Iowa House Leader Says State Should Consider Cuts

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By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Nov 26, 2008 at 2:00 PM CST

Story Updated: Nov 26, 2008 at 2:00 PM CST

JOHNSTON (AP) - A Republican legislative leader says the worsening budget could require Iowa lawmakers to take extreme steps, such as freezing state worker pay or even considering layoffs.

House Minority Leader Kraig Paulsen says Republicans are unlikely to support any tax increases to deal with a projected budget deficit as large as $600 million. Instead, the legislator from Hiawatha notes that the state has added hundreds of employees and should consider layoffs.

Speaking Wednesday on the public television show, "Iowa Press," Paulsen added that the party will stick by its conservative philosophy despite a string of election defeats. After losing more House seats, Republicans elected Paulsen as leader, replacing Christopher Rants of Sioux City.

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