Capitol Comments
Last week I had a response to my newsletter with a comment that my reporting of events at the Capitol may be partisan. I listened to this view and understand how my accounts may tend to be more reflective of my Democratic values. I will henceforth, keep this concern in mind.
As always, I will continue to strive for bipartisan work in the House knowing that the experience and expertise here thrives in both parties. Not including an entire group of lawmakers creates a troublesome atmosphere where the best legislative work is thwarted. And, I will keep supporting the common sense amendments and legislative priorities that I promised constituents (of every party and no party) that I would champion for them.
Please let me know of your concerns and priorities and, at the very least, I will make your voice heard hear in the House.
– Representative Art Staed
Education Reform and Allowable Growth
After more than a year of delay, Republicans and the Governor have finally agreed to a 4% increase in school funding for the next two years. Right now, schools are preparing budgets and sending out layoff notices to educators because of the uncertainty in state funding. While it’s excellent news on school funding, Republicans made this increase in state aid contingent upon approval of their own education reform plan, without any changes or compromise. The reality is that this sort of grandstanding and “drawing a line in the sand” doesn’t work very well. It injects partisanship at a critical time when Iowans expect us to work together and compromise in good faith. I’m going to keep working on this issue, with Republicans and Democrats alike, to make sure that the final “education reform” legislation is the best possible bill we can get for our kids.
Tax credits for low-income students to attend private school
In the House this week we voted to expand a tax credit for Iowans who give money for scholarships for low-income children to attend private schools. The School Tuition Organization Tax Credit has been around since 2006, and currently offers a maximum of $8.75 million in tax credits for scholarship donors. HF 625 would raise the cap to $12 million and allow more limited liability corporations, trusts, partnerships and other classes of taxpayers to take advantage of the credit. Under current law, only individual income taxpayers may receive the credit. In order to receive the credit, a taxpayer must donate funds to one of the state’s school tuition organizations, which in turn distributes the money as scholarships for students to attend private schools in the state. In bipartisan cooperation we passed the measure 96-2. It moved to the Senate for their consideration. I am proud to have voted in favor of this funding. Now we need to immediately approve sufficient funding for the majority of our students – those attending our Iowa public schools by approving Allowable Growth at 4% for the next 2 years in both Chambers.
Come and share your remarks on Medicaid Expansion
Public Hearing on Medicaid Expansion
Public Hearings and times are as follows:
SF 296 — integrated care models for the delivery of health care
Sponsored by the House Appropriations Committee – Rep. Chuck Soderberg, chairperson Tuesday, April 16, 2013 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM Iowa House of Representatives Chamber, Iowa State Capitol
General Requirements: Speaking time is three minutes per individual for all public hearings (written testimony is encouraged but not required). Speakers will be called five for the bill, five against, then every other one until speakers are exhausted or until 7:00 PM. Persons wishing to speak may sign up at the Legislative Information Office (LIO), Room G16, located in the Iowa State Capitol, or call the LIO at 515-281-5129 (please do not leave a recorded message). If unable to attend, you may email written testimony to the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives: housechiefclerk@legis.iowa.gov Please type Testimony in the subject line. Thank you to all of you who have “weighed in” and have sent me information on Medicaid expansion, IowaCare, and access to quality affordable health care in Iowa. I want to share with you some of the links that I have been sent this week:
KCRG.com regarding recent comments on Medicaid debate:
http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/Hatch-Branstad-Should-Use-Flight-to-China-to-Read-Medicaid-Expansion-Plan-202370081.html
Des Moines Register Editorial:
The Register’s Editorial: GOP goes against party’s Medicaid heritage http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013304080035
Des Moines Register Article:
Basu: Please drop this political fight, Governor http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013304100093
Very saddened by the loss of a dear friend, Leta Wall. A strong advocate for Seniors’ issues, Leta had visited the Capitol three times this year alone! Always generous with her hugs and support, Leta was – and remains – a role model for me. I will continue to strive to make the right legislative decisions and fight for the elderly, knowing that Ms. Leta Wall is in Heaven looking on. Please keep her family in your prayers, as the sudden loss of this Iowa treasure has caused much grief.
Enjoyed the 16th Annual Arc March at Lindale Mall last Saturday
(In above two photos) Enjoyed the 16th Annual Arc March at Lindale Mall last Saturday. Lots of volunteers and great energy permeated the mall as we walked with dozens of families in support of The Arc of Eastern Iowa. Shown here with teacher colleague Christy Dykes and her son, Brandon. Later, I joined others in the dance pit for “YMCA”. There was a lot of love at this event – truly inspirational.
Had some surprise visitors at the Capitol Wednesday. Newly elected Financial Secretary of Linn County Democrats, Sunny Story, accompanied by her granddaughter, Lacey Orcutt, and friend, Amanda Stalnecker. We enjoyed speaking with Senator Rob Hogg about MH/DD legislative issues we are currently addressing in the House and Senate. Lacey and Amanda also bravely joined me for a quick trip up the winding staircase to the dome. I really appreciated this visit with friends from back home.
With Cedar Rapidian, Sam McCord, president of MCGBioComposites. His Iowa company is a 2012 recipient of a $41,300 grant through the Demonstration Fund to develop new tools for their plant marker (BioMarker™). The BioMarker™ is made with corn cob fiber, recycled high-density polyethylene and polypropylene and marketed to the gardening industry. The BioMarker™ also received the 2012 Green Thumb Award through the Direct Gardening Association. Sam journeyed to the Capitol to be part of the Governor’s press conference about the Demonstration Fund (initiated by the Economic Development Committee under then Governor Chet Culver’s Administration in 2007. I was proud to be a member of that Committee). This fund provides grants to small and mid-sized companies for commercialization activities in the advanced manufacturing, biosciences, and information technology industries. It’s a wonderful program encouraging growth of Iowa companies and increased sales of Made-In-Iowa products!
Susan and I arrived back in town last weekend just in time to attend the Linn County Public Health Open House….
I met several community members at the Open House. Here I’m enjoying conversation with Rev. Tom Capo in front of the “bed bugs” display. I learned that because bedbugs live solely on blood, having them in your home is not a sign of dirtiness. You are as likely to find them in immaculate homes and hotel rooms as in filthy one. Gross!!
The incredibly knowledgeable Lab Supervisor, Kyle Lundberg,gave us a tour of a local ambient air quality monitoring station. I was impressed with the analysis tools and the amount of data gathered and transmitted within a matter of seconds, notifying the EPA and local officials about fluctuations in air quality.
Each branch of LCPH had a table display at their open house. Former legislator and activist, Joyce Nielson is amused by the Ecoli I’m holding at the “food inspections” table. This larger-than-life model was a great reminder to properly thaw food to avoid potential illnesses.
Administrative Services Director, Larry Hlavacek, demonstrated a hand-cranked combination radio/flashlight/locator for emergency use.
It was nice to get caught up on local news with Cedar Rapids City Council Member, Scott Olson.
At the Iowa Assn. of Independent Colleges & Universities Presidents Legislative Reception
(In above two photos) At the Iowa Assn. of Independent Colleges & Universities Presidents Legislative Reception, I visited with the Director of Marketing at Coe College, Rod Pritchard; Mount Mercy University President, Dr. Christopher Blake; and Cornell College President, Jonathan Brand. I am a product of a private non-profit college, Rockhurst University and wouldn’t have been able to attend without scholarship support.
Woodward & Glenwood Friends & Family Assn hosted a legislative reception at the Capitol
(In above two photos) Woodward & Glenwood Friends & Family Assn hosted a legislative reception at the Capitol. There I met Bob and Paige Wharram and Joy Higgins. Both families have adult children with intellectual disabilities who are receiving excellent care in the safe environment of Glenwood and Woodward Resource Centers. The centers provide a continuum of care for Iowans with intellectual disabilities and assist people to regain balance and enhance their independent living skills. These parents requested adequate funding for MH/DD equity funding in the mental health reorganization. This is something we can and must do this year.
The Pioneer Lawmakers Class of ’93 visited House Chambers Wednesday
(In above two photos) The Pioneer Lawmakers Class of ’93 visited House Chambers Wednesday. I was pleased to greet one of my favorite lawmakers, former Lt. Gov. Patty Judge.
The Pioneer Association started in 1886. Former lawmakers can join 20 years after they have retired from the Legislature. In the first year of each general assembly, living and deceased lawmakers are honored in a special ceremony. Additionally, Wednesday evening, a memorial service for 25 lawmakers who died in the past two years was held in the Senate chamber. A choir comprised of legislators, pages and lobbyists performed.
Remembering Our Fallen
Remembering Our Fallen
Remembering Our Fallen
(Above four photos) A very emotional exhibit, “Remembering Our Fallen,” is a sad reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by over 80 Iowans killed in The War on Terror while wearing our country’s uniform in Afghanistan and Iraq. The photo display has been traveling throughout Iowa since its unveiling to the families of The Fallen two years ago, and will be at the Iowa State Capitol from April 8-12. Included in the display are these men from Cedar Rapids: Pfc. David M. Kirchhoff; Sfc. Terryl L. Pasker; Sgt. Paul F. Fisher. These men and women, and their families, deserve our respect and gratitude for their service and sacrifice.
Read More from the Iowa House
To read the rest of the Statehouse News go to: http://iowahouse.org/StatehouseNews/4-12-13.html
