GOP wants legislative branch to investigae Film Office

Republican legislative leaders have sent a letter to Democrats who control the legislature’s debate agenda (because Democrats hold a majority of seats), asking that the Legislative Oversight Committee investigate the current drama in the Iowa Film Office. “Oversight” is a unique committee in the legislature in that it has members from both the House and Senate.

Read the Republicans’ news release and letter below..

Republicans Request Oversight Committee Attention to Tax Credit Program

(DES MOINES)—Today House Republican Leader Kraig Paulsen (R-Hiawatha) joined Sen. Paul McKinley in requesting the Government Oversight Committee address the Iowa Film, Television and Video Project Promotion Program at their upcoming meeting on Thursday, September 24th. The Republican Leaders sent a formal request to the House Democrat leadership as well as the Oversight Committee leadership.

“The governor’s lack of oversight and failure to properly manage the film tax credit has not only put the program in jeopardy but already wasted millions in taxpayer money. Republicans will work to bring more transparency and openness to this initiative, ” said House Republican Leader Kraig Paulsen.

Here is the letter:

September 21, 2009

Dear Speaker Murphy and President Kibbie:

It is our goal to provide the taxpayers of Iowa an open and honest account of the actions of the Iowa Film Office and the Iowa Department of Economic Development. Therefore, we ask you to include a discussion of the Iowa Film, Television and Video Project Promotion Program on your agenda for your September 24th Government Oversight meeting.

As lawmakers, we expect this investigation to be conducted with maximum transparency and openness to ensure the film tax credit initiative is being administered legally and ethically. We look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Representative Kraig Paulsen, Republican Leader, Iowa House of Representatives

Senator Paul McKinley, Republican Leader, Iowa Senate