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From the Capitol to You:

This weekend is jam packed with activities; the County Fair, Bicycle, Blues and BBQ at Clear Lake, the Downtown Farmer's Market in Mason City, and much more! Hopefully the weather will cooperate and we all can enjoy the activities we choose!

The rain managed to hold off for the Clear Lake parade on Monday, and the crowd turned out too, even though it was the day after the 4th. I had a wonderful group of supporters that marched with me. We had a great time!

The State received even more good news this past week! Because revenues are coming in better than estimated by the REC (Revenue Estimating Conference) we are looking at a surplus of well over $300 million in our reserves....better than most any other state! (see article below)

In addition the numbers are coming in better than expected for the reorganization and early retirement bills last session. Combined we added another $30 million in savings to the $270 we were expecting.

Iowa is showing many positive signs of recovery. We are not out of the woods yet, but well ahead of most other states.

Looking to the immediate future, last session we passed the SOS (save our small) Business initiative using input from over 300 small Iowa businesses. August 1st low interest loans for up to $50,000 will be available to small businesses to use for equipment, expansion, etc.

I enjoy hearing from you if you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to call or write.



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John Henry gave me a tour of Metalcraft...a strong, locally owned, small business in Mason City. They ship their product all over the country and the world! Amazing products!



Ed Reis is working with a machine that secures RFID (radio frequency identification) chips to ID Plates. He was doing 200,000 to be mailed to Brazil for voting machines.



Great time at the Clear Lake parade. Walked with Governor Culver, Roxanne Conlin, my family, friends and many more!

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Fiscal Year Ends with Economy Improving

With preliminary numbers showing a $265 million unexpected revenue gain, the state will likely end the 2010 fiscal year with a strong budget surplus of over $300 million. While the state won’t officially close the books on fiscal year 2010 for a couple months, the unexpected gain is a sign the state’s economy is improving.

The Revenue Estimating Conference had projected a $500 million decline in revenues from fiscal year 2009, an estimate that assumed Iowa would lag behind the national recovery. The preliminary figures released after the state fiscal year ended on June 30 show the state experiencing a $235 million decline in revenues, leaving $265 million in an unexpected gain.

The Legislature balanced the fiscal year 2010 budget by limiting general fund expenditures to $5.3 billion, leaving a projected ending balance of $100 million. These new revenue figures will push up the end of the year surplus to over $300 million. Read More

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“Curb It-Click It” Campaign for Safe Roads

Jointly with the Governor’s Office, the Departments of Transportation and Public Safety launched the “Curb It-Click It” campaign in an effort to make Iowa’s roads safer. This campaign comes as a result of two bills passed by the Legislature: banning texting while driving and the youth seatbelt law.

Detailed information about Iowa’s seatbelt and texting laws can be found at www.iowadot.gov/CurbItClickIt. Read More

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Efficiency Efforts Save Taxpayers $300 Million

A newly released report says actions taken by the Legislature to make state government more efficient will save Iowa taxpayers $300 million over the next two years. The savings, which are $30 million more than originally anticipated, come from a package of government reorganization bills approved during the 2010 legislative session. Read More

With Anniversary of GI Bill, $3 Billion in Benefits Issued