DES MOINES - Republicans running for seats in the Iowa House of Representatives say if voters put them in the majority this year, they'll work to freeze property taxes, ban pork-barrel spending and strengthen Iowa's law banning forced union membership.

House Minority Leader Christopher Rants, R-Sioux City, laid out his party's agenda for what he called accountability and financial security in a news conference Monday.

"We need to change the way we're doing business … voting for Republicans will bring about that kind of change," Rants said.

Democrats currently hold a slim majority in the Iowa House, where all 100 seats will be up for re-election this year.

Rants said state government has seen an explosive growth in state spending over the last two years when Democrats have been in charge, and he cited recent economic conditions as a reason for giving Iowans tax relief.

Rants said they want to end the practice of pork-barrel spending. He cited attempts to use state money for flower pots for downtown Des Moines, and more gardeners for Terrace Hill, the governor's mansion.

Money saved from cutting this type of spending would go to flood relief under the GOP plan.

"It's important that during this time of economic instability, when families are tightening their belts, that the Iowa Legislature be responsible with taxpayer dollars," said Rep. Tami Wiencek, R-Waterloo.

Other parts of the plan include the following:

Property tax freeze - Republicans are vowing not to raise property taxes to fund K-12 schools. Instead, they would like to see the responsibility for funding schools shifted entirely to the state with revenues coming from income and sales taxes.

Strengthening Iowa's right to work law - House GOP members want to see the state's right to work law become a part of Iowa's constitution. The law prohibits union membership from being a condition for employment.

"Should Iowans put Republicans in control of the Iowa House, they can count on us to end this relentless campaign to repeal Iowa's right to work law," Rants said.

Ease taxes on small businesses - GOP House members want the state to couple with a federal tax break for businesses that was part of a federal stimulus package.

"Now is the time to be aggressive about promoting growth in the state," Rants stated.

Democratic House leaders defended their record.

"House Democrats have pursued a mainstream agenda during the 2007 and 2008 legislative sessions that focused on rewarding hard work and supporting middle-class families. This will continue in 2009," said House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, D- Des Moines.

Contact Charlotte Eby

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