In light of the recent slowdown of the national economy, it’s refreshing to see a bipartisan working relationship develop in Washington.  This cooperation should serve as a reminder to all of us that in difficult times we must pull together for the good of the country.

To that end, some legislators this week suggested that Republican leaders from the Senate and House meet with their Democrat counterparts along with governor.  The focus of the meeting would be to discuss the current economic situation here in Iowa.

It is well-documented that Iowa is slower to react to the trends in the national economy. Thus, we must act now to soften any significant dip in our economy. The first sign for concern reared its head this week with the announcement that unemployment has risen to 4 percent due to the loss of 900 jobs in December.

While the federal government is pursuing an economic stimulus package, it’s important for the legislature to explore what can be done on the state level.  Iowa will face challenges that other states in the country will not face and we must begin preparing for those realities now.

The people of Iowa expect their government to work in a bipartisan manner to solve the problems that are on the horizon.  An economic stimulus package must be balanced between short-term needs and long-term expectations.

This much is for sure: Many legislative proposals by the majority party are anti-stimulus and anti-jobs. They include Democrat plans to gut the Right to Work Law and to do little, if anything, to reform our antiquated property tax system.    

Illegal immigration

This week legislators created a task force to offer recommendations to combat illegal immigration  in Iowa.

This legislative task force is charged with reviewing the laws of other states that have enacted measures over the past year to deal with illegal immigration.  The failure of the federal government to adequately address the problem has left it to the states to take control of the issue.

Many states have either passed comprehensive legislation or are in the process of putting together legislation. Oklahoma has led the charge so far and it’s reported that up to 25,000 illegal immigrants will be moving out of Oklahoma because of it.

What will Iowa do?

One proposal offered is to penalize businesses that hire illegal immigrants.  While ensuring businesses follow the letter of the law is important, it’s a small part of a larger solution. 

This legislative task force will forward a comprehensive package of reforms to the legislature in the coming weeks.  This package will focus not only on the responsibility of business but also cooperation between local, state and federal law officers, more tools for the law enforcement community and eliminating some services for illegal immigrants.

All quiet on the budget front?

After the release of Governor’s Culver budget last week, even legislative Democrats were running away from the details that raised taxes and fees on Iowans.

Public sentiment is overwhelming against the governor’s bottle bill proposal that would tax every family that drinks pop, juice or beer up to $20 million.  Job creation would be hampered to the point that 3M has publicly stated their intent to back off from a planned expansion in the state.

The majority party has quietly avoided discussions of Governor Culver’s budget.  They, along with many Iowans, want it put through the shredder as soon as possible.  Now is the time for the Democrats to lead and come up with a reasonable budget that does not raise taxes or raid the state treasury. Republicans stand ready to help.