I wish you all a Happy St. Patrick’s Day. This week has been perhaps one of the most enjoyable weeks of the session. On Tuesday we enjoyed Miss Iowa’s violin performance in the capitol. On Wednesday Ned O’Sullivan, Irish Member of Parliament, and his wife Madeline, visited the capitol and we also enjoyed the last annual Irish jig by retiring Representative Deloris Mertz. This week has been filled with speeches and final bills by many of our loyal and long serving representatives of the Iowa House.



We have been busy with appropriation bills this week and many of you have emailed or called regarding these issues. As I have shared with many, we have not reached final versions of all of these bills. While you understand that the state budget is tight and sacrifices must be made, we are working, and spending many hours in caucus, attempting to end up with bills that are the best for all Iowa citizens, given the difficult decisions we are forced to make.



On Wednesday I was honored by a visit by Dr. Rudy Kubik of Independence. Dr. Kubik is the dentist at the Independence Mental Health Institute. Dr. Kubik enjoyed a tour of the capitol and Governor’s office.



Wednesday was Iowa Electric Cooperatives Day at the capitol. Electric cooperative directors from across the state shared new energy initiatives from their areas and meet with the legislators. From the East Central REC I met with Greg Pavelka, Steve Marlow, Travis Schellhorn, and Teresa Floyd.

We are still hoping to be done by the end of next week, so while the next few days will be packed with legislation, please take the opportunity to stop by if you are in Des Moines or to contact me with any questions or concerns.



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Bill Will Bring Accountability to Tax Credit Spending

The House Ways and Means committee passed legislation to bring accountability, transparency, and common sense to tax credit spending.

House File 2527 suspends the Film Tax Credit for two years, repeals three little used credits, makes adjustments in seven other credits, and cuts the spending cap for various state agency awarded credits from $185 million to $120 million per year. Read More

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Governor Signs Bill to Reorganize State Government

Governor Culver signed one of the largest government reorganization initiatives in state history aimed at saving taxpayers over $265 million. It will also initiate efficiencies in the delivery of services by state government to Iowans.

The bill, Senate File 2088, contains over 50 different ideas, both large and small. It eliminates 14 different boards and commissions, reduces energy costs, combines state purchasing, cuts down on middle management to keep front line workers in their jobs, and consolidates information technology. Read More

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Jobs Plan Focuses on Small Businesses

The House has approved a jobs plan that will expand critical support for small businesses and help put Iowans back to work.

Despite tough budget times, the House increased support for Small Business Development Centers to provide more one-on-one counseling to assist in small business growth. To find a Small Business Development Center near you, go to www.iowasbdc.org.

The plan also expands MyEntre.net to provide live, on-line support to connect business owners with the services and resources they need. Log on to www.myentre.net for more information. Read More

Governor Signs Veterans Bills into Law

Mental Health Hospitalization Notification on to Governor

Legislature Begins School Board Association Investigation

Bill Licensing Real Estate Closing Agents Sent to Governor

Public Hearings Set For Alliant Electric Rate Increase

Report Shows Program Helps Community Attractions