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Culver Orders 10 Percent Spending Cut

By Rod Boshart and AP

By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Oct 8, 2009 at 2:37 PM CDT

Story Updated: Oct 8, 2009 at 5:21 PM CDT

DES MOINES - Iowa Gov. Chet Culver says he'll sign an executive order cutting the state budget by 10 percent in response to a big drop in tax revenue.

“We cannot wait. We cannot delay. We have to act,” Culver said.

Speaking Thursday at a news conference, Culver estimated the reduction to executive branch agencies would amount to $600 million.

“It’s going to have a negative impact. It’s going to be a very tough thing for all Iowans to deal with. We’re not going to be able to provide the same services at the same level," Culver said.

If the economy improves and tax revenues increase, Culver says he'll ask the Legislature to add back money to state programs with an emphasis on health care for children, public safety and jobless benefits.

Culver ruled out increasing taxes.

The cuts do not apply to the legislative or judicial branches, but legislative leaders already have agreed to impose a 8.5 percent reduction to their budget areas.

The across-the-board cuts followed an announcement Wednesday that state revenues in the current fiscal year were expected to be about $415 million less than previously forecast.

Link: Governor Culver’s Statement on Balancing the State Budget

09 10 08 ATB Calculations

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