapel pin, soft-serve ice cream, bad coffee and American flag necktie industries.

Lobbyists would have an easier time hunting a smaller herd of lawmakers.

On the plus side, championship basketball teams, Miss Iowa, visiting dignitaries and that member of Irish parliament who shows up around St. Patrick's Day would need to be honored only once. Pella could bake Dutch letters for just one chamber. Ditto for Cedar Rapids' kolaches.

The state could rent out the empty chamber for special events, weddings, state employee farewell parties, etc.

» Contact the writer: (319) 398-8452 or todd. dorman@gazcomm.com