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Checks and balances – the foundation of our government!
From Bill Dix, House Appropriations Chairman

Tuesday, April 27, 2004
I was proud to be a part of the bi–partisan coalition that passed the "Government Accountability Bill" in the Iowa House.

This bill limits the Executive Branch's authority to move funds allocated for one state department to another without legislative approval.

But more importantly – it restores a fundamental pillar of our government–checks and balances.

The legislative branch of government allocates money to pay for the priorities of Iowa's citizens – including education, public safety, and roads. The Governor may either approve or veto this budget, and then is responsible to ensure the state agencies perform these functions under the guidelines we have set.

This is a simple pattern of events that we all learned in grade school. It is what the Founding Fathers of our country intended when they drafted and signed the US Constitution. However, Iowa law does not specifically guarantee this process.

Last year, Governor Vilsack ordered his staff to move $15 million of federal Medicaid funds to pay for state worker salary increases. These funds were sent from Washington specifically to pay for the health care of needy Iowans! No legislative approval was required, and while I vehemently disagree with his priorities, it was perfectly legal!

Now that the Government Accountability Bill has passed the House, it will head to the Senate for approval and eventually will land on the Governor's desk for his signature. It appears that the Senate leadership is enthusiastic about restoring our state's checks and balances. We are not sure what Governor Vilsack plans to do.

That is why I am writing to you today.

Your strong voice has helped so much already in this legislative session. You spoke out in favor of responsible budgets, making education our top priority, and preventing tax hikes on Iowa families and small businesses.

I need your help again today!

Please write to Governor Vilsack and encourage him to sign the Government Accountability Act! His email address is tom.vilsack@legis.state.ia.us. If you would also e send a copy of your email to Lieutenant Governor Sally Pederson at sally.Pederson@Legis.state.ia.us and a copy to me at billdix@flashmail.com, it would be most appreciated.

This bill is not a personal attack on Governor Vilsack.

We must look beyond today's problems and today's leaders, and do what is right for Iowa's future. A strong system of checks and balances has enabled our country to survive and prosper for more than 200 years.

It is what Iowa needs to survive as well–regardless of the political party of the Governor or the majority in the legislature.

While we often hear criticisms from those in the media–or those who simply disagree with limited government–this is not a "do–nothing" legislature. We are making steady progress in reforming state government, balancing the budget, and funding our highest priorities including education. This is an important step for Iowa's future.

Thank you so much for taking the time to encourage Governor Vilsack to do the right thing and sign the Government Accountability Act into law.

Sincerely,

Bill Dix

House Appropriations Chairman

PS – With Iowans' faith in their elected leaders at an all–time low, The Government Accountability Bill is exactly what we need! Our country was based on checks and balances, and Iowa law must ensure that the budget we pass is the rule under which state government operates. I hope you will encourage Governor Vilsack to support this important measure for Iowa's future.