Summary of Departmental Budget Cut Plans

On October 28, Governor Chet Culver announced that 34 of the 36 preliminary plans on how state executive branch departments would implement a ten percent across-the-board budget cut were approved. The plans are in response to an order by Governor Chet Culver to cut state government spending by ten percent after the Revenue Estimating Conference projected earlier this month an 8.4% decline in revenue for the current fiscal year.

Two department’s plans – Department of Corrections and Department of Public Safety – were rejected in order to find alternatives to layoffs of public safety officers. Governor Culver said: “I reject these two plans because I am hopeful that we can find an alternative to laying off hundreds of correctional officers, state troopers and law enforcement personnel. I am rejecting these plans because public safety is essential to our daily lives.”

In addition to the approved plans, Governor Culver ordered a 7-day furlough for the 3,258 non-contract employees in the state executive branch. “I do not believe it is fair for any state employee to not contribute toward our solution,” said Governor Culver.

Finally, Governor Culver announced that he has asked the three bargaining units representing state employees to join him in negotiation amendments to their contracts. The Governor said: I seek substantive discussions with all three unions on issues that may impact our state budget cuts.  Our goal is to do everything we can to prevent layoffs related to essential public safety.

A copy of the plan submitted by each department – and the status of the plan – is available below for download. Links to additional information about state budget cuts and revenue estimates is available to the right.

   
Preliminary PlansStatus
Department of Administrative Services Approved as Submitted
Department on Aging Approved as Submitted
Department for the Blind Approved as Submitted
Iowa Civil Rights Commission Approved as Submitted
College Student Aid Commission Approved Pending Changes
Department of Commerce, Alcoholic Beverage Division Approved as Submitted
Department of Commerce, Banking Division Exempt
Department of Commerce, Credit Union Division Exempt
Department of Commerce, Insurance Division Exempt
Department of Commerce, Professional Licensing Approved as Submitted
Department of Commerce, Utilities Board Exempt
Department of Corrections Not Approved Pending Further Review
Department of Cultural Affairs Approved as Submitted
Governor’s Office on Drug Control Policy Approved as Submitted
Department of Economic Development Approved as Submitted
Department of Education Approved Pending Changes
Department of Energy Independance Approved as Submitted
Governor’s Office Approved as Submitted
Department of Human Rights Approved as Submitted
Department of Human Services Approved Pending Changes
Department of Inspections & Appeals Approved Pending Changes
Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board Approved as Submitted
Iowa Finance Authority Approved as Submitted
Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Approved as Submitted
Iowa Public Television Approved as Submitted
Department of Management Approved as Submitted
Department of Natural Resources Approved as Submitted
Board of Parole Approved as Submitted
Department of Public Defense Approved as Submitted
Public Employment Relations Board Approved as Submitted
Department of Public Health Approved Pending Changes
Department of Public Safety Not Approved Pending Further Review
Rebuild Iowa Office Approved as Submitted
Department of Revenue Approved as Submitted
Department of Transportation Approved as Submitted
Department of Veterans Affairs Approved as Submitted
Iowa Veterans Home Approved as Submitted
Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Approved as Submitted
Iowa Workforce Development Approved Pending Changes