Iowa Governor Chet Culver says his proposal to impose a 10% across the board state budget cut is aimed at saving money, but some folks, just aren't buying it.
Ken Mertes, from Onawa, Iowa, says, "It's not gonna be a cut and dry issue with the 10%. They're gonna have to tweak that some because 10% across the board just isn't gonna work."
Many state funded entities agree, saying pretending this 10% reduction will soon be a thing of the past is a huge misconception, especially when it comes to education.
Sioux City School Superintendent, Dr. Paul Gausman, says, "We do need to be honest with everyone and say anytime you reduce a school district's budget by $7,000,000, it will hurt."
With this reduction, the Sioux City School district expects higher student lunch prices, less access to learning tools, strict limitations on student travel and decreased salaries among staff members. But education isn't the only entity that will be impacted. Healthcare could also feel the pinch.
Chuck Cipperley, with Siouxland District Health, says, "Some of the childhood lead testing may be reduced, the testing for STD's and some of the medication that we do give for STD's, some of those may be reduced next year."
If that's not enough to concern you, what about your family's safety? With such a decrease in financial aid, the Woodbury County Courthouse expects to see a less efficient court system as early as November.
Woodbury County Clerk, Craig Jorgensen, says, "You don't have public safety unless you have a functioning court system and if we end up with a part time court system, things like public safety will be compromised."
Courthouse representatives say since there would be less staff working, it could mean longer waits for things like court hearings and divorce proceedings.
Others who may be impacted include workers and patrons of childcare, assisted living, tax revenue and public television.