(10/16/01)The state auditor is calling for deeper cuts in the state budget. State Auditor Richard Johnson says Governor Vilsack’s 200-million dollar, across-the-board cut isn’t enough.
Johnson says 400-million dollars should be whacked out of the present year’s budget plan to keep the state out of red ink.
Johnson says if the governor and lawmakers want to protect funding for key areas like public safety and defense, other state departments may have to give up even more.
Governor Vilsack originally proposed cuts of seven percent for many state agencies and programs, but later opted for an across-the-board cut of only four-point-three percent. Johnson is currently seeking the republican nomination for Congress from Iowa’s new third district.