| Press Release from
Representative Tom Sands - March 17, 2004 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, March 17, 2004 Contact: Tim Albrecht (515) 281-5566
Republicans unveil budget: local prison to receive additional funding
(DES MOINES) -- House Republicans unveiled their budget targets this week, outlining priority spending which will directly benefit Mt. Pleasant Correctional Facility and public safety.
"The economic forecast for Iowa looks very promising," said Rep. Dave Heaton, R-Mt. Pleasant. "This was again a challenging budget year, but we are able to fund our priorities without raising taxes on working Iowans. That's important in a time of economic recovery."
The Republican budget included a $5.7 million increase to the Department of Corrections, as well as an increase of over $3 million for Iowa's troopers.
"This money will be used to strengthen our prisons and protect the workers in Mt. Pleasant Correctional Facility,” said Rep. Tom Sands, R-Columbus Junction. "This funding, in addition to key appropriations for patrol cars and trooper salaries, will keep our roads and our communities safe."
The budget will be voted on in the upcoming weeks.
“Increased funding for the prison ensures that it remains a valuable and safe source of jobs for the members of our communities," said Heaton. “We need to assure them that they have the funding to continue their great work.” |