Capitol Comment

New Strategies Sought to Improve Emergency Medical Services

As a member of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Study interim committee, I met with other Legislators for two days and heard public testimony from persons involved in the training programs, from the state agency that provides oversight of Iowa’s EMS, from trained professionals, and from EMS providers.

While we, as a committee, did not come together and decide upon one legislative direction, each of us came away with more insight into Iowa’s EMS operations and coverage. Representatives in all areas of the state recognize the hardships in recruiting, training and retaining, especially for volunteer EMS providers.

Iowa law requires persons who would like to become an EMS provider to be trained to national standards. There are currently 17 approved training programs across the state. These programs must be associated with an educational program or teaching hospital. The costs of these programs are not uniform, and the “out of pocket” expenses can hinder recruitment, especially for volunteer positions.

The EMS Bureau, under the Department of Public Health, oversees Iowa’s EMS providers. The bureau has seen cuts in funding from both the federal and state government over the past few years. At the state level, the Bureau has received $165,000 less in funding over the last five years while losing approximately 27% of its staff – and continuing to operate without a State Medical Director.

Oddly, the EMS Bureau, under the Department of Public Health and the Governor’s oversight, testified that they will not be requesting additional funds for next year’s budget. Look for additional actions, regarding EMS, in the upcoming legislative session.

Elder Abuse Prevention and Intervention Study Committee

Iowa is one of the few states that do not have specific elder abuse laws. Recently, the legislative Elder Abuse Prevention and Intervention Study Committee met to review the progress report of the 2013 Elder Abuse and Prevention Task Force.

The legislative committee heard testimony from the Iowa Department on Aging that there is a critical need for elder abuse laws that are separate from the current dependent adult abuse laws. Many times older Iowans are not dependent, but are still being taken advantage of or are being pressured to make bad decisions.

One key element that the presenters requested was the inclusion of an Office of Substitute Decision Maker. A “substitute decision maker” is a guardian, conservator, attorney-in-fact under a power of attorney document, or a representative payee who assists those with limited or no decision capabilities in making personal care and financial decisions. From 2007 to 2009, the Iowa Office of Substitute Decision Maker was operating on a minimal basis in Iowa. If implemented fully, this should have a dramatic impact on preventing elder abuse.

The task force will meet again to finalize their recommendations to the Legislature.

New Health Care Insurance Enrollment in Linn County

Today, our community partnerships in Linn County have been helping local residents complete applications for health insurance from the Iowa Wellness, Iowa Marketplace Choice, and the Marketplace Exchange since November 1, 2013. The efforts in Linn County are working. The decision to hold off on the enrollment start date to November 1st has proven to be a good decision as those coming in to talk with Certified Application Counselors, community- wide, have been finding success in getting enrolled.

While moving in the right direction, your help is needed. Providers want to be at full capacity serving the community’s needs (1,800 Certified Application Counselor appointments per month). So, if you know a person who would benefit from visiting with one of the Certified Application Counselors please have them call and set up an appointment. It is important that individuals do not wait until the last minute as each week there are only so many appointment slots available. Please be proactive and help those you know are in need of health insurance.

• United Way 2-1-1 or 739-4211 for cell phone users
• Community Health Free Clinic – 363-0416
• HACAP – 2-1-1
• Linn Community Care – 730-7300
• Linn County Public Health – 892- 6000

Should you know anyone who is independently trying to enroll without the assistance of a Certified Application Counselor please make them aware that there are individuals available to help. Getting individuals this assistance helps provide them more information while providing our community a better understanding of the numbers enrolling.

Remember in the first year whether the individual is on the Iowa Wellness or Iowa Marketplace Choice Plan, the individual will not have co-pays related to the following:

• Doctor Visits
• Emergency Room Visits (This has been waived)
• Premium Costs
• Prescription Drug Co-Pays

For additional helpful information, about the new plans and the process, read the article by Jeff Tourdot here:

http://thegazette.com/2013/11/24/navigating-the-system/

Food Insecurity Continues to Increase in Iowa

I’ll be participating in the “Fill the Plate” telethon with fellow legislators on December 8. If you live in our television viewing area, the telethon will be broadcast on KCRG, with the help of South Slope Telephone in North Liberty.

The telethon begins at 5:30 pm and continues until 10:00 pm in the evening. Elected officials will “man the phones” from 8:15 pm to 9:30 pm. This event will help the Heritage Agency on Aging in the counties of Linn, Benton, Johnson, Iowa, Jones, Cedar and Washington. Please take a moment to call in and make a pledge/donation to help. To contribute online go to: https://alumni.kirkwood.edu/NetCommunity/filltheplate.

Heritage has struggled with budget shortfalls. They make sure our most vulnerable have access to senior dining and home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels). Last year, Heritage was short 83,331 meals, and despite our best efforts to get them private and public funding, Heritage is still short 54,000 this year.

This telethon is all the more important because we face some new challenges due to cuts in Washington, D.C. – cuts that hit low-income families and Iowa seniors particularly hard.

This spring, state legislators responded in a bipartisan way to the growing number of Iowa families struggling to get enough to eat. We approved $1 million in state help for Iowa food banks and expanded incentives for Iowans to donate to organizations that feed the hungry.

Those steps forward are being undermined by recent federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The food budgets of low-income Iowans were slashed by $43 million this month even though the need continues to increase. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that the number of hungry Iowans relying on SNAP increased from about 335,000 in January 2010 to more than 420,000 in April 2013.

The new federal cuts in food aid will increase demands on our local food banks. Kids from poor families won’t get the nutrition they need to stay healthy and to succeed in school. The Iowa economy will take a hit too. According to the Center on Budget & Policy Priorities, every $1 increase in food stamps generates about $1.70 in economic activity.

We can do better for local Iowans who have a critical need for food. Thank you for your help and support.

To learn more about The Heritage Agency visit their website at http://www.kirkwood.edu/site/index.php?d=443

Photos from Around the District

Constituent, Lorenne Mulherin, gave an impassioned speech at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church about her faith journey in fostering over 20 kids. She shared some amazing stories about her experiences in caring for youth in her home. Thank you, Ms. Mulherin, for reaching out to those in need!

Ribbon cutting ceremony for the Iowa College Access Network at the Linn County Regional Center in Hiawatha. ICAN Board Chair, Rose Rennekamp, explained how the non-profit organization empowers and encourages Iowans to achieve their educational and career goals. One way this is accomplished is by providing free assistance for those applying for college financial aid. Another really great community asset!

Susan and I were invited to attend the Eid Dinner at the Islamic Center of Cedar Rapids. What an amazing experience! We thoroughly enjoyed the Pakistani food, and especially appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the faith and culture of our Muslim neighbors. (Middle picture is of Midamar CEO, Bill Aossey, his son and Midamar Director, Jalel Aossey.) Eid Mubarak! (which means: May Your Holiday Be Blessed!)

 

Remember a recent photo I posted of outside walls being assembled at Kirkwood’s new Regional Center? I helped frame the house with those walls! Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity runs an efficient -and fun- volunteer operation. This day was sponsored by many local churches which provided food and volunteer laborers. The new homeowner worked alongside of us and we could tell how excited she was as the house took shape. What a tiring but fulfilling day. To find out how you can participate in future construction: http://www.cvhabitat.org/cvhfh/

At the United Nations Assoc monthly meeting, President Chris Dahle awarded Marian Arens honorary chairperson for United Nations Day. Marian is well-deserving for her dedication and hard work. Congratulations!

Sam and Mary McCord, owners of MCG BioComposites LLC, had their products on display at the recent EDC Entrepreneur Showcase. I learned that their BioMarkers – plant stakes made from eco-friendly/recycled materials – will be used by the gardeners at Noel Ridge Park. Great to visit with local inventors and entrepreneurs who understand the value of being “green” !

Shown here attending the first of six Community Conversations about Magnet Schools. We did some creative brainstorming (Dr. Trace Pickering, Associate Superintendent, encouraged us not to set limitations on our thinking) and came away with a greater understanding of what magnet schools could be for Cedar Rapids. My group consisted of a fellow teacher from a CR high school, a school board member and a director from a local theater. At an upcoming Conversation, we will hear from educators at a model magnet school. I invite you to join the Community Conversations on Magnet Schools here:

http://www.engagecrschools.com/

Attending the 2nd Community Conversation on the possibility of Cedar Rapids Magnet Schools, with a presentation by Doreen Marvin, Dir. of Development Organizational Support Services for Connecticut’s Magnet Schools. 50+ people from the community participated in the round-table discussions. We had a room full of energy and ideas. For more information about the more than 5000 magnet schools in the US, click here: www.magnet.edu

Susan and I enjoyed a pancake breakfast at Kenwood Park United Methodist Church. Proceeds went to Cedar Rapids Noon Lions Club. The Lions Club will be providing free vision screening and hearing, dental & developmental evaluations for children birth through 5yrs of age on Saturday, January 25, 2014 at the Main Cedar Rapids Public Library. Shown here with teacher colleague, Teresa Barnett, and her husband, Greg. We enjoyed terrific conversations and delicious pancakes! Kudos to the Lions Club!

At the 5th Annual International Food Fair at the Islamic Center, I not only enjoyed delicious gyros and falafels, I met some terrific people. Susan and I had a great visit with Drs. Robert Nicholson and Mary Tarbox. Mary is Chair of the Dept. of Nursing at Mount Mercy University and we discussed the recent EMS hearings as well as many other legislative issues. New foods, new friends – wonderful way to enjoy lunch.

At the First Tech Challenge-Iowa Qualifier at Linn Mar High School. Robotics Teams from throughout Iowa (and one from Missouri) participated in this second phase of competitions. Far left is the Kennedy Cougars team. U of I College of Engineering Director of K-12 Outreach, Rebecca Whitaker, gave me a tour of the “pit stop” – where students tweak and recharge their robot and strategy. Becca explained that collaboration is a valued component among students. (Shown in competition are the Boy Scouts All-African American Team and Linn Mar’s team, Dark Matter.)

Final event of the evening was a fundraiser for Hemophilia of Iowa. We visited with constituent and friend, Sue Grant, who is their new Executive Director. We also met Hemophilia of Iowa President, Kari Atkinson, and her husband, Craig. Hemophilia is a hereditary bleeding disorder affecting at least 80 Iowa families and the U of I treats more than 500 hemophilia patients per year. The medications to treat the disorder can cost as much as 3 million dollars per year. Hemophilia of Iowa is dedicated to providing education and support for these families.

Learn more here: http://www.hemophiliaofiowa.com/

Cynthia Fiester emceed a well-attended Radon & Lung Cancer Public Education event. Our state as a whole, has high levels of radon gas in the soil. The goal for this meeting is to reduce the number of cancer deaths in Iowa that is attributed to radon. You can purchase radon testing kits from the Linn County Public Health Dept. Find out more here: http://www.linncounty.org/faq.asp?PM=details&FAQ_Id=808&Content_Id=1601

Attended a public information meeting hosted by the Iowa DOT, to get input from constituents and voters impacted by the extension of Hwy 100. District engineer, Jim Schnoebelen, predicted that land acquisitions would begin in January, with construction scheduled for late spring. Phases I and II should be complete by 2018.

Continue Reading the Statehouse News

To read the rest of my Statehouse News go to: http://iowahouse.org/StatehouseNews/11-6-13.html