Iowa Legislature adjourns with a day to spare

The Iowa Legislature ended its 2010 work today on the 79th day of a planned 80-day session.

The Iowa House adjourned at 12:22 p.m., while the Senate followed at 12:49 p.m.

“I can't think of a better time to adjourn than over the lunch hour when it's 72 degrees outside,” House Speaker Pat Murphy, D-Dubuque, said. “So I think it's time to move on to those other parts of our lives.”

Murphy's remarks followed 51-48 passage of House File 2531, the catch-all bill that includes appropriations and policy pieces, including many proposals that didn't win approval as stand-alone bills. The Senate approved the measure, 29-16, a short time later.

In the House, four Democrats joined Republicans in voting against the final bill. The Senate outcome was straight party line.

Before voting on the session's final bill, majority Democrats declared victory, saying they balanced the state budget without raising taxes and leaving about $380 million in reserves. Majority Democrats said the Legislature made progress on K-12 funding, higher education, providing more access to health care and small business assistance.

Key accomplishments, they said, include a state government reorganization expected to save more than $250 million through streamlining and early retirements.

Minority Republicans, who argued the Legislature spent too much and saved too little, did not vote for a single budget bill in the past two years.

They were especially critical that Democrats relied on more than $700 million in one-time funding – federal stimulus money, for example, and more bonding Iowans will repay over the next 20 years.

“In summary, there are a few things to be pleased with – we strengthened 2nd Amendment rights and we protected Iowans' right to deduct their federal income tax,” said House GOP Leader Kraig Paulsen of Hiawatha.

“However, House Republicans believe Gov. Culver and this Legislature spent too much, saved too little and raised property taxes. In fact, I believe the No. 1 thing this year will be remembered for is the massive property tax increase passed onto Iowans.”

HF 2531, the standings bill, included proposals that didn't win approval as stand-alone bills. It marked the end of the line for a bill requiring some employers to provide a place for breast-feeding women to express breast milk.

The House also removed language rewriting Iowa open meetings and public records laws. The Senate included it in standings, but Murphy said it was stripped to reach consensus between the two chambers.

Before debate started, majority Democrats declared victory, saying they balanced the state budget without raising taxes and leaving about $380 million in reserves. The say the Legislature made progress on K-12 funding, higher education, providing more access to health care and small business assistance.

Key accomplishments, they said, include a state government reorganization expected to save more than $250 million through streamlining and early retirements.

Senate President Jack Kibbie, D-Emmetsburg, noted Iowa is the first state to approve 10 priorities identified by the Defense Department for veterans and military families.

Republicans have criticized the budget, which relies on more than $700 million in one-time funding – federal stimulus money, for example, and more bonding Iowans will repay over the next 20 years.