Monday, December 3, 2007                                                  

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Rep. Tyler Olson, (319) 365-1840

OLSON: MORE PROGRESS & FISCAL
RESPONSIBILITY IN 2008

Des Moines, Iowa – After attending a planning session for the 2008 legislative session, State Representative Tyler Olson (D-Cedar Rapids) said today he will focus on continuing the progress from the 2007 session and balancing the state budget.

“Last year, we made great progress helping middle class families while producing a fiscally responsible state budget that left our state savings account at the highest level in Iowa history.  I look forward to continuing the progress we made last year in health care, jobs, and renewable energy,” said Olson.

According to the non-partisan Legislative Services Agency, the State of Iowa’s savings accounts are full at $592 million, which is an increase of $366.8 million in the last four years and is the highest amount ever.  Raided in previous years, the Senior Living Trust Fund will also be repaid $182.8 million of the $300 million owed to help keep seniors in their homes for as long as they choose.

“After our historic session in 2007, I look forward to working across party lines to again help middle class families.  We must continue to improve teacher pay, expand access to preschool, make health care more affordable, make Iowa a world leader in renewable energy, and create good-paying jobs,” said Olson. 

The 2008 legislative session begins on Monday, January 14.  Olson encouraged Iowans to contact him with their ideas and suggestions for the upcoming session.  Olson can be reached at tyler.olson@legis.state.ia.us.

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