Road Use Tax Ltr to LegislatorsCity Manager's Office
50 West 13th Slxeet
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864
(319) 5894110
(319) 5894149 FAX
April 19, 2002
VIA E-Mail &
Ist Class Mail
mike_connolly@legis.state.ia.us
The Honorable Mike Connolly
Iowa State Senator
3458 Daniels
Dubuque, IA 52001
Re: RUTF
Dear Senator Connolly:
I understand that Governor Vilsack is recommending the transfer of $60 million of RUTF
dollars to the general fund and that this issue may be discussed during the special
session on Monday, April 22. I urge you to vote "no" on any attempts to shift these
dollars to the general fund.
The Iowa League of Cities has advised me that Steve Falck, policy analyst from the
governor's office, confirmed that the governor's proposal to take money from the RUTF
does not include money promised to cities and counties. This proposal would only affect
state funds.
The League and the City of Dubuque, however, still have concerns that, even if cities'
RUTF allocation is not touched, cities will still be greatly impacted by a decrease in
money to state road funds. A decrease in revenues would require IDOT to suspend or
eliminate road projects needed by cities or counties and could also jeopardize city
projects dependent on support from the state.
Service People Integrity Responsibility h-movation Teamwork
The Honorable Mike Connolly
April 19, 2002
Page 2
I encourage you to help preserve this vital source of funding. Your assistance is
preventing any further reduction in road use tax funds is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Michael C. Van Milligen
City Manager
MCVM:jh
cc: Mayor Terry Duggan
Dubuque City Council
Tom Bredeweg, Executive Director, Iowa League of Cities
Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
The Honorable Mike Connolly
I~wa State Senator
3458 Daniels
Dubuque, IA 52001
The Honorable Pam Jochum
Iowa State Representative
2368 Jackson
Dubuque, IA 52001
The Honorable Robed Osterhaus
Iowa State Representative
216 Austin
Maquoketa, IA 52060
The Honorable Thomas Flynn
Iowa State Senator
21367 Girl Scout Road
Epwodh, IA 52045
The Honorable Pat Murphy
Iowa State Representative
155 N. Grandview Avenue
Dubuque, IA 52001
The Honorable Paul Scherrman
Iowa State Representative
P.O. Box 309
Farley, IA 52046