Latest News

Posted 2/4/2010 by Chris

GOP plan would cut Iowa spending by $290 million

By James Q. Lynch
Des Moines Bureau

DES MOINES — House Republicans offered a plan to slash state spending by $290 million in order to reach Gov. Chet Culver’s goal of $341 million in general fund budget savings.

“The Democrats are $263 million short of the governor’s target to balance the budget,” Rep. Christopher Rants, R-Sioux City, said.

Rants, who is seeking the GOP nomination to challenge Culver, noted the irony of offering an amendment to help the governor reach his goal.

“Republicans are here to work in a bipartisan way to get Iowa’s fiscal house in order,” he said.

Mail This | Comments [0]

The Lone "No" Vote

Posted 2/3/2010 by Chris

Yesterday I cast the lone “no” vote on SF 2062 – the Governor and Democrats plan to lure state employees to take early retirement with the goal of saving cash in the budget.

So why break with my fellow Republicans and be the lone “no” vote? Click here to find out why.

Mail This | Comments [0]

Budget Shenanigans

Posted 1/30/2010 by Chris

Iowa’s budget deficit takes center stage this week as lawmakers begin the process of deciding what they can accept in Governor Chet Culver’s budget, and what they have to reject.

Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, a legislator or a concerned taxpayer, you’ll be disappointed by the shenanigans Culver played in assembling his budget.

First – Budget Spends Almost $400 Million More Than Receipts

The first game Culver plays with the budget is using “one time” funds for on-going expense. Over $200 Million from the cash reserve will have to be repaid. Emptying out the last $38 Million from the Senior Living Trust Fund means that seniors will get few services, and next year the Governor and legislators will have to figure out how to replace those funds because the Senior Living Trust Fund will no long exist. The last $140 Million in federal stimulus money is used up, with no plans on how to replace that revenue in the future.

Click here to read more

Mail This | Comments [0]

Iowa's Perfect Storm - Property Taxes

Posted 1/27/2010 by Chris

Iowa taxpayers, along with local and state governments, are facing the perfect storm of lack of business development, an escalating tax burden, and a school funding crisis brought on by years of neglect and bad fiscal discipline in Terrace Hill. Where do those three storm clouds intersect? Property taxes, property taxes, property taxes.

Click here to read the solutions...

Mail This | Comments [0]

The Best Way to Overturn the Supreme Court Ruling and Restore Traditional Marriage

Posted 1/22/2010 by Chris

Earlier this week while speaking to the Tea Party Patriots in Spencer I was asked about the Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage, and what I would do if elected Governor.

I knew my questioner was hoping to hear me endorse a quick fix like an executive order, but I offered him a much more practical and successful method.

Read the plan by clicking here

Mail This | Comments [5]

Download Nomination Petitions Or Print Caucus Letter

Posted 1/22/2010 by Admin

Download nomination petitions by clicking this link RantsPetition.pdf

Please return by mail to Iowans for Rants, PO Box 2773, Sioux City, IA 51106

Download a letter for your caucus here RantsCaucusLetter.pdf

Mail This | Comments [0]