Capitol Comments
New Laws Start July 1
While the 2014 legislative session ended back in April, I want you to be aware of several new laws that take effect beginning July 1st, the start of the state’s fiscal year.
Topping the list of our new laws are several initiatives aimed at boosting Iowa’s skilled workforce, including $66 million for the skilled worker job creation fund to help Iowans upgrade work skills, fill key worker-shortage areas, improve employability, and connect businesses with opportunities for worker training and education.
On strong bi-partisan votes, we approved workforce housing credits to help local communities address workforce housing needs.
We adopted new measures to protect vulnerable Iowa seniors from abuse and neglect, physical and financial (SF 2239).
If you are a firefighter, EMT, or reserve peace officer, you can anticipate a doubling of your tax credits from $50 to $100.
Also starting July 1, minors will no longer be able to purchase e-cigarettes.
Other new laws the Legislature passed that start July 1:
• Help with the cost of childcare while continuing education and working (HF 2463)
• Income tax credit of up to $2,500 for qualified adoption expenses (HF 2468)
• Expanded eligibility for the Military Homeownership Assistance Program (SF 303)
• Tax credits for solar and wind energy projects (SF 2343, SF 2340)
• Improved quality of life for kids suffering from seizures and epilepsy (SF 2360)
For a full list of bills that take effect on July 1, log on to www.iowahouse.org.
Survey on Retiring in Iowa
The Iowa Department on Aging wants to know what you think about retiring in Iowa. What makes Iowa an attractive place to retire, or NOT? What amenities do you want when you retire or if you are retired now? You are encouraged to complete the survey here: http://www.proprofs.com/survey/t/?title=1odxv.
The 2010 U.S. Census found that 20% of Iowa’s population is currently 60 years of age or older. By 2030, 20% of the population in 88 of Iowa’s 99 counties will be aged 65 or older.
The mission of the Iowa Department on Aging is to develop a comprehensive, coordinated, and cost-effective system of long term living and community support services that help individuals maintain health and independence in their homes and communities. To find out more information about the Iowa Department on Aging visit: https://www.iowaaging.gov.
Barb Trujillo, parent organizer of the Corridor Autism Resource Expo held at the Cedar Rapids Public Library, spoke with me about access to out-of-school services for autism spectrum disorders. We discussed the limited funding for resources in the governor’s budget proposals to the legislature, and the need to advocate for expanded support at the state level. Today, 1 out of every 68 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, and the resources for families needing assistance remains scarce.
Through Sept 5th, Ladd Library has a great display of impressive local art, with works by constituent Arbe Bareis. Arbe has exhibited both nationally and internationally. He currently teaches art at Kirkwood Community College. We have some very talented and creative people right here in Cedar Rapids!
The Iowa Inventors Group (IIG) and Cedar Rapids Maker Space members have teamed up at the Science Center. I attended their open house and saw first-hand the exciting direction this collaborative effort is going. For a small monthly membership fee, inventors and tinkerers have access to an impressive array of tools – from a state-of-the-art 3D printer to this safety saw which detects contact with human tissue and automatically turns off. James Lee demonstrated the saw (actually turned off for this picture) as friend, Robert Becker looks on. Dr. Mario Affatigato, Professor of Physics at Coe College, gave us a tour of a myriad of work spaces for woodworking, electronics, 3D printing, and other areas for inventors and problem solvers. If you’re interested in real creativity and invention, learn more here: http://www.crsciencecenter.org/
There was a very long receiving line at the Cedar Rapids Marriott, waiting to honor retiring Tom Hobson. After representing Rockwell Collins in state and local government relations for more than two decades, Tom is retiring and will be greatly missed. Good to know he’s remaining in Cedar Rapids and will continue to be active in the community. Thank you, Tom, for your exemplary service to Cedar Rapids’ largest employer – and to the greater Cedar Rapids community!
At CR Pride Fest enjoying the live music. There were locally made crafts, plenty of food and tons of fun in this festival which celebrates Iowa’s diversity.
Last month, we lost a wonderful friend, mentor, volunteer and all-around great guy, Bob King. He has been with me through every campaign, helping with whatever needed to be done, year after year. I will miss his chipper attitude, dry humor and sage advice. Love you, Bob King!
Continue Reading the Statehouse News
To read the rest of my Statehouse News go to: http://iowahouse.org/StatehouseNews/6-18-14
