Harkin, Tom, letterTOM I4ARKIN
IOWA
WASHINGTON, DC 205'10-1502
July 14, 2003
(202) 224~3254
FAX: {202) 224~9369
I~Y {202) 224-4633
http://har kin.senate,gov
AGRICULTURE
APPROPRIATIQNS
HEALTH, EDUCATION,
LABOR, AND PENSIONS
SMALL BUSINESS
Michael C. VanMilligen
City Manager
City of Dubuque
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
Dear Michael:
Thank you for contacting me regarding the need for federal
assistance to the states and localities. It is always good to
hear from you.
I have been pushing for additional aid to states which fund
themselves in severe financial distress. In January, I developed
a proposal to provide to the state $10 billion for general
assistance. Two of the senators who agreed with my proposal were
Senators Snowe (R-ME) and Nelson (D-NE). In fact, they made
their support for the omnibus tax bill contingent on the
inclusion of state relief funds in the tax package. Thus, their
demand effectively required the tax writing committee leaders to
include these funds in spite of their considerable opposition.
The final tax cut package language provides that the $10
billion in funds committed to the states (not tied to Medicaid)
was for "essential services" or for "federal mandates."
Unfortunately, these terms are likely to be loosely constructed
during t~e actual application of these funds. Personally, I wish
that these terms had been more clearly defined to ensure that the
funds go to their intended purpose. Be assured I will continue
to work to see that the federal government provides this
necessary support. However, it is becoming increasingly
difficult due to the growing federal deficit.
Again, thank you for contacting me. Please don't hesitate
to contact my office on any issue of importance to you.
United States Senator
150 FIRST AVENUE, NE 210 WALNUT STREET 1606 BRADY STREET 350 WEST 6TH STREET 320 6TH STREET
SUIYE 370 73~ FEDERAL BU{LD]NG SUITE 323 315 FEDERAL BUILDING 110 FEDERAL BUILDING
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA 5240~ DES MOtNES, IA 50309 DAVENPORT, IA 52803 DUBUQUE, IA 52001 SIOUX CIT~, IA 51¢01
(319) 3654504 (515) 28z~4574 (563) 322-1338 (563) 582-2130 {712) 252-1550