Citizens in Ames are feeling the effect of budget cutbacks. In Ames our public school teachers and students are feeling the pinch. Our ISU faculty know they are teaching more students and our students know that their tuition has risen. Environmental programs were hit hard, including the Leopold Center. This all reflects the fact that across Iowa we had a negative 4.5 percent growth in state spending, the lowest in 30 years.

In the face of these tight budget times, do not believe everything you see on TV. Our Republican candidate for Governor has a silly ad saying the Governor ran off with this money. Of course candidate Gross knows better because he was former Governor Branstad’s right hand man when taxes were cut and when a one cent sales tax increase occurred. During Gross’ tenure with state government, tax cuts were begun that everyone knew would result in red ink, unless the economy continued to grow or services were drastically cut. We now have $800 million less coming into the state treasury because of these Gross tax credits. That $800 million mostly went in the pockets of the upper incomes.

Tom Vilsack has shown leadership and has made reasonable decisions given the budgets sent to his desk by the Republican majority. Remember, the governor does not sponsor the bills, he only has only the power to sign or veto bills. He used that power in a proper manner.

Governor Tom Vilsack is speaking out for the needs of our students, and is encouraging the restoration of cuts that have impacted our city and county. We still have $846 million in reserve and account balances.

Let your legislators know what services you expect from your government. Many of you are telling me that government has let the citizens down this year. You expect the legislature to fund services at a higher level and you are willing to pay for this service. Check with the Legislative Service Bureau, compare numbers and make your own decisions about our fiscal state and the services you want.

It takes all of us to make our democracy work.

Representative Jane Greimann

Ames