If you’re still deciding on how to vote next Tuesday consider this. During the last session, the Republican-led Legislature imposed 4.7% across-the-board budget cuts on many state agencies. Iowa’s conservation programs lost an additional $22 million in cuts, more than one-third of their state funding. In addition, the governor was forced to divert other “dedicated” environmental funds to balance the budget.

Several conservation programs took large cuts while others were completely eliminated. The REAP program was cut from $10 million to $2 million.

The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture lost all of its funding for new grants. County soil and water conservation districts had their cost-share programs with local landowners cut severely.

When water quality ranks as the top environmental concern among Iowa’s citizens, water protection programs took the biggest hit. Prior to these cuts, Iowa was already well below the national average in spending for land, water and wildlife with only 1.2% of the state’s budget committed to protecting these resources. After the cuts, Iowa’s spending for conservation now is 0.9%. Iowa now devotes less than one penny of every state dollar to water quality, soil conservation, environmental education, natural areas, wildlife habitat and trails.

It is a matter of priorities. The Republican leaders tell us these cuts reflect a poor economy. Yes, state revenues were down by 2% last year. But state revenues would have realized an 18% gain if not for the effects of multiple tax cuts passed since 1996. And yet, Governor Vilsack’s opponent is campaigning on a platform of further tax cuts and even smaller state government.

A responsible state budget would give conservation its two cents worth and double current funding for conservation and natural resources.

If we want people (including our own children) to choose Iowa as a place to live, work and play, conservation must have higher priority in future budgets. The Republicans have treated our environment and natural resources irresponsibly. It is time to elect candidates to the Iowa legislature who will give conservation a higher priority.

Jane Greiman, Lisa Heddens, Herman Quirmbach and Kevin Miskell have all pledged to work for conservation.

A vote for these candidates is a vote for conservation.

Erwin Klaas

Ames