TROOPERS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT: BUDGET REFLECTS CONCERN YET DOESN'T MEET PUBLIC SAFETY NEEDS

January 23, 2004– DES MOINES – Gov. Tom Vilsack's proposal to increase the Iowa State Patrol budget in the fiscal year 2005 budget reflects a concern for public safety and is a step toward meeting the growing demands on an already strained agency, the President of the Iowa State Troopers Association said today.

Vilsack has indicated that education, human services and public safety would be budget priorities during this legislative session. The budget that he released on Friday included a $5 million increase for the Department of Public Safety – up from $62 million to $67 million. The Iowa State Patrol, which is part of the DPS, would receive an increase from $41 million to $43.9 million with no increase in personnel if legislators adopt Vilsack's recommended budget.

“We appreciate the Governor's recognition that public safety is a top priority for Iowans and we thank him. It's important for Iowans to understand that the Iowa State Patrol budget last year was a 19-percent reduction from 1999's service level, so we have a long way to go to get us where we need to ensure public safety,” said Gerri McCurdy, a trooper from the Rockwell City area. “We live our state's budget problems every day in the form of staff shortages and outdated equipment. With the ever-growing demands in terms of new roads, more traffic and more crime related to methamphetamines, a small budget increase this year is a step in the right direction but it still means we're falling farther behind.”

The Iowa State Patrol currently has more than 60 vacant positions and the ability to fund only 13 of those positions. With only 389 positions remaining, including approximately 87 supervisory personnel, the state now has four counties with no troopers in residence and 10 counties with only one trooper. More than 200 patrol cars will have logged more than 100,000 miles by the end of the fiscal year.

“Our members and other Iowans concerned about public safety will be encouraging the General Assembly and the governor during the weeks and months ahead to find the necessary resources to train, equip and fund an increased number of troopers on our highways,” McCurdy said. “Iowans and others who travel our highways – as well as our members whose lives depend on sufficient support – deserve that level of security and protection.”