Efficiency Review

One important piece of this legislation will ensure that state government programs are reviewed regularly. The bill requires that a committee be appointed every two years to take an in-depth look at state government and bring recommendations to the General Assembly.

Bill is Only One Piece

SF 2088 is one piece of the total package that will save money for Iowa taxpayers. Other pieces include savings made through the Governor’s Executive Order #20 and Senate File 2062, the Early Retirement Incentive program. Adding the changes and efficiencies made by SF 2088, total savings to Iowa taxpayers stand at $265 million.

The bill, which was approved on a 98-1 vote, has already been approved by the Senate and is now headed to the Governor for his signature.

Iowa is A World Leader in Renewable Energy

A new study which came out this week proves that Iowa is indeed a world leader in renewable energy. The new research says that 20% of all the electricity generated in Iowa comes from wind power. Iowa now generates about 3,670 megawatts from wind, which is enough to power 75% of all homes in Iowa, and is second in the country in wind capacity behind Texas.

The study proves the legislative focus on renewable energy and green jobs over the last four years is having a positive impact on our economy and environment. There are over 8,100 “green” jobs in Iowa now and the number continues to grow. According to the Iowa Wind Energy Association, our state is also first in attracting wind manufacturers with 200 companies already here.

Last month alone, the American Wind Energy Association increased Iowa’s potential for generating wind energy and the study has increased Iowa’s potential to 370,000 megawatts, about four times greater than previously estimated. This places Iowa 7th in the country in potential. The study means Iowa is only capturing about 1% of the potential wind energy available.

Last December, the Iowa Utilities Board approved a plan by MidAmerican Energy to build an additional 1,000 megawatts of wind by 2012. Even though it already produces the most wind energy of any rate regulated utility in the country, the huge expansion plans will create good-paying jobs and puts Iowa another step closer to energy independence.

One of the keys to Iowa’s energy independence is helping consumers become more energy efficient. Through the Office of Energy Independence, we crafted a state energy plan with a lofty goal of reducing our energy consumption 25% by 2012. A number of initiatives are being tried to meet that goal.

Earlier this week, Iowans responded overwhelmingly to reserve one of 9,000 rebates to purchase highly energy efficient appliances. In just six hours, all the $2.8 million in appliance rebates, which ranged from $100 to $500 dollar, were reserved. Iowans who weren’t able to reserve a rebate should check with their local utility and retailer about other rebate opportunities.

The appliance rebate program will result in more than $10 million in sales in the state, along with jobs associated with the installation of the appliances, furnaces, heat pumps, and air conditioners. This impact is multiplied because of the large number of manufacturers who produce Energy Star appliances in Iowa.

In another energy efficiency initiative, Iowans can schedule a home energy audit and apply for weatherization assistance that could include insulation, furnace repair/replacement, and water heater replacement. To apply for weatherization assistance, Iowans should contact their local community action agency by calling “211” or logging on to www.dcaa.iowa.gov.

For more information on Iowa’s plan for energy independence or to apply for assistance, log on to www.energy.iowa.gov.

Iowa to Regulate Corporate Money in Politics

After a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that opened the door to unlimited corporate money in elections, Iowa is on the road to becoming one of the first states to regulate corporate political activity.

In Citizens United v FEC, the Court ruled that corporations are persons and, as such, have a right to participate financially in the election process.

With the first in the nation caucuses and a reputation for clean elections, the goal of the legislation is to protect Iowans from unregulated campaign spending by big corporations and prevent the wealthy and special interests from deciding elections.

The bill working its way through the Legislature will require corporations and other similar groups that engage in political activity to file reports with Iowa’s ethics and campaign finance board. This is similar to regulations already placed on contributions and activity by individuals and political action committees (PAC).

The bill, Senate File 2354, requires that any entity that makes independent expenditures must file with the board once one or more expenditures exceed $750. In addition, the entity must file each time they make an expenditure of $750. The statement must include whether or not they are advocating for or against the candidate or ballot issue.

An entity can not use it’s treasury to pay for an independent expenditure without the approval of a majority of the board of directors, executive council, or similar leadership body. Any published material or other media such as television advertising must include a disclaimer with the name and address of the corporation and the name and title of the chief executive officer.

These restrictions do not change current law in terms of businesses or unions forming PACS and soliciting their members for contributions. Contributions to the PAC must be voluntary.

This legislation has already passed the Iowa Senate and the House State Government Committee. It is now headed to the full House for consideration.

Assisting Service Members While Deployed

In an effort to help service members who are part of the upcoming deployment, the House Veterans Affairs Committee passed a bill to ease their minds while deployed. The Iowa National Guard is preparing for the largest deployment, with over 3,000 members, in the 170 year history of the Iowa National Guard.

Senate File 2297 forbids a public utility providing gas or electricity from disconnecting services to a residence in which one of the heads of household is a service member deployed. This prohibition is in force for 90 days after the end of the service member's deployment. The public utility must be informed of the deployment.

In addition, the bill requires that a deployed service member will receive a refund of that portion of any fishing or hunting license fee paid by the service member that covers the service member's period of military service.

The Legislature has taken many steps over the past years to assist veterans, service members, and their families. The bill is now ready for consideration by the Iowa House.

House Bill Guarantees Choice of Auto Glass Repair Shops

The House passed legislation to guarantee that Iowans have the right to choose the auto glass repair shop they prefer instead of being forced to get repairs at a shop selected by an insurance company.

House File 2489 prohibits certain actions by auto insurance companies to steer customers to a specific glass repair shop. Insurers cannot require that the insured use a specific glass supplier or repair shop; or try to coerce the insured to use a specific glass supplier or repair shop.

This does not require an auto insurer to pay more for glass or glass repair services than what is reasonable in the local market area. This is meant to stop special deals with a few large suppliers and glass repair chains. It will also help maintain a competitive auto glass repair market.

The bill also requires the Iowa Insurance Commissioner to coordinate a study of auto glass insurance repair claim processing procedures. Other participants are the Iowa Insurance Institute, Iowa Retail Federation, insurers, and entities that handle claims for insurers. They must submit a report to the Legislature by January 15, 2011.

House File 2489 will now go to the Senate for its consideration.

Fairness for Iowa’s Auto Dealers

Legislation that prohibits motor vehicle franchises to apply unfair franchise laws to Iowa’s auto dealers has been approved by the House and the Senate. The bill, Senate File 2234, is now ready for the Governor’s signature.

The need to strengthen Iowa’s motor vehicle franchise laws came about from last summer’s closing of some dealerships by certain automakers and unfair requirements placed on these dealers.

The bill does not allow laws from other jurisdictions, such as Michigan’s law governing dealerships, to be able to be used against Iowa’s dealerships. Language ensures protection of dealers’ confidential customer information by not allowing customer lists to be transferred to the franchiser except in specific circumstances.

Iowa’s laws contain provisions or circumstances that allow franchisers to terminate a contract with a dealership, and this bill clarified that those provisions are still valid.