During this holiday season may your heart be filled with love, joy and peace.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
“Want to keep Christ in Christmas? Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, forgive the guilty, welcome the unwanted, care for the ill, love your enemies, and do unto others as you would have done unto you.”
– Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience
A Season of Giving
During the holidays, here are a couple ways to celebrate the spirit of the season:
1. Feed the hungry. Despite Iowa’s laudable role in feeding the world, thousands of Iowans, including more than one in five of our own Iowa children, face the prospect of hunger on a daily basis. More than two-thirds of our neighbors, who are 65 or older and eligible for food assistance, have not signed up to receive it. Many of Iowa’s elderly and frail don’t realize that assistance is available. Others don’t want to ask for help, even though their own taxes support the programs that provide the service.
Iowans are known for our willingness to give back. We harvest fruits and vegetables from community gardens, donate to local food banks and give of our time to make sure that every Iowan has enough to eat. If you’d like to help during the holidays by making a contribution of food or by providing financial support, contact the local Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP) food bank in Cedar Rapids at 319-294-0423 or call the Iowa Food Bank Association (IFBA) at 515-288-3234.
The IFBA is made up of eight Feeding America food banks that serve all 99 Iowa counties. Together, they help more than 1,000 nonprofits serving those in need. To learn more, visit the Iowa Food Bank Association site atwww.iowafba.org.
In Linn County, Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP) helps feed the local community. If you want to help, or know someone who needs help in Linn County, call 319-294-0423 or visit the website at: http://www.hacap.org/how-to-help/food-drives/ .
At the Iowa statehouse, I will continue to support legislation providing assistance to the Iowa Food Bank Association in its efforts to see that no Iowans go without food to eat.
2. Shop locally. This holiday season, when looking for gifts for family and friends, give our local economy a boost by shopping close to home. Our small businesses are owned by local people, and employ our friends and neighbors.
These businesses contribute generously to our schools, churches and community. Moreover, every $1 spent at a local business generates $5 to $7 in local economic activity, which helps create additional jobs and income in the community.
At the Iowa Statehouse, I will continue to support legislation encouraging our state government to “Buy Iowa.” I hope you’ll join me in doing the same when it comes to our holiday purchases.
Focusing on 2015
Democrats are preparing for the 2015 legislative session, which runs January 12 through early to mid-May. Although the legislature continues to be divided politically with a Democrat-controlled Iowa Senate, a Republican-controlled House and a Republican Governor, I look forward again to cooperative bipartisan work on the important issues that will make Iowa a better place for all of us to live, work, raise a family and pursue our dreams. There is so much that we can do, together, to create a stronger and brighter future for generations to come.
I will continue to fight for Iowa families and small businesses, not only with sponsored bills but through the daily work on committees. After filing, bills move through legislative committees – places where the substance of the important work gets done. In 2015, I will continue as the ranking member of the Local Government Committee, serve on Veterans Affairs, Public Safety, and the Education committees, as well as the Education Budget Subcommittee.
Every day of the session, I’ll be searching for opportunities to strengthen Iowa’s economy and help Iowa families. Regardless of party, I am always ready to work with those interested in creating jobs and growing Iowa’s middle class. Some of the ways we can do that include:
• Giving Iowa companies the first round at state contracts.
• Adequately funding our public schools.
• Providing critical services for mental health and developmental disabilities.
• Keeping college affordable by freezing tuition at our state universities.
• Ensuring Iowans are paid for the work they’ve done by cracking down on wage theft.
• Expanding job training so workers have the necessary skills for today’s jobs.
If you have ideas or concerns to share with me as I prepare for the upcoming session, please email me at Art.Ataed@legis.Iowa.gov or call me at (319) 899-4365.
Funding Our Future
One of the first issues the Legislature will be required to address in 2015 is school funding. Although Iowa Code section 257.8 requires the Legislature to set school funding a year in advance, the Iowa House did not take up that legislation in 2014, essentially providing no new funding and ignoring Iowa law. That means the Legislature will need to set school funding for the 2015-16 school year early in the session, as well as setting funding levels for the 2016-17 school year as required by state law.
This is especially important in 2015 because Iowa has fallen to 37th in the country in per pupil funding, and is more than $1,547 per student below the national average. Money is not the only factor affecting education, but financial resources are absolutely critical for providing equal opportunity for Iowa students in a competitive world. And, additional resources are necessary for the remedial and enrichment opportunities that students need for success in school and life.
Stopping the Mental Health Cuts
I recently attended a meeting of the Mental Health Disability Services of East Central Iowa, the new nine-county region that is governing the services for people with mental illness and development disabilities. At the meeting, it was reported that the state Department of Human Services (DHS) is expecting Linn County to pay the state approximately $1.3 million on January 1 under the mental health “clawback” provision.
The “clawback” was a provision carved out by the Republican-controlled Iowa House and Governor Branstad when Iowa accepted the expanded Medicaid program under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2013. The theory of the “clawback” was that the ACA would pay for so many mental health services that it would save counties money – money that the counties should share with the state (80% of the savings).
Some of the savings are real – that’s why we supported the expansion of Medicaid. But requiring the “clawback,” leaves the regions without spending flexibility and threatens additional cuts in mental health services, not only in 2015 but in future years during reorganization – while core services are being implemented. The better policy would be for counties to use the savings to reduce the waiting lists for services and improve our mental health and developmental disabilities services, not return money to state government. This is especially true after the many years of inadequate mental health funding by state government, the closing of the Abbey Center and the expected closing of Options of Linn County.
In both 2013 and 2014 the legislature allocated dollars to buy down the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiting lists for mental health. Due to the governor’s veto in 2013, the waiting list grew even larger. Although the legislature appropriated additional funds again in the 2014 session, it wasn’t going to eliminate the wait list, but would provide help to approximately 1500 individuals waiting more than a year for assistance. Recently there have been further delays, resulting in longer waiting and more missed opportunities to assist individuals and families in obtaining mental health services or access to needed services that allow them to remain in their home and live independently. Here is a link to the DHS and HCBS waiting lists: https://dhs.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/10.3.14%20Monthly
%20Slot%20and%20Waiting%20list%20%28public%29.pdf
You can help convince Governor Branstad and legislators of both parties to invest more in mental health services by stopping the “clawback” and stopping the mental health cuts, funding shortfalls and vetoes by the governor. As always, you can leave a message for Governor Branstad by calling his office during regular work hours at 515-281-5211.
Attended a screening of the film, “First Generation” at Coe College. The film showcased four high school students and the obstacles they faced as first in their families to apply for and attend college. Some of the barriers are: access to information, tremendous costs of higher education, high ratio of student per h.s. career counselor, poverty, lower expectations and lack of support network. Constituent Lauren Garcia is the Asst. Director of Admissions at Mount Mercy University, and along with U of I’s Cyrus Nichols, Asst Dir. of Diversity Outreach & Recruitment, and Jeremy Mims, Admission Counselor hosted the viewing and discussion that followed. I am encouraged and appreciative of this group’s efforts to guide first generation students on their pathway to higher education.
Realtors discussed a variety of issues with local legislators at the Cedar Rapids Marriott. Some of their concerns: home savings plan tax credits for first-time home buyers, radon testing, disclosure and mitigation during transfers and sales, buyer access to radon test results, implications of licensing of radon testers and home inspectors, smoke-free casinos, infrastructure repair necessary for Iowa’s future economic development, and a fuel tax. Good group and individual discussions about how to make the Corridor a better place to live.
Had the opportunity to visit with regional school superintendents, both urban and rural, about allowable growth/supplemental aid, course offerings, work and study programs, teacher leadership, early childhood education, student assessments and academic curriculum. It’s abundantly clear that this group has the interests of Iowa children foremost on their minds. We legislators need to ensure that Iowa’s schools, teachers and students receive adequate funding and the critical resources necessary to provide world-class educational opportunities. This is the future of our state – a future deserving our strong and continuous support.
Attended a “Conversation about Education in Iowa” hosted by Dr. Dwight Watson, Dean of UNI College of Ed. We discussed last year’s legislation on: dyslexia, third-grade reading initiatives, reading research center, allowable growth funding and performance-based funding. We also had a presentation on the design values in the renovation of the Schindler Education Center by Dr. Mary Corwin Herring, Assoc Dean of the College of Ed. We concluded with discussion on the goals and objectives of UNI’s Center for Educational Transformation, led by Dr. Alan Heisterkamp. Thank you to UNI for hosting another opportunity for the community to give input on the future of education in our state.
The Cedar Wood UniServ Unit Legislative Reception and Forum was held at Kirkwood Community College. Education enthusiasts – including myself – discussed the issues facing schools and school children in Iowa: allowable growth/supplemental aid; reading remediation; language instruction; special education; student assessments and progress; early childhood education; after school programs; funding for community colleges; living wages for school support staff; and finally, tuition and the funding formula for Iowa’s universities. There’s no better way to learn the value of education and to understand the critical needs of students than by talking directly with parents, teachers and students. I always enjoy and learn from these candid and enlightening conversations.
Update:
In June, after learning about wage theft cases from The Center for Worker Justice in Iowa City, I filed letters of complaint on behalf of Kossiwa and other Iowa workers. I requested investigations by the Iowa Attorney General, the Labor Services Division of Iowa Workforce Development and the U.S. Dept. of Labor, asking for resolution to the alleged theft of wages by Sandpiper Maintenance & Repair and Outback Steakhouses, both with locations here in Iowa. The DOL began an investigation in June and reported last week that it had reached an undisclosed settlement with Bloomin Brands Inc., Outback’s mother company. The settlement included payment to several workers. Kossiwa, shown here, has waited 15 months for her wages for 49 consecutive days of work, more than $2300 that had not been paid.
To follow up, I am filing a Freedom of Information Act request with the DOL to reveal information about the settlement – information which may help determine what additional actions, possibly legislative, are needed to prevent this type of wage theft from occurring again in Iowa.
Entrepreneurship Demo Day at Coe College was fascinating and fun. This 2nd annual event showcased 19 students in 6 start-up projects, led by Assistant Professor of Finance, Jay Chen. The projects demonstrated the students’ creativity, organizational skills, and critical thinking ability to make their prototypes possible. After demonstrations, the students invited me to join them in celebrating their successes. This is a wonderful group of energetic entrepreneurs who undoubtedly will be leading their own companies in the near future. Kudos to these students, Professor Chen and Coe College!
Peter Riley, Board President of the Ecumenical Community Center, and Jim Federer spoke about ECC’s history and programs in Cedar Rapids during Helping Hands Ministry Volunteer Recognition Dinner. The ECC was formed 20 years ago when 17 area churches collaborated to address three areas of need: a “helping hand” for those experiencing unusual hardship; a computer lab to improve the quality of life for individuals with a disability; and low income, affordable housing for single men and women (the Margaret Bock Housing). Tonight’s event was a celebration of the – now 35 – churches joint efforts and successes in meeting these needs. Kudos to Lois Rude who received the Volunteer of the Year award! Learn more about the ECC here: http://www.ecc-cr.net/index.php
Where does one begin? Supervisor Lu Barron has been an integral part of our county governance for longer than I’ve lived here – 18 years actually. I am deeply appreciative of the work she has done to make Linn County a fantastic place to live and work. Lu, you will be missed. Congratulations on your retirement!
As a state representative, I am thankful for the opportunities to befriend wonderful Iowans all across our beautiful state. When a member of the Iowa Soybean Association board of directors invited Susan and me to spend the afternoon on his farm, I welcomed the chance to learn more about Iowa agriculture. Lindsay Greiner grows corn and soybeans and raises hogs in Keota, IA. We began by touring beautiful Keokuk County park, Lake Belva Deer Recreation Area. Next, we explored Lindsay’s farmland and hog facilities. I appreciated Lindsay’s patience and openness as I peppered him with questions about his farm practices, food production, market prices, the farm bill and rural community life. Lindsay’s knowledge of agriculture and conservation practices runs deep in his family, as his father and sons are involved in agribusiness and agro science. As part of our tour, we stopped at Wooden Wheel Vineyards, owned by Mike and Connie Vincent. Mike is a member of the Iowa Winegrowers Association and we had a good discussion about local grapes and the growing Iowa wine industry. Special thanks to Lindsay’s wife, Shelly, for preparing a delicious meal of lasagna and leading a spirited discussion about education and her experiences as a rural school teacher for over 30 years. This was an afternoon and evening that Susan and I wholeheartedly enjoyed with our new friends on the farm. When I have my Christmas dinner, I will certainly be more thankful for the delicious food produced by our hard-working farmers!
Bi-partisan discussion with legislators and representatives of the Iowa Communications Alliance, in Palo. The meeting focused on finding solutions to remote and rural communities’ technology needs. The legislature is considering initiatives to incentivize the building of advanced fiber optic networks that will provide access to overlooked and under-served areas – bringing high-speed internet, video and voice services to all of Iowa. Equitable, affordable, high-speed broadband is critical to Iowa’s economic growth, educational opportunities, health care, public safety and connectivity with the world. Our local Iowa, community-based telecommunications providers and cooperatives will have a critical role in providing “the last mile” of these services to Iowa homes and farms. Pictured is Palo Coop Telephone Assoc General Manager, Kirby Underberg, who gave me a tour of the fiber optics network for 500+ Palo homes.
Mission of Hope held an open house at their new location on 17th & B Ave NE. Executive Director, Pastor Martin Dwyer, said they are serving about 120-180 people daily – similar to the previous 1st Ave location. Volunteers Iiesha and Nate led a tour of the new facility and gave an overview of the services provided, including a food pantry, jail ministry, mentoring, job search assistance, and an emergency clothing room filled with coats, hats and blankets. Volunteers are always welcome to help with such tasks as sorting donated goods. This ministry is 100% privately funded. Make a contribution, or learn more about the Mission of Hope: http://www.missionofhopecr.org/
Meeting with local representatives of the State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council (SIYAC): Mary Korch, Jefferson High School; Ethan Lowder, Xavier High School; and Nina Yu, Kennedy High School; along with State Senator Liz Mathis and Representative-Elect Liz Bennett. We discussed white papers presented by the students for the purposes of new legislation involving: testing of all core subjects, especially social studies and writing; extending the compulsory education age from 16 to 18; and improving the funding formula for public education. In addition to hearing the students’ proposals for legislation, we had engaging conversations from these informed young people about other public education issues. I’m impressed by these student leaders who are involved in the important political processes that effect their future! More info about SIYAC here: http://www.icyd.iowa.gov/SIYAC/
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids held their annual holiday party at Hawkeye Downs. The gala was an opportunity to say thank you to all the volunteers, participants and their families for another successful year of mentoring relationships. Delicious food was catered by Dostal’s and there were games and activities for all. BBBS President & CEO, Linda Henecke,along with Profol Inc. President & CEO, Mark Thoeny, welcomed guests as they arrived. Profol sponsored the evening’s event, and Mark explained that he encourages his staff to volunteer with the program.
I also had the opportunity to visit with several “bigs” and “littles”.. One young person said she really liked the chance to do things that she wouldn’t have been able to do without a mentor. If you would like to get involved helping with local youth, more info at www.beabigcr.org
The 9th Annual Linn County Sleep Out for the Homeless was held at Vets Memorial Stadium. There were 15 teams sleeping in cardboard boxes and your contributions to this worthy cause was much appreciated. As winter approaches, I’m thankful more than ever for having a warm home with a fireplace. Last year, over 5,000 people in Linn County didn’t have the luxury of a place to call home – and many of the homeless are our veterans. If you weren’t able to venture out on that chilly evening to check out the extremely creative shelters being built, you can contribute online: http://www.circleofcare.net/index.asp?ID=897
Eric Engelmann, you are AWESOME! Geonetric’s entrepreneur, Eric, created the Iowa Startup Accelerator, and I attended Launch Day for 10 new businesses at the Doubletree by Hilton. These start-ups completed 94 intense days – validating their business models, collaborating with mentors, testing ideas, obtaining their first customers and attracting investors. Excitement abounded as we saw a resurgence of our entrepreneurial community in Cedar Rapids. Kudos to the dozens of mentors, generous sponsors and an amazing network of talent.
Shown here: Denis Abrams, cofounder of Punctil, no-wait health care. Punctil elements patient wait time and no-shows. Guaranty Bank & Trust Vice-Chairman, Robert Becker, who was one of the volunteer mentors. William Pattison, co-founder of Produce Run. I was most excited about this business model, as its goal is linking consumers with local producers – farmers – with an on-line marketplace. Please check out all ten startups here:https://www.facebook.com/iaaccelerator
Attended the Mental Health/Disabilities Services of the East Central Region meeting at the Linn County Jean Oxley building, along with 7 other legislators. On the agenda: strategic planning, attorney representation for the board, presentation on expansion of services, description of the region’s available crisis services, discussion of the operations map of new and expanding services, Iowa Home/Community Based Settings analysis, and the financial impacts of equalization and clawback. It is apparent that this process and the implementation of services is extensive and complex. I am hopeful that the legislature and the governor will adequately fund the MH/DD redesign at the needed levels. Funding will be critical for its success.
The Cedar Rapids branch of AAUW held a discussion about mental illness and how we can improve mental health services. Branch President, Sue Jorgensen, moderated the conversation which included guest speakers from NAMI. The group identified several urgent needs, including: statewide data collection for locating available beds and services, crisis response teams, expansion of the mental health work force, expanding integrated health homes, and reducing the wait list for services. I encouraged them to directly contact their legislators, asking them to address these concerns. It’s great to see yet another group interested in addressing the mental health issues we have in Iowa. This type of support will help move the legislature to provide the necessary funding and legislation for these critical issues.
Constituents, Gwen and Jerry Meek, organized a community discussion about the dangerous effects of K2 and other synthetic drugs. The use of K2 was instrumental in the recent suicide of Gwen and Jerry’s son, Jerrald. They, and those attending the meeting, called for a state wide law similar to the Cedar Rapids ordinance regarding dangerous, illicit synthetic drugs. Also speaking today were Curt Wheeler, a Certified Prevention Specialist with ASAC; and Cheryl Plotz, Program Coordinator with Foundation 2.
If you, or someone you know, are suicidal, please get help. The Suicide Prevention hotline is available 24/7…1-800-273-TALK.
Ferman Milster, Principal Engineer of Renewables at The University of Iowa Office of Sustainability, spoke to Daybreak Rotarians at the Elmcrest Country Club. It was a fascinating talk about the U of I Biomass Fuel Project. In 2003, the UI Power Plant pioneered an economical and environmentally-friendly fuel source – oat hulls – through a partnership with Quaker Oats. Energy from the oat hull combustion replaces energy that would have been generated from coal. The result of eleven years using this innovative fuel source is avoiding fuel costs of $6,814,352! This biomass project has a goal of achieving 40% renewable energy for the university by 2020. Learn more about the Biomass Project here: http://sustainability.uiowa.edu/
The Peer Action Disability Support’s “Prepare to Vote Forum” was held at the Kirkwood Training & Outreach Services Center in Marion. First on the agenda was a presentation by Rik Shannon of ID Action, who gave an excellent synopsis on voting rights and accessibility for voters. During the forum portion of the event, many of the questions from the audience revolved around Sheltered Workshops, Mental Health, Transportation, ADA, and Assisted Voting. I very much appreciated the opportunity to visit one-on-one with local residents who have an interest in addressing disability issues.
Pictured at the Iowa Health Care Assn/Iowa Center for Assisted Living legislative forum, which took place in the beautiful West Ridge Care Center. We were surrounded by a packed house of residents, administrators and care givers during the presentation by Executive Director Steve Ackerson. Steve outlined the 2015 legislative priorities: fund Medicaid Skilled Nursing Facility rebasing; improve Home Community Based Services Elderly Waiver access; and fund the home health rebase agreement. “Rebase” means backfilling the discrepancy between real costs and reimbursement rates. IHCA/ICAL employs 72,370 Iowans throughout their 682 facilities statewide, generating economic activity of 4.8 billion dollars. It’s crucial to provide the best possible quality of care for elderly Iowans.
The Landlord’s Legislative Forum in Coralville had approximately 100 participants, and several of these were from Cedar Rapids. Great discussion about a myriad of issues pertaining to rentals, including: nuisance ordinances, prosecuting theft and vandalism, restrictions on non-related tenants, Section 8 housing vouchers, property management, evictions, and deposit caps. I gained new perspectives that helped me better understand the complexities of renting and managing residential properties. Thanks to all who attended – your input will be very beneficial to the Iowa legislature.
Legislative Night at the Sixth Judicial District Dept of Corrections and many area legislators were in attendance to hear Director Bruce Vander Sanden’s update on community correctional programming, and the improvements in offender rehabilitation and success. The Anchor Center, set to open in early 2015, will initially house 16 males with room to expand to 26. The target population will be clients with serious mental illnesses and substance use disorders, who’ve been free of recent aggression towards self and others. This includes those on probation, parole, or work release. The facility is uniquely positioned to offer an innovative blend of therapy and accountability to achieve improved outcomes. (Pictured is one of the client bedrooms.)
I also spoke with Damon Robinson, Residential Supervisor, about diversion programs assisting juveniles who are involved in criminal behavior.
I had discussions about both the front and back doors – preventing youth from entering the justice system, and helping those leaving the prison system to become successful in the community.
The long-awaited opening of the Anchor Center will help to address the critical need for providing mental health services for prisoners returning to their communities after completing their sentences.
Cedar Rapids Police Lieutenant Tony Robinson presented a second public hearing to get input on the proposed changes to Municipal Code Chapter 60A, which concerns surveillance cameras. Lt. Robinson explained that it updates a 20-year old ordinance on the cameras. Most business owners already meet the proposed requirements. The intent is to provide greater safety to area businesses and their employees, as well as provide the police with usable evidence when crimes do occur, and prevent repetition. I applaud the CR Police Dept for being proactive in preventing and solving crimes in our community!
An incredible honor to meet and welcome Senators of the Parliament of the Czech Republic who came to Cedar Rapids to tour the National Czech & Slovak Museum. Consul General Borek Lizec spoke with Museum President Gail Naughton and me about the many economic, educational and cultural ties the Czech Republic shares with America. The evening’s agenda included a panel discussion about educational topics, including exchange programs and language acquisition.
Cedar Rapids has a rich Czech heritage that continues to flourish today!
Four Oaks President & CEO, Anne Gruenewald, is doing an excellent job in her relatively new leadership role advancing the Four Oaks philosophy of assuring children become successful adults. One of the fantastic developments taking place in Cedar Rapids, is the Four Oaks TotalChild campaign. TotalChild philosophy is taking a comprehensive and long-term approach for helping children and their families. It’s based on the idea that when kids hurdle all obstacles to success, families, homes, neighborhoods and communities are stronger. Read more about these efforts here: www.totalchild.org
After the Four Oaks celebration, Susan, along with our friend and neighbor, Robert Becker, was ready for her favorite treat. Lucky for us, constituent Robyn Rieckhoff owns the Great American Popcorn Co. conveniently located across from NewBo City Market. Aside from delicious popcorn, she sells ice cream, beverages and wooden soda pop (or adult beverage) caddies,created by Metro High School students. This is a small business making a difference in our community by purchasing locally-made products. Please stop in and say hi to Robyn …and buy some popcorn!
The East Central Iowa Council of Governments’ legislative forum for the region was held at the Coralville City Hall. Legislative priorities presented by the Iowa League of Cities and the Iowa State Assoc of Counties included: road & bridge funding; workforce development programs; city finances, unfunded mandates, and property tax reduction backfill from the state; water and wastewater infrastructure and city water purification costs to address the impacts of nutrient runoff; MH/DD funding challenges regarding the new mental health redesign; and multi-residential property tax classification. There were informative and lively discussions about several of these issues and I look forward to working on viable solutions this upcoming session. Please continue to keep me informed on the issues of concern to you. art.staed@legis.iowa.gov
Listening to ADM Plant Manager Eric McVey describe production at the complex in Cedar Rapids during the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association state legislative forum with local legislators, IRFA Policy Director, Grant Menke and ADM Director of State Government Relations, Chris Riley.
The ADM complex comprises a wet mill, a co-generation plant, and a dry mill. The facility is the largest corn-processing facility in the world, and includes the world’s largest ethanol plant which produces about 300 million gallons of ethanol per year. Major products produced here: ethanol, corn sweeteners, dry starch, dextrose, animal feed, industrial oil and more. The plant uses nearly 300,000 bushels of corn per day in the dry mill and nearly 800,000 bushels per day in the wet mill. They daily receive grain from more than 1,000 trucks and rail cars. Approximately 500 regular employees and 300 contracted employees run the plant 24/7.
Some of the legislative priorities for the IRFA included: expanded infrastructure (tanks and pumps) for E15, and protecting renewable fuel production tax credits for producers and retailers.
Renewable fuels in Iowa account for nearly 5.5 billion dollars, or 4% of Iowa’s Gross Domestic Product, generating 4 billion dollars of income for Iowa households and supporting 62,000 jobs.
Prairie Hill Elementary School held an open house. I was impressed with the building’s design and functionality. Over 500 students attend classes in this new building, with a staff of 75. Principal Scott Schipper led a tour through the colorful, quiet, carpeted hallways and into several classrooms, the cafeteria, library and gym. Former Community College Superintendent, Dick Whitehead, stopped in for a tour as well. We discussed preschool availability, class sizes, teacher leadership programs, enrollment, free and reduced lunch program, busing and school growth. As we spoke, I could sense Scott’s enthusiasm and pride in his staff, parents and students. Congratulations, Prairie Hill Elementary!
Area legislators met with: Cornell College President, Jonathan Brand; Mount Mercy University President, Laurie Hamen; Coe College President, David McInally; college financial officers and college students. The students shared personal stories that reflected the importance of IA Tuition Grants. Many of them would have been unable to attend college without these scholarship funds. College leaders spoke about the critical positive impact of the Iowa Tuition Grants. In addition, there was discussion about negative impact that the recent regents’ school funding proposal would have on private and community colleges. The regents’ plan is to base funding on the number of in-state high school students each university enrolls, when in actuality it is the out-of-state student tuition that helps offset finances significantly. The colleges are also concerned about the increased competition for the same market of Iowa high school students under the regents’ proposal. Rather than improve instruction or provide for lower tuition, more and more marketing dollars would be spent to attract and recruit them to each competing regent institution.
As always, it was insightful to get legislative input from those most impacted by our legislation in the Statehouse.
Susan and I have enjoyed beautiful holiday music this year, but nothing stirred my heart more than attending the SoundReach Choir concert at Christ Episcopal Church. Music Therapist, Kyle Wilhelm, did an amazing job directing this incredible choir. Earlier this year, Kyle received the ARC’s volunteer of the year award for his efforts with this diverse group. Kyle and other music therapists are hopeful that legislators, this session, will finally approve music therapist licensing that their profession deserves.
SoundReach is organized by West Music as a way of contributing to the community. To learn more, or to participate:http://musictherapy.westmusic.com/musictherapy/choirs/soundreach/
Continue Reading the Statehouse News
To read the rest of my Statehouse News go to:http://iowahouse.org/StatehouseNews/12-17-14
