Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Department of Management Director Responds To Auditor's Budget Analysis
Des Moines – Today, Iowa Department of Management Director Charlie Krogmeier responded to State Auditor David Vaudt’s analysis of Governor Culver’s budget:
STATEMENT FROM CHARLIE KROGMEIER:
Last month, Governor Culver presented a budget to the legislature which was balanced and protected Iowa’s cash reserves at their highest levels in state history.
I was pleased to see the Auditor acknowledged in his presentation that the Governor’s budget is moving in the right direction. The Auditor’s presentation (slide #4) made it clear the Governor’s budget is fiscally conservative and reduces the so-called “spending gap” by more than 50 percent in just one year.
Certainly, Auditor Vaudt must have been pleased that the Governor’s budget this year grew by nearly $400 million less than the amount the Auditor predicted last June. Again, the Auditor’s presentation made it clear Governor Culver’s budget is responsible and conservative in terms of growth.
However, while it is clear we are moving in the right direction, I was once again disappointed that Auditor Vaudt made no recommendations on spending initiatives or programs which he would like to see reduced or cut.