July 7, 2008 - Des Moines, Iowa -

During these difficult times for so many Iowans it is incumbent upon the state government to make sure that infrastructure within the tornado and flood affected areas is sufficient to meet the needs of our citizens and to assist in cleanup and rebuilding.  Iowa state government needs to find the resources to get the stricken communities back on their feet.  Certainly the rainy day fund is a good place to start but it is not sufficient in itself. 

Governor Culver should call the legislature into special session, the legislators should freeze state spending at the previous year’s level, and the money saved should be used for disaster relief and infrastructure repair.  There is no legitimate reason for government spending to grow at more than twice the rate of inflation while so many Iowans are suffering from the tornado and flood disasters.

If the legislature still wants spending increases beyond the relief efforts are they should be specifically reauthorized with the understanding that any money going to other areas is being denied to flood and tornado recovery efforts.

We have a choice, aid the Iowan’s struck by the recent natural disasters, or, business as usual.  Larry Disney believes we should help our fellow Iowans.