Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Why is Iowa Student Debt So High?
Robert Shireman of the Projectonstudentdebt.org was asked to discuss Iowa college student debt levels--among the highest in the nation--with members of the Legislative Oversight Committee.
Type rest of the post here
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Democrats put record amount in state rainy day funds
Iowa's new Democratic Legislature worked with Governor Culver to fill Iowa's state savings accounts to their highest level ever: $592 million. That's a growth of more than $400 million in the last four years. In related news, since 2004 the Legislature has repaid $163 million of the $300 million owed to the Senior Living Trust Fund.
Various versions of the Rainy Day Funds chart.
70 successes of the 2007 Session
First-term State Senator Rob Hogg sent his constituents the following list of 70 accomplishments from the 2007 legislative session.
Seventy Accomplishments for 2007 (you can review all bills in the "bill book" at the legislative web site, www.legis.state.ia.us)
EDUCATION
Preschool ($15 million per year) (HF877)
4% allowable growth for schools ($108 million) (SF109)
Teacher pay (approximately $4,000 per teacher) (SF277)
Grants for "supplemental strategies" to reach grade level ($2.5 million) (SF588)
More aid for private school students and school tuition organizations (SF588/SF601)
Math and science initiative ($200,000 grant) (HF829)
Before and after school programs ($1 million) (HF907/SF588/SF601)
Record level of support for community colleges
$12.4 million general aid increase (SF588)
$2 million dedicated for community college faculty salaries (SF601)
$4.5 million dedicated for renewable energy workforce (HF927/HF911)
New biorenewable research facility at Iowa State (HF911)
New institute for biomedical discovery at University of Iowa (HF911)
Bonding for new chemistry building at Iowa State (HF920)
Bonding for new college of public health building at Iowa (HF920)
Additional $25 million for university operations and tuition control (SF588)
Increase in Iowa Tuition Grant Program ($1.8 million increase) (SF588)
Create All-Iowa Opportunity Grants for college aid (SF588/SF601)
HEALTH CARE
Raise tobacco tax (SF128)
Funding and outreach to add 10,750 children for health coverage (HF909)
Funding to add nearly 6,000 low-income parents under Medicaid (HF909)
More funding for tobacco prevention & cessation (~$12 million) (HF907/HF909)
Allow additional stem cell research (SF162)
Authorize small business health insurance pooling (HF790)
Require insurers to accept uniform health insurance applications (SF346)
$17 million in new funding for county mental health/disability programs (HF909)
3% provider increase for all child welfare providers ($3.2 million) (HF909)
Lead testing for students by age 6 (HF158/HF909)
ENERGY AND ECONOMY
Create Iowa Power Fund ($25 million for four years) (HF927/HF918)
State energy plan including policy recommendations (HF918)
Climate change advisory council (SF485)
Renewable energy workforce programs ($2.5 million) (HF927)
New transportation funding formula (HF932)
Expand historic preservation tax credits from $6.4 million to $20 million (SF566)
Create Iowa film industry incentives (HF892)
Targeted industries expansion, including workforce, lean manufacturing (HF829)
Fund state and local housing trust funds ($2.5 million) (HF911)
Extend the community attraction and tourism program to 2013 (SF601)
Additional funding for tourism ($250,000) and Main Street ($400,000) (SF562)
Additional funding for small business development centers ($250,000) (SF562)
Recreational Trails - $2 million (HF911)
REAP funding - $4 million increase (SF551)
Expand civil rights protections (SF427)
"Generation Iowa" Commission (HF617)
PUBLIC SAFETY
Keg registration (HF650)
Expand child abuse prevention programming ($200,000) (HF909)
Trooper overtime pay (SF601)
Opened new Oakdale prison facility and added 37 correctional officers (SF575)
Create drug court in Linn and Johnson Counties (SF575)
Community corrections mental health facility in Cedar Rapids (HF911)
Hire additional OSHA inspectors to comply with federal guidelines (SF562)
"ZERO POVERTY" INITIATIVES
Raise the minimum wage (HF1)
Cap interest rates for car title loans (HF5)
Authorized new short-term, small-dollar loans by credit unions (SF347)
Fully funded legal aid ($2 million) (SF575/SF601)
Expanded the earned income tax credit ($10 million) (SF590)
Assessment and resolution program for energy assistance ($400,000) (HF909)
Fully fund child care assistance to avoid waiting list ($16.4 million increase) (HF909)
FAMILY AND SENIOR ISSUES
Fund office of substitute decision-maker (HF909)
Alzheimer's training and task force and dementia care training (SF489/HF909)
Continue funding for case management for the frail elderly (HF909)
Continue phase out tax on social security and increase in filing threshold
Grandparent and great-grandparent visitation (HF909)
Foster care sibling visitation (SF480)
Funding for the Chief Justice's Children's Justice Initiative (SF563/SF575)
VETERAN ISSUES
Veterans homeowner assistance program (SF95/SF601)
Injured veterans grant program (SF95)
Vietnam Veterans Bonus (June 30, 1973 to May 7, 1975) (SF578)
Expand charitable bingo and raffles (SF414)
ELECTION ISSUES
Same day election voter registration (HF653)
Voter verified paper trails (SF369/HF911)
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
Fill the cash reserve fund ($444 million projected)
Restore the economic emergency fund ($138 million projected)
Repay the senior living trust fund ($144 million projected)
Fully funded the state Medicaid program (HF909)
School sharing and reorganization incentives (SF447)
Friday, April 20, 2007
‘Road map’ to increase public safety
In 2006, the Legislature requested a comprehensive study of the Iowa prison system. Last Friday, the Durrant Group of Dubuque presented its findings to the Iowa Board of Corrections.
The study found that Iowa has dedicated and talented staff throughout the correctional system who are doing an outstanding job with available resources.
At the same time, the study outlined these concerns:
· Iowa’s prisons are overcrowded.
· There is a lack of consistency in the classification of prisoners.
· There is a critical need for appropriate mental health, drug treatment, and follow-up care.
· There is a need for gender-specific treatment.
These concerns and others create a lack of safety for employees at the institutions. In addition, they reveal that resources need to be used more efficiently. The Durrant Group has provided a “road map” for the Legislature to consider.
One of their first recommendations is to address the issues of women prisoners. They recommend that all female prisoners be housed at one facility and that there be a more reliable classification system as many women are currently “over-classified” as maximum security prisoners.
In addition, the report calls for gender specific mental health, substance abuse, and sex offender treatment. Research has shown that with appropriate treatment, female prisoners have a lower recidivism rate than males. It is possible that with appropriate classification and treatment, Iowa could significantly reduce its number of female prisoners.
The Legislature will now study the report and its recommendations to determine how to best improve public safety in our prisons and across the stat
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Senate approves initiative to bring access to high quality preschool to all Iowa families
(DES MOINES) On Wednesday, April 18, the democrats helped the Iowa Senate approve a four-year initiative that will expand access to high quality, voluntary preschool to all Iowa families.
“There are a higher percentage of two parent families in which both parents work in Iowa than in any other state, yet only 30 percent of Iowa families have access to high quality preschools,” State Senator Staci Appel of Ackworth said. “House File 877 works with public and private schools, churches and childcare providers to extend these opportunities to the 28,000 Iowa four-year-olds who are mostly from families who either do not have access to high quality preschool choices or can’t afford to give their children this advantage.”
Each child that benefits from House File 877 will receive a minimum of ten hours of class time with a qualified preschool teacher. This is a voluntary effort that will work with existing private and public preschools. The legislation uses Iowa’s existing K12 school system to help manage issues dealing with budgeting, personnel and facilities. $15 million will be invested next year, and that investment will increase by $15 million annually for the next three years.
“Business leaders in our communities agree that access to high quality preschools helps recruit and keep the best employees,” Senator Becky Schmitz of Fairfield, a former school social worker, said. “When working parents know their kids are safe and are learning, they can focus on their work and do a great job for their employers.”
The legislation will create a long-term, sustainable funding mechanism that will help Iowa’s public and private preschools become as well regarded as Iowa’s K12 schools.
“We have some outstanding public and private preschools in Iowa that are doing a great job for families. The benefits children receive from attending one of these high quality preschools are obvious when they start kindergarten, and continue as they move to graduation,” Senator Bill Heckroth of Waverly said. “This legislation will help these organizations improve and expand the effort they are making to help every child start school ready to learn.”
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Lawmakers demand change from Wal-Mart
In an event at the Statehouse on Tuesday, Senator Jack Hatch of Des Moines called on major corporations to provide adequate wages and health insurance for their employees. Hatch said that Iowa taxpayers should not subsidize the profits of some of the largest corporations in the country by taking health insurance away from children that need it. To prevent this sort of abuse and corporate welfare, legislators want the tools to gather information to help ensure that Iowa’s largest employers do the responsible thing and pay the health care cost of their employees. (Photo: Soheila Yalpani)
Senator Appel on Preschool Program
Iowa Senator Staci Appel discusses new Iowa legislation that would put at least 90 percent of Iowa toddlers in a preschool program.
CRG Dems push for offender legislation
Dems push for offender legislation
Rod Boshart
DES MOINES - Democrats who control the Iowa Senate said they plan to forge ahead today with legislation intended to establish safe zones around schools, parks and other places where children congregate to better protect them from sexual predators.
The safe zones provision -- where offenders could not be present without written permission from the authority in charge near schools, child-care facilities, arcades, public parks, swimming pools, libraries and other places -- has been part of a more expansive proposal to expand protections against sexual offenders that has been discussed for much of the 2007 session.
But backers now worry the package may stall and they want to push ahead with pieces they believe have consensus to get passed and to the governor's desk yet this session.
Sen. Keith Kreiman, D-Bloomfield, said majority Democrats have decided to proceed with the debate to "kick start the process and get some movement from Republicans and Democrats" in hopes of forging an agreement this year.
"I think it's going to be much more difficult to get it done next year than it would be this year," Kreiman said, given that 2008 is an election year. "I just think it's too important of an issue to not get something done," he added.
Senate GOP Leader Mary Lundby of Marion said Republicans are insisting that there be no change in Iowa's current law that bars offenders convicted of crimes with minors from residing within 2,000 feet of a school or daycare center.
"We're willing to look at additional money for monitoring and assessments. We're willing to look at improvements that make it safer, but we're not willing to do away with the 2,000-foot rule," said Lundby. "We're not interested in making it easier for criminals."
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
DARE kids meet senator
Sixth-grade students from East Buchanan Middle School in Winthrop celebrated completion of the DARE (Drug Alcohol Resistance Education) program by touring the State Capitol in Des Moines on Tuesday. DARE teaches children to stay away from drugs. The students were greeted at the Statehouse by their state senator, Brian Schoenjahn of Arlington, who encouraged them to remember the healthy lifestyle lessons taught in the DARE program. The students were accompanied by Sheriff Bill Wolfgram of Buchanan County. (4/17/07, Credit: Soheila Yalpani)
Meyer confirmed as public safety head
By JONATHAN ROOS
REGISTER STAFF WRITER
Gov. Chet Culver's appointment of Gene Meyer as public safety commissioner
received the approval of the Iowa Senate this afternoon, reversing a vote taken a week ago.
A handful of Republican state senators who had opposed the Democratic governor's selection of Meyer to head the Department of Public Safety switched sides.
Confirmation requires the approval of two-thirds of the Senate, or 34 members. Today's vote was 38-12. The Senate vote last Tuesday was 32-17, which fell two votes short of the number needed to make Meyer's appointment permanent.
GOP leaders have voiced concerns about whether Meyer, as a department “insider” who’d been in charge of the Division of Criminal Investigation until retiring in 2006, could fairly administer the entire state agency. The department also includes the Iowa
State Patrol, state fire marshal’s office and narcotics enforcement division.
Sen. John Putney of Gladbrook, one of the Republican senators who had a change of heart in voting for Meyer today, said concerns he had about the former West Des Moines mayor were laid to rest after conferring with law enforcement officials both inside and outside the Iowa Department of Public Safety.
“I personally am confident that Gene Meyer has the expertise and the vision to lead the Department of Public Safety,” Putney said.
Meyer, a political independent, was chosen by Culver in early January to begin serving as public safety commissioner.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Public interested in solving transportation challenge
A recent nine-city “road show” by two key legislators showed there is great public interest in improving the state’s transportation system, including how it can better support local efforts to expand job creation.
Senator Tom Rielly, the Democratic chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, and the top Republican on the committee, Senator Larry Noble, traveled across Iowa to listen to Iowans’ concerns about our state’s transportation issues.
Iowa has nearly 114,000 miles of highways, roads and streets under the jurisdiction of the Iowa Department of Transportation and the state’s 99 counties and 947 cities.
Nationally, our state ranks 12th in number of miles of roadway and fifth in number of bridges. These are parts of Iowa’s transportation infrastructure that past generations built to help our state grow and prosper.
The transportation investments we’ve made in recent years, however, have not kept up with demand. In fact, at the rate we are going, we will have a $27.7 billion problem over the next 20 years, including a $4 billion shortfall affecting our most critical road infrastructure needs.
The reason that Senators Rielly and Noble visited nine communities and held meetings with more than 500 Iowans was to help find the answer to that problem.
This is not a simple issue. As our state’s economy grows and changes, our transportation needs change.
For example, truck traffic has grown by 51 percent since 1990, in part because of the increased truck traffic required to ship corn to existing ethanol plants. This means more wear on the roads, safety concerns, and congestion as trucks queue to enter the plants.
At the public meetings, there were few people willing to let Iowa’s transportation system stagnate and decline. Suggestions on how to pay for our transportation needs included raising the gas tax, increasing pickup fees, building toll roads, approving a statewide penny sales tax, and increasing license fees. Attendees also had ideas for improving our transportation infrastructure, such as expanding rail traffic, developing new recreation trails, building regional airports, and improving locks and dams.
You probably won’t be surprised to hear that the “Transportation Road Show” did not uncover a magic answer that will solve our transportation budget problem and win universal agreement.
Legislators intend to keep listening and working on this issue, though. It is a big challenge that can only be solved by a bipartisan approach.
I will keep you updated on our progress, and I would appreciate your ideas as we make our generation’s contribution to Iowa’s transportation system.
Photo Credit: Jason Hancock
Friday, April 13, 2007
Senate boosts investment in clean-up and recreation initiatives
The Iowa Senate voted this week to expand clean-up efforts and create more recreational opportunities across the state.
The Agriculture and Natural Resources budget includes a $4.5 million increase in funding for the popular Resource Enhancement and Protection program, bringing REAP’s total funding to $15.5 million.
REAP provides funding for conservation and natural resource projects in communities throughout Iowa.
For example, local governments apply for REAP dollars to improve or expand parks and other recreational opportunities in their communities. Soil and water conservation districts may receive funding to improve water quality. REAP money is also available for state parks and historical sites.
REAP has been highly successful over the years. By increasing funding, we are investing in Iowa’s quality of life, expanding recreational and tourism opportunities, and making our state a more attractive place to live, work, and raise a family.
State insurance chief quizzed on Conseco deal
Iowa Insurance Commissioner Susan Voss appeared before a special joint meeting of the Senate and House Commerce Committees on Tuesday to answer questions on an agreement reached with Conseco Life Insurance Company in March.
Under Iowa law, Voss was unable to get restitution for Iowans who were overcharged by the insurer. Instead, she fined Conseco $750,000 for wrongfully removing parts of life insurance policies without telling customers.
Conseco denied that it violated Iowa laws or insurance regulations but paid the fine. However, details of the agreement were kept confidential in a “memorandum of understanding.” Since the Iowa Insurance Division (IID) agreed not to proceed with further action against Conseco, it did not issue a final report, which would have been public record.
The IID had investigated Conseco's use of an obscure pricing mechanism, called an R-Factor, which lowers insurance policy costs but also works to the disadvantage of the owners when used with a life insurance policy.
As a result of a class-action lawsuit against Conseco in a California federal court, the company agreed to a settlement that would collectively give policyholders nationwide up to $400 million in cash or credits. About 1,000 Iowans may be entitled to a portion of that money.
Voss said the IID’s agreement with Conseco allowed Iowa policyholders to benefit from the California action and allowed the state to collect the civil penalty.
"Our number one concern is consumer protection,'' Voss said.
The Commissioner cannot legally order Conseco or any other insurer to make restitution to policyholders. When asked by committee members, Voss said changing Iowa law to allow such action would be beneficial. Several lawmakers expressed interest in pursuing legislation that would open up the IID's limited authority over the companies it regulates.
Documents regarding Conseco are available on the Insurance Division’s Web site at http://www.iid.state.ia.us/news_media/whatsnew.asp.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Pioneers honored at Statehouse
The Pioneer Lawmakers Association of Iowa inducted the Class of 1987, which includes current and former state senators and representatives who began their legislative service 20 years ago. The ceremony was presided over by Senator Mike Connolly of Dubuque.
Lions, tigers, and bears: Oh my!
Iowa Senator Joe Seng discusses new legislation banning the acquisition of dangerous and wild animals.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Legislature supports Main Street Iowa
Senator Bill Heckroth speaks about the importance of the Main St. Iowa program, and about the support the Iowa Legislature has invested in the program.
Senate Republicans vote to reject nominee to head Department of Public Safety
Dan Gearino
Globe Des Moines Bureau
DES MOINES — Iowa Senate Republicans gave Gov. Chet Culver a political punch in the nose Tuesday night, voting to reject his appointee for commissioner of the Department of Public Safety.
The appointee, Gene Meyer of West Des Moines, will become unemployed because he only got 31 votes out of 50 for confirmation, three votes short of the two-thirds he needed. Meyer is the former head of the Division of Criminal Investigation, an office within the public safety department. He is also the former mayor of West Des Moines.
Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal, D-Council Bluffs, decried the vote in terms rarely heard on the Senate floor.
“This is the most gutless display I’ve seen in my 25 years in the Senate and I’m not ashamed to say I’m angry,” he said.
He also called GOP senators “a bunch of political hacks.”
Democrats hold a 30-20 majority in the Senate. The Republican minority has little power to pass legislation, but enough power to reject gubernatorial appointees.
Senate Minority Leader Mary Lundby, R-Marion, said Republicans think the leader of the Department of Public Safety should come from outside the department.
“The reasoning for that is so that the person doesn’t come in with biases toward certain people or divisions within the department,” she said.
Lundby said past directors have come from outside, which she thinks is a good tradition.
After Gronstal’s comments on the Senate floor, Lundby noted that Meyer is a Republican. She said Gronstal insisted on brining the confirmation up for a vote Tuesday night, rather than discuss Republican concerns.
The action comes a day after Lundby and Culver had a closed-door meeting to talk about Republican objections to the governor’s four nominees for the Board of Regents. Republicans have said they will reject some of the Regents’ nominees because there are no candidates from western Iowa and no candidates with experience on medical issues.
Two Republicans voted for Meyer’s confirmation: Pat Ward of West Des Moines and Brad Zaun of Urbandale.
“I’ve known him for a number of years. I have respect for him as an individual and respect his service to the community,” Ward said earlier in the day.
In a procedural move, Gronstal switched his vote at the last minute so he would be on the prevailing side. This allows him to file a motion to reconsider and bring the nomination up again if Democrats can persuade two more Republicans to support it. Technically, the rejection of Meyer won’t be final until Gronstal lifts his motion.
The vote against Meyer is part of a larger tug-of-war between Senate Republicans and Culver over appointments. Republicans have threatened to reject some of the governor’s four nominees for the Board of Regents because there are no candidates from western Iowa and no candidates with experience on medical issues.
Gronstal condemns the Republicans' rejection of appointee
Statement by Senate Leader Mike Gronstal on the rejection of Public Safety Commissioner appointee Gene Meyer
On Tuesday, April 10, the Republican minority of the Iowa Senate voted almost unanimously against the appointment of Republican Gene Meyer to be
Commissioner of the Iowa Department of Public Safety, denying him
the 2/3 majority needed to be approved. Senate Leader Mike Gronstal delivered a blistering rebuke after the vote.
“Gene Meyer is a victim of cruel game-playing by gutless Republican legislators.
“Gene Meyer is a Republican who has all the qualifications necessary to be a great Commissioner of the Iowa Department of Public Safety. He has the strong support of the Iowa State Troopers Association and other members of the law enforcement community.
“During last fall’s election, Iowans made it clear that they are sick and tired of partisan bickering and gridlock. Republicans still haven’t gotten the message.
“I hope Republican legislators will reconsider their vote and confirm Gene Meyer. More important, I implore Republican legislators to turn down the partisan heat and seriously consider all of Governor Culver’s appointees to key positions and commissions.”
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Local legislators push their plans as session nears end
CHARLOTTE EBY,
Courier Des Moines Bureau
DES MOINES --- With just three weeks remaining until the Iowa Legislature's scheduled ending, Cedar Valley lawmakers are hoping their key priorities make it through before the gavel falls upon adjournment.
At the top of the list for Rep. Mark Kuhn, D-Charles City, is new livestock regulations that have proven controversial this year and previous years in the Legislature.
Kuhn has co-sponsored a bill that would extend the distance new livestock confinement facilities would have to be built from homes, businesses, tourist destinations and other protected areas. Other standards are in place to protect water sources.
Ag groups, including the Iowa Farm Bureau, have opposed the legislation, but environmental groups support it.
House leaders gave the bill new life last week by referring it to another committee after it faced opposition in the House Agriculture Committee.
Kuhn wants to see good faith negotiations between farmers and environmentalists to find something they can agree on.
"We have to find some common ground," Kuhn said. "We have to work to balance the ability of the industry to grow, yet restore some of those rights to neighbors."
A wide range of other bills are topping the to-do lists of other area lawmakers.
State Sen. Bill Heckroth, D-Waverly, is hoping to see the final passage of legislation that would help a local business.
An Iowa law that prohibits emergency vehicle manufacturers from also selling them is hampering a Sumner ambulance dealer, Heckroth said.
Legislation sponsored by Heckroth would help Life Line Emergency Vehicles and other manufacturers.
"It was a specific thing that helps them. They've got 180 employees up there, and it's only a problem in the state of Iowa," Heckroth said.
The measure already has cleared the Senate 50-0 and is awaiting consideration in the House.
Rep. Tami Wiencek, R-Waterloo, wants to see approval of a measure she co-sponsored that is intended to help keep new college graduates in the state. The plan, called the Iowa Advantage Fund, would extend tax credits to Iowa employers that agree to help pay down student loan debt to new employees who have just graduated from college.
Wiencek said she is optimistic it will be passed in the closing weeks of the session.
"I think there's a chance it will still get through," Wiencek said.
Rep. Bob Kressig, D-Cedar Falls, is eager to see an early childhood education package that passed the House gain approval in the Senate.
The plan would help expand pre-school programs around the state and provide for a licensed instructor at least 10 hours each week. He said quality pre-school programs are important for early brain development and help prepare children for school.
"It makes so much sense to me that we really focus on that," Kressig said.
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