Capitol Strategies

2011-03-29T08:47:00.002-05:00

There are many cool aspects about working at a building like Iowa's capitol building. For starters, the building itself is a work of art. If you have a chance to check it out, take a moment to just look at the walls, the columns, and the artwork. The building was made from different stones from all over the world and it really is a privilege to work in it.

Another cool part of working in Iowa's capitol building is that Iowa is first for Presidential caucuses, and that means we are already getting extra attention as a state. The entire nation pays close attention to who wins in Iowa, and more than anything, it almost proves that Iowans are among the most well informed and trusted voters in the country.

I have already been able to see Congresswomen Michele Bachmann at the capitol building and multiple other potential Presidential candidates were in Des Moines over the weekend to speak at Steve King's event at the Marriott.

I wasn't particularly enthused about working on a Saturday last weekend, but at the end of the day I realized I had really enjoyed it and that it was a unique opportunity to hear the opinions of some of the people who may end up the most powerful person in the free world.

It is unique opportunities like these that are making me enjoy being a lobbyist in the state of Iowa.

2011-03-10T10:06:00.002-06:00

We have been busy this week at the Capitol Building and we have a lot more work to get done. One thing we are currently working on is speaking with Legislators about becoming members of the Iowa Energy Forum, a group of Iowans concerned with where the state and the nation's energy policies are headed.

The Iowa Energy Forum supports all types of energy, from fossil fuels to solar and wind energy. A comprehensive strategy would be the best strategy for all involved.

The Iowa Energy Forum does have a Facebook page, found linked at the bottom of this post. Please feel free to check out the Facebook page as it is frequently updated with new information and topics that really should be discussed by everybody. I encourage you to "like" the Iowa Energy Forum's Facebook page and start or get involved in some discussion on the page.

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Iowa-Energy-Forum/137090919663389

Funnel Week

2011-03-02T11:00:00.004-06:00

This week in the Iowa legislature is Funnel Week. What I have come to understand is that this means if a bill is not out of the committee in the chamber in which it started, then it is dead.

This is very important to Capitol Strategies Group, Inc. because we have a couple of issues that need to be resolved before the deadline. We are working on getting two very important pieces of legislation passed out of the committee this week and we are confident that we can accomplish our goals.

I have been told the further we get into the session, the more hectic it becomes. While my first two months have not been a cakewalk, this is an added dimension. We are under pressure to get our bills out of committee so they have a chance to go to the other chamber and it is Wednesday, which means we likely only have today and tomorrow.

After funnel week, a bill then has two weeks to pass out of committee in the other chamber, which is more added stress. With these deadlines I can see where one might get the impression of the crescendo effect, where pressure and stress build over time in the session.

I will post later about how we did with regards to my first funnel week experience.

2011-02-16T09:32:00.002-06:00

Capitol Strategies Group, Inc. is continuing to work at the Capitol on behalf of our clients. While I do have my own responsibilities every day, a lot of what I am doing right now is observing, listening, and learning. There is a lot of information to take in with regards to how things are accomplished around the Capitol.

Sometimes I am surprised at how simple it can be to arrange a meeting and get something done. On the other hand, sometimes it can seem like it is way too complicated, and no work will ever get done. I am still very early into the process so I am not trying to get too high or too low as far as reacting to my surroundings.

While I mainly listen when we are having meetings with Legislators, yesterday I got my first real taste of the job, however informal it was. I was able to speak with a House Leader and tell him we had a few bills we wanted moved. When I told him what bill I was specifically referring to, I was met with "No."

Call it what you will, but at worst, he was just sticking to his guns and not giving me any run-a-round, which is a good thing.

CSG will continue to monitor a number of bills and represent our clients in the best way we know how, and the session is only going to get better for us.

2011-02-04T11:30:00.002-06:00

Another week of the 2011 Iowa Legislative Session has passed and it was a busy one. We are working hard to meet each and every new legislator, but it takes time because just like me, the legislators are new to the Statehouse, as well. We send in a note to the legislators telling them we would like to talk with them, and the notes are usually unsuccessful for one reason or another. If we get about 1 in 4, then we are doing alright.

One key issue Capitol Strategies Group, Inc. is focusing on is the Graduated Driver's License bill that we are monitoring for the National Safety Council. I sat in on my first subcommittee meeting led by Senator Bowman (D-District 13)and it was an interesting time. The GDL bill was voted on and all three State Senators voted that it should be passed up to the committee with a recommendation for an amendment.

CSG will undoubtedly be present at the committee meeting when that bill is brought up and we are looking forward to getting it moved on.

2011-01-14T12:41:00.002-06:00

Hello, I am back. Well, my first week as a member of Capitol Strategies Group, Inc. is pretty much over. Overall it has been a positive experience and I am looking forward to the challenges that will be presented to me by a legislative session that will only grow more hectic with time.

I can tell you that it is going to take a couple more weeks before my body becomes acclimated to waking up at 6:15 in the morning every day. I have only been working for CSG for almost a month, and it seems like ages ago when I didn't want to wake up at 11:30 for class at the University of Iowa. In those days I could stay up much later; I now find myself yawning and getting tired by 10:30. Along the same lines, I never thought I would become a coffee drinker, and I wouldn't quite call myself one just yet, but I have caught myself sipping on a cup of joe a few times.

I also got my first taste of creating the weekly reports that CSG sends out to its clients every Friday. The new Microsoft Word has been a little frustrating, but it is nothing that I cannot get the hang of. The general template that we follow was created by Nicole Woodroffe is great and we plan on using it again.

2011 Iowa Legislation Session Under Way

2011-01-13T08:44:00.001-06:00

Greetings! My name is Daniel Weiser and I will be editing the Capitol Strategies Group, Inc. blog from now on. Originally, the plan was for me to work as an intern with Nicole Woodroffe and Scott Weiser as a part of CSG, but when Nicole accepted a position working upstairs for Senator Paul McKinley, there was an opening in CSG.

After graduating from the University of Iowa on Saturday, December 18th, with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, I began working for CSG on the 20th.

The session started a couple of days ago and I am still getting my feet under me. There has been a lot of information to take in and a lot of hand-shaking to do. I know it is still very early, but from what I have seen and experienced so far, I think I will like the art of lobbying in Iowa and will prove to a successful addition to Capitol Strategies Group, Inc.

I plan to post here in two manners. I will continue to post news articles or happenings around the Capitol that are important to CSG and people we work closely with. I also will post from the first person narrative and describe some of my experiences as they come to me.

Nicole Woodroffe to Join Senate Republican Leader McKinley's Staff

2010-12-16T13:23:00.003-06:00

Nicole Woodroffe has accepted a position as one of Senate Republican Leader Paul McKinley’s (R-Chariton) top assistants and will be leaving Capitol Strategies Group at the end of the year.

“Nicole Woodroffe has been a tremendous asset to Capitol Strategies Group and our clients,” said R. Scott Weiser, CSG President. “Nicole’s work ethic, organizational skills, and positive outlook on life will serve Senator McKinley well.

Woodroffe is a 2010 graduate of Drake Law School and is a JAG Officer with the United States Army Reserves.

Adjournment Sine Die

2010-03-30T15:09:00.001-05:00

The 2010 legislative session adjourned Tuesday afternoon sine die at 12:22 in the House and 12:48 in the Senate.

“Sine die” is a Latin phrase meaning, “without day” or, “without assigning a day for a further meeting.”

The final bill to get passed in both chambers was the Standings bill, HF2531.

Despite direct calls from the governor’s office to wavering senators, the trial-lawyer led effort to expand awards in wrongful death cases, HF758, did not pass the Iowa Senate, and it is now dead.

The session ended successfully during daylight hours on the 79th day this year. A year shortened to 80 days down from the usual 100 days to save the state money in the midst of hard economic times.

CSG is continuing to monitor bills that have passed both houses as they make their way down to the governor’s office.

"Shall Issue" Passes House

2010-03-29T14:54:00.002-05:00

Both chambers of the Iowa State House adjourned late last Saturday night. They returned Monday in attempt to end the 2010 legislative session before per diem pay runs out on March 31.

The House passed the NRA bill, SF2379, after beginning debate on it mid-Monday afternoon. Perhaps most significantly, the bill changes Iowa code language to provide that sheriffs shall issue permits to carry rather than may issue them. “May issue” leaves it up to the sheriff’s personal discretion whether to issue a permit or not. The effect of this was to have 99 different issuing policies for every sheriff in the state.

Permits to carry will be issued to a person who is not subject to the disqualifying criteria laid out in the bill, and are good for five years. Applicants for permits will still have to demonstrate firearm safety by completing certain firearm safety courses or training programs, participation in shooting competitions, or by completion of a small arms course while serving in the armed forces of the United States. The bill will also make it a crime of a serious misdemeanor to carry a firearm while under the influence.

The NRA bill picked up an amendment in the House, requiring it to go back to the Senate for final approval.

Colorful Attire Signals Sine Die

2010-03-27T11:33:00.006-05:00

Both chambers adjourned last night just in time to watch the UNI game, but reconvened Saturday in effort to bring the legislative session to a close.

Last night, the Senate passed out the Standings bill and messaged it over to the House. That and the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund bills are the two major pieces of legislation that are left to debate. Also in the fray is a NRA sponsored bill that some feel is a must-pass in an election year where legislators depend on their NRA ratings to gain support.

The House was scheduled to reconvene Saturday at 9:00am, but by 11:30 had just said the Serenity Prayer and gaveled in. The concern in the lobby is that both caucuses on the House side have spent the morning writing amendments to the Standings bill. If the House doesn’t accept the Senate version as is, any new amendments the House adopts will send the bill back to the Senate for approval.

The Senate has spent a majority of the morning debating the NRA bill.

Senator Rielly was seen wearing a pink blazer this morning, and just a few other lobbyists and legislators were similarly seen wearing bright pink and orange shirts and seersucker. Such attire is meant to signal the last day of session; however it may be premature. Missing is the distinguished green-paisley jacket worn by Senator Gronstal’s Chief of Staff Eric Bakker which signals the assuredness of sine die.

Wrongful Death Bill Stalls in Senate

2010-03-24T17:42:00.006-05:00

Wednesday night the Senate called up HF758, a bill which would increase damages recoverable for wrongful death. Specifically, the bill allows recovery of damages for the decedent’s loss of enjoyment of life. This is in addition to damages for loss of consortium and lost economic productive value of the decedent.

Somewhat cleverly, Senator Merlin Bartz (R-Worth) filed a strike-all “abortion amendment” which would allow recovery for expense and actual loss of services, companionship, and society resulting from the injury or death of an unborn child. The amendment would allow a personal representative of the estate of the unborn child to file a wrongful death action on behalf of the unborn child.

In connection with this amendment, Bartz has also filed a “gay marriage amendment.” This amendment specifies that for the purposes of that section of the code, “spouse” means a person of the opposite sex who was married to the decedent at the time of death.

Between frequent breaks for the parties to caucus, the abortion amendment was withdrawn. At 6:09pm the Senate again stood at ease for Republicans to caucus.

Report on Texting Ban Receives House Approval

2010-03-23T16:03:00.002-05:00

Tuesday afternoon the House voted to adopt the conference committee’s report on HF2456. The report combines the two previously adopted texting-ban bills from the House and the Senate. Approved by a vote of 66-33, the report will now be sent over to the Senate for a vote. Passage in the Senate will mean passage of the overall bill.

The report provides that graduated drivers license holders are prohibited from using any electronic communication device or electronic entertainment device while driving – unless the device is permanently installed in the vehicle. No drivers in Iowa will be able to write, send, or read a text message while driving. This does not prohibit adult drivers from using their phones’ mapping or GPS features while driving.

In other Statehouse news, the infamous Standings Bill was dropped last night – the catch-all bill that signals the near end of session. Most people are still predicting session will end by this weekend even though Obama’s visit to Iowa City Thursday may draw a few loyal supporters away from Des Moines for the day.

Committee Close to Compromise on Texting Ban

2010-03-18T10:52:00.001-05:00

The conference committee on HF2456, the texting ban, met yesterday to discuss their goals and concerns for the House and Senate versions of the bill. By rule, the committee can only consider and discuss the versions of the bill that were approved by the House and Senate.

The House approved-version of the bill would ban all teen drivers under 18 from using any electronic communication device or electronic entertainment device while driving. The Senate version banned all drivers from writing, sending, and reading a text message while driving. This morning, the committee released a rough draft of the bill that combines the language from each version.

Representative Rick Olson (D-Polk) wanted to ensure that the texting ban provided an exemption for safety officers and truckers to read necessary communications they receive on the job. Olson also wanted to ensure that officers would not be able to using a texting stop as probable cause to charge the driver with another crime.

Olson also made an important point that officers will not be able to confiscate or look into the phone of a driver without a warrant. A warrantless search would be unconstitutional under the Fourth Amendment:

“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated . . . .”

Several exemptions to reading a text message while driving were discussed for truckers, medical personnel, public safety officers, volunteer firefighters, and even organ donor coordinators. Senator Heckroth voiced concern over providing too many exemptions to reading a text message, wondering where the line would ultimately be drawn. However, he is open to some exemptions.

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced in January a ban on texting for all commercial truck drivers. See the press release here. For CRST and TMC trucks, it is company policy not to write, send, or read a text while driving.

Most of the committee members agreed that they have an important opportunity to make Iowa roads safer. The committee will meet today at 11:00 to continue the discussion.

Findley, Jamison Speak at Conservative Breakfast

2010-03-16T13:41:00.004-05:00

GOP candidates Brenna Findley for Attorney General and Dave Jamison for State Treasurer both spoke Tuesday morning at the Conservative Breakfast Club in Des Moines.

Dave Jamison has been the Story County Treasurer for twenty-eight years and recently traveled twenty-eight counties announcing the launch of his campaign for State Treasurer. I personally know Dave from my years as an Iowa State College Republican. Dave, and the rest of the Story County Republicans, volunteered many hours and give invaluable advice to help the ISU CR’s obtain and maintain a strong presence on the Iowa State campus and in the Ames community.

Dave is running on a platform which emphasizes the need to place Iowans first: first in treasury and management, first in transparency, and first in protecting taxpayers’ dollars. Dave also emphasized the need to change the culture within the State Treasurer’s office to one that values fiscal restraint and economic discipline. He also intends to use the office as a bully pulpit to spread those values to other areas of state government.

Brenna Findley spoke next, and within minutes it was evident that the group at breakfast was impressed. Findley grew up on a farm in Dallas County Iowa where she learned firsthand, conservative values and hard work are the keys to success. For the last seven years she has served as Congressman Steve King’s Chief of Staff, advising him in his role on the House Judiciary Committee.

She said that on occasion she has been asked how old she is. Her reply is that she is 34 – the same age current Attorney General Tom Miller was when he first won the office thirty-two years ago. Findley, who received her law degree from the University of Chicago, said a lot has changed in the legal profession in the last thirty-two years, and she plans to bring that knowledge to the office of Attorney General.

Findley also intends to fulfill the AG job description by protecting all the rights of Iowans, as opposed to prioritizing the office as an advocate for consumer protection issues, as it would appear today. Through her travels across the state thus far, she has found that most Iowans don’t know exactly what the AG does for them, but they do know that their rights as Iowans have not been fully protected. Findley also stated that the AG can play a key role in shaping Iowa’s business climate by controlling what law suits the office files and what regulations it tries to pass. As AG, Findley will advocate for Iowans and work to make the office open, accountable, and transparent.

Iowans can have confidence in these two GOP candidates and have much to look forward to in this year’s state elections.

Schools may Soon Consider Using Green Cleaning Products

2010-03-15T20:00:00.005-05:00

The two-year endeavor to get green cleaning products into Iowa’s schools ended this evening with the passage of HF 823 in the Senate. Senate File 2335 was the Senate’s version of the bill that was initially brought up for debate. A vote passed to substitute it for the House’s version of the bill. This move rendered Senator Johnson’s (R-Osceola) amendment out of order, and HF 823 passed without debate.

As Senator Amanda Ragan (D-Cerro Gordo) pointed out in the discussion of this bill, a similar rule is already in place that requires state government buildings to use green cleaning products. With Governor Culver's signature, schools will now have that option as well.

Text-Messaging While Driving

Also today, the House insisted on its amended version of HF 2456 which changed the bill from prohibiting text-messaging while driving by all drivers, to a prohibition on all cell phone use by holders of graduate drivers licenses (teens under 18). The bill has now been delegated to a conference committee, which will most likely work out the differences between the House and Senate to get some form of the bill passed yet this session.

The ten committee appointees consist of Senators Danielson as Chairman (D-Black Hawk), Rielly (D-Mahaska), Heckroth (D-Bremer), Reynolds (R-Clarke), and Kapucian (R-Benton); and Representatives Hanson as Co-chairman (D-Jefferson), Tjepkes as Co-Chairman (R-Webster), R. Olson (D-Polk), Lykam (D-Scott), and Hagenow (R-Polk).

The lingering prediction is that the bill will get the most votes if it combines the current version – prohibiting all cell phone use by GDL holders – along with language that would prohibit text-messaging while driving by all drivers. Such a version would also do the most to increase safety on Iowa roadways.

Bills in Action - Week Nine

2010-03-11T14:29:00.002-06:00

By this time of the session, not may new bills get filed, and it is apparent that the session is starting to wind down.

The Senate this week resisted the House’s amendment on the texting ban, HF2456. The amendment changed the language to prohibit teens only from all cell phone use while driving. The bill was then sent back to the House and will likely be referred to a conference committee. There, members from both houses will meet to resolve their differences in effort to get some form of the bill passed.

This week, Governor Chet Culver signed into law SF2246, which, among other things, ensures home rule power to decide which taxi cab companies can operate within a municipality. Cities now have the authority choose safe, reputable, and accountable cab companies to service their citizens, and to bar other companies that don’t meet their standards.

Also on its way to the Governor is HF2452, which cleans up part of the OWI code section, and also allows OWI offenders to obtain a temporary restricted license by first installing an ignition interlock device. The bill allows this to be done within 45 after the license is revoked instead of one year.

This is a measure supported at the federal level and also by MADD. Studies have shown that despite having a license revoked, people will drive anyway. The ability to get a temporary restricted license sooner, along with an ignition interlock device, will prevent the offender from driving drunk again during the revocation period.

In a signing ceremony on Wednesday, the Governor signed into law the Government Reorganization Bill. The bill reorganizes state government in a way that is projected to save the state $126 million. The Revenue Estimating Conference is expected to update its revenue forecast today, which will determine exactly how much more will need to be cut from the state’s budget.

Texting Ban Now Limited to Teens, Passes House

2010-03-08T17:11:00.001-06:00

House File 2456, the ban on texting while driving, came up for debate in the House today and passed as amended 55-41.

Much debate occurred over whether to pass amendment H-8328, by Representative Scott Raecker (R-Polk), limiting the texting ban to minors. It was ultimately approved and added to the bill.

Prior to that vote, Representative Ako Abdul-Samad (D-Polk) wisely pointed out that adults need to set the example for children and teens and must be included in the texting ban as well. Other Representatives noted that Iowans have been loud and clear when saying they want a complete ban on texting for all drivers.

The house amendment further prohibits teens from using any “electronic communication device or electronic entertainment device” while driving. An exception is included if the device is permanently installed in the vehicle or is a “portable devise which is operated through permanently installed equipment.”

The bill will now be sent back over to the Senate. A similar amendment, limiting the ban to teens, was previously struck down in the Senate.

Senate Dumps a Bucket of Bills

2010-03-04T13:56:00.003-06:00

In what is seen as a move to end the session within the allotted 80 days, the Senate dumped about 26 bills this morning from the calendar. These bills will not likely see the light of day again this year.

Among them, the ones CSG were watching included SF2337 providing minimum paid sick and safe time for employees; SF2307 increasing the civil damages recoverable for injury to or the death of a parent or spouse; SF2214 legalizing betting on professional sports. The first two of these bills would have ultimately increased costs for businesses.

Friday March 5, marks the second funnel deadline where Senate bills must be passed out of their House committees and House bills must have made it out of Senate committees. If not, they’re done.

A notice also went out that all gaming bills would be dropped for the year. While was not what some horse people wanted to hear, it was beginning to be apparent that bills in need of heavy lifting would not make the cut.

By Monday we will have a much narrower view of what bills we’ll be left to work with. In the meantime, its sunny and feels like 45 degrees in Des Moines. Spring fever aside, the prediction is session will be over the first week in April.

3M Meets with Governor Culver

2010-03-03T09:44:00.004-06:00

During 3M's Day on the Hill Tuesday, 3M representatives got the chance to sit down with Governor Chet Culver and talk briefly about the company's presence in Iowa.

Culver, who was recently back from Iraq, also talked a bit about his trip. He was invited to go by the Department of Defense, and was able to visit some Iowa National Guard Members in country. Culver noted that things seemed calm and that rebuilding efforts were well under way.

3M Day

2010-03-02T10:31:00.008-06:00

3M-company representatives will be arriving Tuesday afternoon to meet with the legislative leaders, as well as the legislators from their own districts, to discuss issues important to 3M.

3M has three locations in Iowa: manufacturing centers in Ames and Knoxville, and 3M's largest domestic distribution center in Forest City. In all, 3M employs 1,100 Iowans across the state, has a payroll of $57.7 million, pays $1.3 in state and local taxes, and has made over a half a million in charitable contributions.
Remarkably, throughout the economic climate of the couple of years, 3M has been able to avoid layoffs, and has actually hired a few new people.

The main issue 3M will be discussing with legislators is the green cleaning products initiative for Iowa's schools.

An amended version of House File 823 passed in the House last night. The amendment changed the bill to encourage public schools, institutions under the control of the state board of regents, community colleges, and state agencies to use environmentally-friendly cleaning products for two years. Many state buildings already use green cleaning products, and proudly announce it with a sticker displayed in the doorways (see picture above).

Beginning July 1, 2012, these buildings will have to be cleaned with green cleaning products unless the board of directors of the school district, or a president of a community college or regent institution votes to opt out of the requirement - for any reason. This is different from the previous version which allowed schools to opt out of using green cleaning products if their use would result in an increased cost.

When its all said and done, this bill is not a burden, but a good thing for teachers, kids, and the janitorial staff who are subjected to toxic of cleaning products everyday. The State Capitol is cleaned with green cleaning products, why not schools?

Highlights from Week Seven

2010-02-26T14:10:00.002-06:00

Week seven of the session saw much movement of bills in both houses. Here are some of the highlights:

HF 2456 – Texting While Driving.
The bill passed the Senate this week with an amendment to include a prohibition on reading texts or emails while driving. The prohibition on reading texts was initially left out of the bill since there is not a corresponding prohibition on reading other things like newspapers or one’s GPS monitor. The bill as amended is sitting in the House.

SF 2246 – City Regulation of Taxi Cabs.
This bill is on its way to the Governor for signing, and allows for local authority in exercising home rule powers in the regulation of taxi cabs and limos. What it accomplishes, is that cities would be able choose what taxi cab and limo companies can operate within the city’s limits to ensure only responsible and trustworthy companies are offering services to citizens.

SF 2220 – Motor Carrier Contracts.
Another bill on its way to the Governor; this prohibits certain indemnity provisions from contracts between motor carriers and the shippers/warehouses, in which the motor carrier would be liable for damages caused by the warehouse’s negligence. This bill places the blame where due – motor carriers will no longer be responsible for the costly mistakes caused by shippers in loading or unloading goods from trucks.

HF 758 – Increases Damages for Wrongful Death.
Amendments were filed this week on this bill that was introduced last year. The bill will allow additional damages awarded to a spouse or child for loss of the decedent’s enjoyment of life. These damages are in addition to those awarded for loss of the economic productive value of the decedent had he lived. Passage of this bill would have the effect of greatly increasing the cost of insurance to motor carriers and all businesses.

The second funnel deadline is next Friday March 5, whereby House bills must be voted out of Senate committees and Senate bills out of House committees.

Texting Ban NOT a Race Issue

2010-02-23T14:24:00.003-06:00

Early this week in the Des Moines area, an anonymous robo-call went out to an unknown number of residents urging them to contact Representative Ako Abdul-Samad (D-Des Moines) and Representative Rick Olson (D-Des Moines) and ask them to oppose the texting ban bill. The call was not opposed to the bill because it infringes on civil liberties, or the usual arguments the opposition makes, but because it will allegedly give police officers another means for racial profiling.

Click here to hear the call on WHO’s website.

John Ulczycki, of the National Safety Council, said they have seen this argument made before when other states have tried to pass a texting ban, but it simply is not true. As the robo-call speaker claims, this bill will enable officers to pull a driver over for being a certain race, but allege the driver was texting.

While this is an unlikely scenario, if racial profiling is occurring, that needs to be addressed in a separate bill. Representative Abdul-Samad agreed in saying officers who engage in racial profiling have other issues and serious “social ills.”

The proposed ban on texting, HF2456 and SF2321, will prohibit drivers from typing or sending a text message or email while driving. The goal is make roads safer for Iowans. The National Safety Council would like to see the bill include a ban on “reading” text messages as well.

“While there are many sources of driver distraction, there is heightened concern regarding the risks of texting-while-driving. The act of composing, sending or reading text messages interrupts drivers’ cognitive attention, causes vision to be directed away from the road, and compromises manual control of the vehicle.”

Naturally, if there were 200,000 accidents a year as a result of eating a BigMac while driving, laws might be promulgated for that. In the meantime, the ban on texting while driving will make our roads safer. It is not a tool for officers to engage in racial profiling.

[At 2:30pm Tuesday the HF2456 is up for debate in the House.]

Fix Your Car

2010-02-18T10:21:00.006-06:00

Thursday, CSG, on behalf of the Iowa Collision Repair Association, asked Representative Paul Shomshor, Chairman of the Ways & Means Committee, to introduce a bill that would change the way certain materials used in auto-body repair shops are taxed.

Currently, both parts and labor that go into vehicle repair are taxed to the consumer. That tax is paid on the retail price of the parts and labor. “Parts” includes the “big” parts, like bumpers and corner panels.

“Materials” used in auto repair include things like paint, putty, sandpaper, and cleaning compounds. The costs of these materials are taxed to the auto body shop itself and not the consumer. This results in the shop paying sales tax on the wholesale price of the materials.

If the consumer were to pay the tax on these materials instead of the shop, the consumer would pay a tax on the retail price – this slight increase in taxes paid would add an estimated $1.8 million to the state’s revenue.

Iowa is one of only a few states in the nation that require the sales tax on materials to be paid by the auto-body shop. Passage of this bill will lighten the overall tax burden on these small business owners.

Senate Study Bill 1210, in the Senate Ways & Means Committee is awaiting a fiscal impact statement before it will move. The introduction of the House bill and the momentarily static Senate version elude last week’s funnel deadline because they are Ways & Means bills.

Puppy Mill Bill Passes House

2010-02-17T15:07:00.003-06:00

After much delay and some debate, the Puppy Mill Bill passed the Iowa House Wednesday afternoon with a vote of 77-22.

Of the hundreds of bills introduced at the state capitol this year, the so called “Puppy Mill Bill,” HF2820, is getting some of the most attention. CSG does not have an interest in the bill other than observing the furry activity surrounding it.

The bill would raise the licensing fee for breeders to fund inspections of puppy mills after receiving complaints of neglect or mistreatment.

Commercial breeders would be held to a “general standard of care,” which says that the animal must not be lacking adequate food, water, housing, sanitary control, grooming practices affecting the health of the animal, or veterinary care.

The bill creates an interesting dilemma for legislators who don’t want more government involvement in business, but also don’t want to be seen as voting against puppies.

Commercial breeders have been opposed to the bill and fear the department will receive countless complaints from people who dislike puppy farms in general. This could result in unnecessary and costly inspections. Several amendments have been added to the bill which may have changed groups' positions on it.

The Iowa Voters for Companion Animals were at the Statehouse today advocating the passage of the bill which will now move to the Senate as amended.

Life & Death at the Statehouse

2010-02-12T12:20:00.000-06:00

The fury of activity this week at the statehouse is designed to end consideration of bills that do not have enough support to be voted out of their committee of origin. Proposals that do earn a majority of committee member votes are then advanced and placed on the debate calendar for consideration. The next deadline in the legislative “funnel” comes in three weeks when bills must be voted out of committee in the other chamber.

In other news, Republicans in both chambers employed a parliamentary procedural to attempt to force debate on a proposal to amend the constitution as it relates to the definition of marriage in Iowa. The attempt was defeated by Democrats who, with the exception of one member in each house, voted to block consideration of the measure.

Business interests became more alarmed this week after legislation to require sick leave for employees was advanced in the Iowa Senate. This follows the announcement last week that action would begin on the so called “Fair Share” legislation and a bill to require “prevailing wage” on certain construction projects.

Funnel Deadline Fast Approaching

2010-02-10T09:32:00.002-06:00

With Friday’s first funnel deadline approaching, several bills of interest to CSG came out of committee yesterday. For a bill to survive the funnel, it must be an Appropriations, Government Oversight, Ways & Means, sponsored by leadership, or get voted out of its Senate or House standing committee. Study bills that get voted out of committees arrive on the calendar as committee bills with a new bill numbers. All other bills are done for the session.

Tuesday, the House Transportation Committee voted out HF2021 which classifies text-messaging while driving as reckless driving and HSB616 which tightens restrictions on Iowa’s graduated driver’s license system. Both bills have the support of the National Safety Council for now.

House Study Bill 650 was passed out of the House Judiciary Committee with the understanding that it would be amended on the floor. This bill will allow the DOT to grant all temporary restricted licenses (TRL) without requiring the courts to order the department to do so. It also allows repeat OWI offenders to obtain a TRL after a 45-day hard suspension of their license instead of 90 days. However, the offender must have an ignition interlock device installed in his car.

During the committee meeting, Representative Jeff Kaufman pointed out that MADD – Mothers Against Drunk Driving – supports this code change as the facts show that offenders will often drive their vehicles under a suspended license. Allowing offenders to obtain a TRL with the ignition interlock device 45 days sooner will prevent them from driving under the influence in that time period keeping our roads safer.

Dems Nod at Labor

2010-02-05T12:36:00.003-06:00

Governor Chet Culver issued an Executive Order this week that will require state government construction projects to consider using Project Labor Agreements. Culver made his remarks to meeting of union members attending the Iowa State Building and Construction Trades Council and the AFL-CIO on Wednesday. On Thursday, House Democrats introduced two separate proposals known as “Fair Share” and “Prevailing Wage”. The first proposal allows public employee unions to charge non union workers for services provided by the union. Private companies on government projects would be required to pay the “prevailing wage” in their area.

Next week, bills must be passed out of their assigned committees to receive further consideration this year. However, many bills are exempt from this requirement and “live rounds” can be amended. These primarily include bills in Appropriations, Ways and Means, and Government Oversight committees, Bills cosponsored by Majority and Minority Leaders of one House, Companion Bills sponsored by the Majority Leaders of both Houses after consultation with the respective Minority Leaders, Conference Committee Reports. (see Iowa Code Sec. 17A.8(9)).

Submitted by Scott Weiser, President of CSG

Combined Reporting Resurfaces in Subcommitee

2010-02-03T11:16:00.002-06:00

The Senate subcommittee on combined reporting, SSB3122, met this morning in an information gathering session. The committee consists of Senator Pam Jochum (D-Dubuque), Senator Herman Quirmbach (D-Ames), and Senator Randy Feenstra (R-Hull).

Combined reporting would require corporations with entities outside the state of Iowa to combine their total incomes from all those entities on their Iowa state income taxes. In theory, this would increase state corporate income tax revenue $42-109 million dollars said Jim McNaulty of the Iowa Department of Revenue. Eight to ten-thousand corporations in Iowa would be adversely impacted by this.

Currently, Iowa only imposes income taxes on corporations within the state’s borders. It is one of the key benefits to doing business in the state of Iowa. Ed Wallace, president of the Iowa Taxpayers Association, which represents 154 Iowa companies, said ITA is adamantly opposed to combined reporting as it frustrates stability and predictability in an already shaky economy. Increasing corporations’ tax burdens does nothing good in this economic climate, and when companies see combine reporting, the decision to move or expand elsewhere is easily made.

Combined reporting is the equivalent of anti-economic development John Gilliland, representing the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, stated. ABI is comprised of 1,400 companies and over 300,000 employees statewide. ABI members are united in their belief that combined reporting is not good for the state. Iowa should aspire to have more business growth not less Mr. Gilliland concluded.

The only advocate to speak for the bill was from the Child and Family Policy Center. Their representative, Mr. Elias, expressed the group’s desire to raise revenues for Iowans by closing the “significant tax loopholes.” Companies consider “more important” things than the corporate tax structure of state when considering whether to do business there, he claimed.

Senator Feenstra, responded to the comment by Mr. Elias, by asking what is the number one reason corporations move in or out of a state. Government interference, Senator Feenstra stated. A study by Ernst & Young found that combined reporting negatively impacts states’ economic climates. Maryland recently withdrew its combined reporting statute after finding they did not take in the expected increase in revenue. Senator Feenstra, a small business owner himself, concluded by saying that he was really disappointed that this bill was even coming forward.

Senator Quirmbach ended the subcommittee meeting by exclaiming he could not be “more diametrically opposed” to Senator Feenstra. The current unitary tax system discriminates against small business in Iowa and it is small businesses that provide for the bulk of employment. Senator Quirmbach made the diabolical reference to the “Walmarts” of the world who shift around their income taxes to avoid paying corporate taxes at all, as the claim goes.

CSG sides with ABI and ITA in being adamantly opposed to combined reporting reporting legislation.

Bill Legalizing Sports Betting Moves Forward

2010-02-03T09:08:00.000-06:00

Senate File 2129, legalizing sports betting in Iowa, was passed out of its subcommittee this morning. The Senate subcommittee met at 8:15 this morning in Senate President Jack Kibbie’s office. The bill was amended to specify betting on professional sports only as opposed to college sports.

Senator Kibbie (D-Emmetsburg) pointed out that we know sports betting goes on, so we might as well legalize it. Billions of dollars are bet on professional sports world wide – why not in Iowa?

However, the legalization of sports betting in Iowa hinges on the passage of federal legislation legalizing it first. Currently, four states already have professional sports betting as their laws were grandfathered in by the courts.

Senator James Seymour (R-Woodbine) spoke against the bill, stating that there are ample opportunities for gambling already in Iowa, and in the current state of the economy, more don’t need to be added.

The bill will now move to the full committee of State Government for consideration.

Budget Bill & NAIFA on the Hill

2010-01-28T14:16:00.001-06:00

This Wednesday the Iowa chapter of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) met in Des Moines to discuss their legislative agenda and meet with legislators at the State House. The group had a great turnout as they become stronger and more organized every year.

Representative Rod Roberts, current gubernatorial candidate, spoke at the group’s luncheon about the state of the economy and business climate in Iowa. Roberts fielded several questions from members to this regard and about the Governor’s budget which came out yesterday. By state law, the budget cannot exceed 99% of projected revenue, leaving 1% as savings. In recent years, a budget has been passed “notwithstanding” the law, or exceeding the limit. Roberts filed a bill yesterday that would add the 99% spending limit to the state’s constitution.

The Governor’s proposed budget relies heavily on the “reorganization” of state government, SSB3030. Some however, are calling it “de-organization” because the bill appears to just shift responsibilities from one agency to another. Governor Culver touted the reorganization would save the state $200 million, but the Legislative Services Agency predicts it will come up short and only save $43 million.

NAIFA-Iowa’s day concluded with the group meeting in the offices of House Minority Leader Kraig Paulsen, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal, and Senate Minority Leader Paul McKinley. NAIFA-Iowa was well received by all the leaders and had a unique opportunity to directly speak to them about their issues and actively engage in the political process.

By the Numbers: Texting While Driving

2010-01-26T16:16:00.003-06:00

Two-hundred thousand vehicle crashes a year are caused by text-messaging while driving. The number of crashes caused by all cell phone use is 1.6 million. A person is 23.2 times more likely to be in a crash while texting. These numbers are staggering, and with 270 million cell phone subscriptions in the United States, they are only going to get worse.

John Ulczycki, of the National Safety Council out of Chicago, addressed the House and Senate Transportation Committee meetings today. Mr. Ulczycki is an Iowa native and said texting while driving is an issue that causes him as well as the NSC grave concern. The NSC is a membership council whose members include cities, organizations, and employers. It represents 20,000 members, 50,000 employers and 8 million employees. It truly represents a cross section of American businesses.

The NSC decided to take a position on the issue of text messaging while driving, and over 500 NSC members companies have prohibited employees from using cell phones while driving. Initially, employers were concerned about decreased productivity of employees, but this has not proved to be the case. Millions of people in the United States are already under some sort of prohibition of using cell phones while driving. Eighty per cent of the nation is in support of a texting ban.

Texting while driving represents a distraction unique from other driving distractions such as reading newspapers or yelling at kids in the back seat – these distractions are not the cause of 200,000 vehicle accidents each year. When a specific behavior causes that much harm, legislation prohibiting it is warranted, Mr. Ulczycki formulated.

Laws actually make a difference in changing peoples’ behavior, whereas we’ve learned in the past, that education alone is not enough. In 1971 a massive campaign was launched in effort to educate the public about the need to use safety belts in vehicles. Ten years and over a million dollars later, seat belt use was the same as it was in the 70’s at 14 per cent. After seat belt laws were passed in the 80’s, seat belt use is now at 84 per cent. This exemplifies the need for legislation banning texting, education on the dangers simply is not enough.

Just today, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced a ban on texting while driving for commercial truck drivers and school bus drivers nationwide. Nineteen states already have a ban on texting while driving. Let’s put Iowa in the lead among them.

Today at the Statehouse

2010-01-26T10:25:00.002-06:00

The Green Cleaning Bill has been assigned to a subcommittee of the House Environmental Protection Committee. The bill encourages public schools and state buildings to use green cleaning products for two and one-half years, and requires such use from then on. Subcommittee members include Chris Hagenow (R-Des Moines), Curt Hanson (D-Fairfield), and Subcommittee Chairman Nathan Reichert (D-Muscatine). The subcommittee is scheduled to meet in the House Lounge today at 11:30, however, we have not yet received our amendment, making procedural changes, from the bill drafters.

Also today, John Ulczycki of the National Safety Council will speak to the House and Senate Transportation Committees on the perils of texting while driving and the need for legislation penalizing the practice. Numerous bills are pending in both houses on the subject. House Transportation meets at 1:00 in Room 103, and Senate Transportation meets at 2:30 in Room 24.

Republican Revolution

2010-01-19T22:27:00.004-06:00

Hope and Change belonged to the Republican Party Tuesday night and Republicans in Iowa have something to be optimistic about as well.

“This is the people’s seat!” Republican Scott Brown’s win in Massachusetts is not just huge – it is truly a historic and revolutionary event. Massachusetts voters from all parties went to the polls today intent on sending Washington a message and that message is clear. Americans will not tolerate the kind of closed-door disingenuous politics that we have been plagued with over the last year. While the implications for Washington and national politics may be evident, the trickledown effect on individual states will be a shot in the arm for Republicans and a warning for sitting Democrats and wayward Republicans.

Des Moines Republicans gathered early this morning at the Conservative Breakfast Club held at RPI Headquarters to hear an address by Jim Gibbons, former ISU wrestling coach and current candidate for U.S. House District 3. Gibbons emphasized his background as an Iowa boy brought up on Iowa values and a strong work ethic, who wants to take some of that to Washington. Based only on this speech, Gibbons appears to be very electable – but so did Jeff Lamberti and Stan Thompson in recent years. Gibbons is just one of five Republican candidates vying for Congressman Boswell's Seat. State Senator Brad Zaun, Dave Funk, Dr. Pat Bertroche, and Mark Rees are also in the race.

Also this morning former governor Terry Branstad officially announced his candidacy for governor at the Iowa State Historical Building. A crowd of over 200 people of all ages gathered to hear the historic announcement. The Governor was introduced by Representative Jeff Kaufman who aptly noted that it was Governor Branstad that signed the Defense of Marriage Act in Iowa in 1998. Branstad gave a great speech, and the event was very well executed overall. Attendees left feeling hopeful and optimistic about the future of Iowa, as well as their own.

Governor Branstad’s announcement and Scott Brown’s win today are just the hope and change needed to get the state and the nation back on the path of accountability, prosperity, and freedom.

Week in Review

2010-01-15T15:44:00.002-06:00

Culver Opens Session with Reorganization Plan
Governor Chet Culver told legislators during his State of the State Speech on Tuesday that he would work with them to do a complete reorganization of state government. In fact, House Study Bill 565 is already under consideration with over 250 pages of changes to Iowa’s structure of government. Lobbyists and legislators are scrambling to weigh the impact on clients and taxpayers. The governor did not release details of his budget and was not specific about how he intends to pay for new spending, other than a suggested transfer of Road Use Tax Funds to pay for the operations of the Iowa State Patrol.

Short Session Prompts Rare Friday Debate
The Iowa House of Representatives debated several education funding bill during a Friday morning session today. Leaders are attempting to cut this session to 80 days rather than the normal 100 to save money. This action is prompting a very short window for bill introductions and committee work.

CSG Interests

3M: Work has begun to amend House File 823, the “Green Cleaning” legislation introduced by Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (D-Des Moines). Representative Nathan Reichert (D-Muscatine) is interested in working with 3M and has asked that he be selected as Chair of the subcommittee to consider the bill. We anticipate that we will have a subcommittee meeting as early as next week.

IAHBPA: CSG has approached Rep. Brian Quirk (D-New Hampton) to approve the drafting process on account deposit wagering, eliminating the sunset date on horse purses, and direct funding of IAHBPA from new revenues generated by ADW. We are also watching the activities of the Standardbred lobby as it appears that they will seek to fund their county fair operations from the current purse pool.

Motor Trucks: Governor Culver’s proposal to scoop over $50 million from the Road Use Tax Fund to pay for the operation of the Iowa State Patrol received a very cool reception at the statehouse this week. Although Democrats cheered wildly for many of the Governor’s initiatives, the chamber was silent when he pleaded the planned transfer. We are on guard for any labor initiatives relating to our ability to choose medical care for workers compensation injuries or any renewed efforts to reclassify our contractors employees.

No Texting While Driving!

2010-01-14T16:06:00.001-06:00

Capitol Strategies Group will be working hard to ban texting while driving this year, as we have recently been retained by the National Safety Council.

Two bills in the House and one in the Senate have already been proposed on this issue.

House File 2020, proposed by Representative Adul-Samad and Representative Hanson, goes a little further than just texting, and prohibits a person from using a cell phone in any manner while driving. This new section of code will go in § 321.363A. Exceptions are provided for emergencies and if you’re at a complete stop off to the side of the road. Caught violating the new law will cost you $30 as a simple misdemeanor.

House File 2021, proposed by Representative Tjepkes, amends the “Reckless Driving” section 321.277 of the code to classify text messaging while driving as reckless driving. Specifically it says “[a] person shall not use a wireless handset to write, read, or send a text message while operating a motor vehicle.” While also a simple misdemeanor as in HF 2020, this code section provides for punishment by “confinement for no more than 30 days or a fine of at least $65 but not more than $625 or by both.”

Senate File 2032, proposed by Senator Joe Bolkom, prohibits sending or reading text messages while driving much like HF 2021, but adds a new section to the code at 321.276. Similar to the other bills, it is a simple misdemeanor, but has a fine of $100 as a scheduled violation.

The obvious question that comes to mind is whether “text messaging” includes emails. Currently, all three bills define text messaging as “a text-based communication transmitted using the short message service (SMS), a wireless telephone service, or an electronic communication network.” Emails could easily fit that definition.

CSG and the National Safety Council will try to get some combination of these bills passed this year. Which version do you prefer?

In the meantime, no one at CSG will be texting while driving – the data on accidents caused by cell phone use is undeniably staggering. More on that to come.

RESILIENT

2010-01-12T13:18:00.004-06:00

“The condition of the state is resilient because the people of Iowa are resilient,” Governor Chet Culver said Tuesday morning at the Iowa State Capitol.

The State Capitol was filled with Iowans this morning to listen to Governor Culver’s Condition of the State Address. Included in the large crowd were hundreds of Iowans with the “Let Us Vote” campaign advocating giving Iowans the right to vote on a definition of marriage. Overall, the speech was a markedly better presentation than last year’s Condition of the State speech.

The Governor began by noting the short session and that there was “much to do, and no time to waste.” The Governor said that as Iowa continues to recover from natural disasters, and all Iowans, especially businesses, are affected by the national recession, we will overcome with resilience, optimism, determination, and good old hard work.

In speaking about Iowa values, the Governor acknowledged that with God’s help, all things are possible, and with perseverance there is nothing Iowans cannot endure and together cannot overcome.

In the next year, 3,500 Iowa National Guard members will be sent to Afghanistan. It is the largest single overseas deployment since WWII. The Governor asked that the legislature give them all the tools they need to complete their mission and come home safely. To do so, he asked the legislature to pass a supplemental appropriations bill to support costs to the Dept of Defense.

The Governor claimed that the budget has been balanced three years in a row without raising taxes, but did not explain how he met that constitutional requirement despite record spending. He also did not mention that taxes on cigarettes have in fact been raised. “Some appear confused about the budget situation,” he said, “the budget is balanced and has been balanced every single day I have been governor.” There was no mention of the use of stimulus funds and monies borrowed from the Rainy Day and other funds that have been used to balance the budgets. Next year’s budget will be submitted by the end of January, he claimed, but a shell bill is all that is actually expected.

The Governor’s top priorities for the session that he laid out in his speech are as follows:

1. Jobs:
• “Adequately” fund the Department of Work Force Development
• Fully fund Iowa Power Fund to create more “green jobs”
• Allocate remaining I-JOBS funds

2. Enact remaining recommendations in report:
• Streamline state government operations
• Provide for early retirements, 4-day work weeks
• Strategic purchasing
• Reduce state’s vehicle fleet
• Eliminate redundant information technology services

3. Major reorganization of state government.
Finding the inefficiencies in government was the first step, the Governor claimed, and major reorganization is the next. He advocated “real reform for the 21st century,” to create a smarter more efficient government.

4. Recovery assistance for immediate and long term help for flood victims:
• Fund the Flood Recovery Office
• Fully fund Rebuild Iowa Office, which helped to secure $3.6 billion to rebuild Iowa
• Work to commit a significant portion of I-JOBS funding to flood recovery

5. Explore options to transfer road fund money to adequately fund the Iowa Department of Public Safety.

6. Review tax credits and make sure they work as the legislature intended.

7. Children.
Despite challenges, health insurance was extended to 52,000 kids in Iowa, the Governor noted, and he wants that funding to continue. He also wants to expand access to early childhood education in Iowa

8. Quickly pass legislation required for Federal Race to the Top funds:
• $175 million will go to enable more innovation in the classroom
• Build infrastructure
• Allow more parental choice
• Remain on cutting edge

9. Ask school districts to spend down cash reserves to avoid shifting the burden to property tax payers.
The Governor made a promise to fund allowable growth at 2 %. He proposed to dedicate at least $100 million from the reserves to restore some of the recent cuts to K-12 schools, as a short-term shot in the arm. What “reserves” is the obvious question. He also pledged to support all institutions of higher learning “as much as we can.”

A good portion of the Governor’s speech was spent touting I-JOBS, a three year, $830 million plan intended to help the state recover from natural disasters and create jobs. With I-JOBS funding, he said, every county will receive funds to use on infrastructure of county’s choice. “In Iowa we don’t use public funds to build bridges to nowhere,” the Governor said. A board is appointed to review the applications to fund projects. I-JOBS bonds will be paid back at low interest rates with gambling revenue and without raising taxes, the Governor claimed.

So far, the bonds have been used to expand and renovate the Iowa Veteran’s Home in Marshalltown to make it one of the nicest in the country. The bonds have also been used to help the University of Iowa recovery from floods and secure federal money as well. In Linn and Louisa counties, which were also devastated by the floods, 54 I-JOBS projects are have been approved, with a total of 1,400 projects and an investment of $530 million statewide.

Iowa has the eighth fastest growing economy in the United States, it is the fourth best place to do business, and number one in the nation in terms of low cost of business. Further, Des Moines was named by Market Watch as the number one city in America to do business.

The Governor pointed out three notable companies that have come to the state in the last couple of years: Aviva in West Des Moines, IBM in Dubuque, and Google in Sioux City. Green collar jobs were also on the rise with $200 million attracted in private venture funding of “green projects.”

The Governor said he and Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge would embark on an Iowa Jobs Tour to highlight the good things that are happening in the state, and to talk to business leaders to find out what can be done to keep Iowa moving forward.

Governor Culver finished by stressing the work done at the Capitol is for and “about real people who are counting on us for help.”

We're Back!

2010-01-04T12:36:00.006-06:00

Today begins the second session of the 83rd General Assembly of Iowa, and Capitol Strategies is back to bring you updates and insights into the legislative action.

Session this year has been limited to 80 days, and has the potential to be either quick and painless, or nasty and brutish as well as short.

By rule, the first session of a General Assembly is 110 calendar days (which occurred last year), and the second session is normally 100 calendar days. This year, the session has been cut to 80 days - that is, legislators will only be paid for 80 days - in effort to save money. Whether the session actually ends on day 80 is yet to be seen.

Tomorrow: Governor Culver's State of the State Address.

Waiting Around on the Standings Bill

2009-04-22T16:14:00.004-05:00

Lobbyists joke about what they'll be doing at the Capitol this week - we'll do some standing around, then there is that sitting around, then we'll try to predict when session will end. The last few days this hasn't been too far from the truth, but not without reason. Most people are waiting for the Standings Bill to appear from Senate chambers. Then the scene becomes hectic.

CSG will be looking for a few things to appear in the Standings Bill. One of those is the revived language from the Green Cleaning Bill, changed to suggest that school districts merely give preference to green cleaning products. We will also be looking for sections of language that will be bad for CSG clients - some of which may have been proposed as bills earlier in the session and defeated, like prevailing wage for one example. That's when the tough work will need to be done in a limited amount of time to get those items out of the Bill.

Some speculate we will see the Standings Bill come out yet tonight. Tomorrow is the more realistic probability.

Hard Work and Positive Message Key to Republican Victories

2009-04-21T14:24:00.001-05:00

Senator Tim Kapucian, Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, and Representative Peter Cownie were the speakers at the Conservative Breakfast Club Tuesday morning. Attendees were asked to write their names down at the door for Department of Homeland Security records, joked Republican Party of Iowa Treasurer Darryl Kearney.

Senator Kapucian of Keystone led the group of speakers. He decided to run for office last year after being approached by former Senator John Putney who decided not to run for re-election. Kapucian lives and farms right where he was born and raised. In 1993 he served as the President of the Iowa Pork Producers Association. Like so many newly elected Republican legislators he contributes his successful senate bid to hard work and the positive Republican message he ran on.

Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey followed. He ran in 2006 because he did not think the Department of Agriculture was getting the attention it needed. In 2002 Iowa agricultural sales equaled $12 billion dollars. In 2008 sales increased to $20 billion making Iowa number two in the nation behind California. Secretary Northey pointed out that business and agriculture are clearly the industries of the state yet this administration’s focus has been on growing government and not prosperity. While emphasizing the need for a Republican governor and new leadership at the Capitol, he clearly stated that he like the position he was in and "was not making any announcements."

Representative Cownie ran for office because he wanted to see more young people stay in the state as Iowa’s population has become stagnant and growing older in recent years. He is one of about 9 children and is sad that only a few of them are left in Iowa. He says that if the jobs are here, our college grads will stay here and others will come back home. Cownie and his wife Mary, who was also his campaign manager, knocked on every door in his district and lit-dropped extensively. Although Obama won the district and a third-party libertarian opponent took 500 votes, Cownie still won through hard work and a positive message.

State Agencies: No Green-Cleaning Products for Schools

2009-04-20T15:45:00.002-05:00

The Green Cleaning Bill HF823 – also one of McCarthy’s leadership bills – will not be going forward this year. State Agencies (Department of Public Health, Department of Education, and Department of Administrative Services) that would be responsible for overseeing the use green-cleaning products in public schools expressed concerns about money and resources required to implement the initiative.

The cost-benefit ratio would have been very high. School children and school staff across Iowa would no longer be subjected to toxic cleaning products, while State Agencies would merely be required the publish a list of green cleaning products on a state website.

While this bill was considered towards the end of the session, it is particularly unsettling that some in the Culver administration (which is supposed to be GREEN) did not embrace what is clearly a positive public policy goal.

We expect that this issue will be one of the first debated and passed next year.

Adjournment Update:

Democrat Leaders are indicating that they want to go home, but will struggle to do so without passing Governor Culver’s $750 million bonding bill.

Another impediment to session adjournment is Barack Obama’s visit to Newton on Wednesday which will inevitably take many Democrats away from the Statehouse.

It will come down to Thursday night when leaders will look at the what’s left on the schedule and determine if they can finish up over the weekend. If not, we’ll be back for more next week.

Thursday Observations

2009-04-16T16:14:00.002-05:00

The bill calling for a biodiesel mandate passed out of the Senate Wednesday night with a vote of 31-19. Senate File 464 was sent to the House but is not yet on the debate calendar. Rumor is that the bill is DOA in the House.

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s Green Cleaning Bill, HF 823, was sent to a subcommittee of Ways & Means Wednesday. The subcommittee will consist of Representatives Donovan Olson (D-Boone), Marcie Frevert (D-Emmetsburg), and Chris Hagenow (R-Clive). An amendment by Representative Olson was approved in the committee specifying the Departments of Public Health and Administrative Services would implement the requirements.

While both houses are going home tonight, lobbyists and legislators today are facing the reality that we will be in session through the end of next week at a minimum.

Tonight the Drake Law Republican Club will be hosting their Spring Networking Social at Dos Rios from 5:30-7:00pm. Republican attorneys, legislators, and lobbyists are welcome to join Drake Law Republican students for appetizers and words of wisdom from Drake Law Graduate Governor Terry Branstad. Please come if you can!

No Debate on Federal Deductibility Tuesday

2009-04-14T09:15:00.006-05:00

Federal deductibility was not debated in the House today although a couple hundred Iowans showed up to the Capitol to oppose it. House File 807 is on the debate calendar and debate was originally scheduled for 10:00 Tuesday Morning. No word yet when and if it will be brought up.

Some in the lobby suspect legislators will be going home next Wednesday. Usually a good sign is when legislators start packing up their desks, which has not been seen yet.

Still Bound by Session Timetable

2009-04-13T15:27:00.001-05:00

There are only a few things the legislature must do each year, and one of them is to pass the budget. The legislature has not passed a budget yet this year, and will remain in session until it does. Rumors last week were that the session would end this week. It’s Monday and we are already looking towards next week.

We are still operating according to the Session Timetable. The second funnel deadline was last Friday and called for Senate bills to be reported out of House committees and House bills to be reported out of Senate committees. April 13 - 17 requires Senate consideration of only House bills and unfinished business, and House consideration of only Senate bills and unfinished business. It appears to be too late to amend the rules, but they may be suspended in order to speed up the process.

All bills besides the budget bill at this point are optional, and sometimes called the “pet projects” which have the support of various legislators or groups. These include the bills for Prevailing Wage, Ending Federal Deductibility, Collective Bargaining, Ending Right-to-Work, and Doctor Shopping.

As the lobby is well aware, no bill gets better the longer it sits around.

Ignition Interlock Systems of Iowa

2009-04-09T15:18:00.000-05:00

Towards the end of legislative sessions decisions start to get made and issues begin to be resolved. It’s at this time people and groups find out how they are going to be impacted by various bills.
One of these groups is Ignition Interlock Systems of Iowa. This company makes ignition interlocks – a device installed in cars that requires the driver to breath into it and pass a breath-test for alcohol before the car’s ignition starts. This device is required for those convicted of Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) if they wish to continue driving.
The law previously stated, that after 100 days, a person convicted of their second OWI is eligible to get this device and drive again for the remainder of the time their license is revoked. This year, the federal law changed to allow the devise to be installed after just 45 days of zero driving. Studies showed that people were driving anyway, and this change makes roads safer by helping prevent them from driving drunk. Iowa attempted to change the law on their books, but made a crucial error in the drafting.
Those charged with an OWI violate a criminal as well as an administrative law. Both sections of the Iowa code needed to be amended to reflect the new 45 day requirement, but the amendment erred in only changing one of the sections. Without fixing this, courts will surely require folks to wait the full 100 days before they can get an ignition interlock device.
Thus, CSG has been recently employed by Ignition Interlock Systems of Iowa to make this fix. It is heavy lifting at the end of the session because the bill requires leadership approval – but something CSG can accomplish.

Green Cleaning Products for a Clean Green Iowa

2009-04-07T15:30:00.004-05:00

A bill sponsored by House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (D-Des Moines) will arrive in the House from the bill drafters in the next day or two. Generally, the bill provides for public school districts and state buildings to use environmentally preferable – or green – cleaning products. A similar bill, House File 199, did not make it out of committee earlier this year.

The revised bill accomplishes several things:

1) Moves Iowa forward towards using environment and kid friendly cleaning
products;
2) Provide several easy avenues for implementation;
3) Achieves use of green cleaning products without increasing costs;
4) Has the support of legislative leaders who believe this is a positive move
for Iowa and is important enough to necessitate passage yet this session.

Specifically, the sections break down as follows:

Section 1: School Cleaning and Maintenance: Environmentally Preferable Cleaning Products

• Findings and Intent
o Children are vulnerable to and can be adversely affected by cleaning products
o The EPA estimates that human exposure to indoor pollution can be many times higher than out of doors
o Children, teachers, janitors, and other staff spend a significant amount of time in doors exposed to harmful cleaning products

• Use of Environmentally Preferable Cleaning Products
o Public school districts and state buildings will be required to use environmentally preferable cleaning products
o Existing cleaning products may be used up before green cleaning products are obtained

• Policy Guidelines and Specifications
o The Iowa Department of Public Health will maintain a list of approved cleaning products
o A cleaning product will be approved for use if it has been deemed environmentally preferable by one of several agencies including
- EPA’s Design for the Environment program,
- EcoLogo program administered by TerraChoice,
- Green Seal, or
- Alternative qualification by an accredited third-party verifying that the product meets certain recognized standards
o This bill does not preclude the use of disinfecting cleaners, sanitizers, or any other antimicrobial product when necessary to protect public health

Section 2: State Mandate Funding

• No additional state funding for cleaning products will be needed.

The Pot Simmers ... for now

2009-04-02T12:54:00.007-05:00

The bill which would eliminate federal deductibility, HF 807, will not be coming up for debate today, and its future is uncertain. The companion bill, SF 468, came out in the Senate today.

House Leaders will not bring the bill up for debate unless they know for certain they have the votes, and right now it looks like the Democrat Six-Pack is holding strong in opposition. In addition, Governor Culver has said he is opposed to the bill if it is not revenue neutral. Probably a smart move since he promised not to increase taxes in his State of the State address at the beginning of the session, and this bill does just that.

On a different note, the Iowa Supreme Court will rule on the same sex marriage case, Varnum v. Brien, tomorrow. The case involves six same-sex Iowa couples who sued the Polk County Recorder in 2005 after the office denied them marriage licenses. A constitutional amendment would be required if the state is not happy with the outcome. No legislative reaction is expected this year as legislators predict they'll be headed home in the next week or two.

Public Hearing on HF 807

2009-03-31T21:48:00.001-05:00

Hundreds of taxpayers arrived at the State House this evening for the Public Hearing on federal deductibility. Speakers had to sign up in advance for a three minute time slot.

At about 8:25 there was a fifteen minute delay in the hearing to clear the taxpayers from the chamber for disorderly conduct – applause – after receiving several warnings from the Chairman.

Taxpayers came from all over the state; here is some of their testimony:

Trudy Caviness – Small business owner from Ottumwa
She and husband are small business owners. Don’t want a tax on a tax, and want to continue to stay in business and employee people.

Ken Sager – Iowa Federation of Labor
Supports the bill and believes it taxes Iowans more fairly.

Andy Warren – State director for NFIB
Mr. Warren represents 8,000 business, most of which whom employee less than 6 people. Noted that this bill is a tax increase for these small businesses. Even the bill’s sponsors announced that there are winners and losers with the bill. Half a million tax payers are the losers – the state’s small business owners which are also responsible for ¾ of new jobs in Iowa. This bill is not the way to revive our economic situation.

Ed Failor, Jr. – President of Iowans for Tax Relief
We are here about two things: honoring our past and the investment we’re going to make in our future. Young people came to the State House in busses from every regent university tonight and several private universities. We’re telling them to get out of Iowa, because if they make less than $40,000 when they graduate and they have no other tax credits, they will vote with their feet and leave the state. This bill punishes young Iowans who want to be successful. [thunderous round of applause]

Ben Johnson – University of Iowa Student
Doesn’t want to start a life, a medical practice, and a family in a state that punishes him for being successful.

Chad Airhardt – Executive Director of Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce
Opposes HF 807. Waukee is a fast growing community of young people. What will the next crop of Iowa graduates do when they can earn more in other states and pay fewer taxes? Many small businesses in Waukee are S-corporations, and tax increases will determine whether they put money into expanding, give back to the community, or pack up and leave. Lawmakers need to show fiscal restraint and not double-tax Iowa taxpayers. In Culver’s State of the State, the Governor said that this was not the time to raise taxes on Iowans – what happened to that plan?

Federal Deductibility on the Chopping Block

2009-03-31T14:13:00.001-05:00

A Senate Ways & Means subcommittee met this morning to discuss the highly controversial bill to eliminate the federal deductibility. Senate Study Bill 1317 would eliminate the ability for individuals to deduct their federal taxes before they compute their state taxes – requiring Iowans to pay a double tax on their income. The bill’s proponents claim that it reduces taxes for about two-thirds of Iowans and it has no impact on the state’s revenue. This is not quite the case.

At the meeting, Iowans for Tax Relief said that the bill may be revenue neutral to state government, but not so for individuals. The bill will raise taxes for Iowans making more than $125,000.

John Gilliland with the Association of Business and Industry pointed out that a vast majority of employers in the state are S-corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships, and LLCs which are all pass-through entities that will be adversely affected by this bill.

Dave Roederer with the Iowa Chamber Alliance pointed out that there would be a tax increase on 450,000 Iowans, no change for 242,000 Iowans, and 667,000 would see a decrease in taxes. He suggested that the Senate figure out a system where everybody gets a decrease or no change at all.

Senator Herman Quirmbach (D-Ames) is worried that under the current system, when federal taxes go up because the Bush tax cuts expire, people will have more to deduct from state taxes and state tax revenue would go down. Iowan’s federal income tax liability is expected to increase by $160-$180 million after the December 31, 2010 expiration date.

American Federation of Labor is in favor of the bill, and claimed that it simplifies the tax system and won’t affect most people as the average income for Iowans is $47,000. However, when these individuals lose their jobs because their small-business employers can’t afford to stay in business or the tax increase is passed on to the consumer, all Iowans will begin to feel the effects.

The House has a similar bill that passed out of the Ways & Means Committee Monday night. For a breakdown of the tax affects of the House Bill click here. A public hearing on HF 807 will be held in the house tonight from 7:30-9:00P.M.

Capitol Observations: ABATE's Day on the Hill

2009-03-26T15:16:00.003-05:00

Wednesday was ABATE’s Day on the Hill, and while ABATE is not part of CSG, they are an example of a very effective lobbying group. The main piece of legislation they look out for is a mandatory helmet law, which they have effectively lobbied against over the years.

ABATE today stands for A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education, but at one time stood for A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments. This freedom-loving group of motorcyclists once used to surround the Capitol on their bikes to promote or protest legislation.

Today, the group is incorporated,has volunteer lobbyists at the State Capitol, and even has its own PAC. They have done all the right things to evolve into a highly respected organization. Their primary objective today is to provide motorcycle education courses and to promote motorcycle safety. They do this at the same time they are opposed to mandatory helmet laws balancing the safety issues. ABATE is a force to be reckoned with and know that at any time they can still surround the Capitol with bikes.

For more information about ABATE Iowa visit their website at www.abateiowa.org

Trans Iowa Teams up with CSG

2009-03-18T16:08:00.004-05:00

Capitol Strategies Group recently began representing a new client at the State House – Trans Iowa, which includes Yellow Cabs, corporate limo services, and charter busses. The company’s initial cause for concern was Senate File 157 which would have the effect of requiring independent contractors to be employees of the hiring party invoking all kinds of legal ramifications. The bill did not survive funnel week and died in the subcommittee.

Part of ensuring a company’s legislative success is to align it with allies who have similar interests and can partner together on various bills. CSG is searching for allies for Trans Iowa on another issue.

Those allies may be found in the aircraft industry who should be particularly concerned with a new study bill that came out this week. Senate Study Bill 1302 eliminates the sales and use tax exemptions on the sale of aircraft and aircraft services and equipment. This includes exemptions for aerial crop spraying, sale or rental of aircraft, all aircraft parts, services, maintenance. Such a bill would be very detrimental to the industry and have negative impact on sales at a time when businesses are already struggling.

What prompted this bill was a study that came out revealing how much each exemption reduces state sales tax receipts. However, the study says nothing about the economic advantages of these exemptions. Section 423.3 in the Iowa Code has a list of items that are exempt from sales tax. This section includes the most common exemption of food and food ingredients. The fear is that one by one, these exemptions will be picked off, hurting taxpayers and the sellers of the goods.

What legislators must keep in mind is that tax policy changes behavior. The behavioral change resulting from this bill would be a decrease in planes that want to land in Iowa. It is not a good situation for airlines, airports, or their personnel.

Top O' the Morn!

2009-03-17T09:32:00.002-05:00

The Conservative Breakfast Club met Tuesday morning at the Republican Party of Iowa Headquarters. Once again the tables were packed with Conservatives enjoying each other’s company and an Irish breakfast thanks in part to organizers Darrell Kearney and Wes Peterson.

Jeffrey Boeyink, RPI’s new Executive Director, was introduced and spoke to the growing strength of the Republican Party. He and the State Chairman, Matt Strawn, have been traveling around the state energizing Republicans at town meetings. Boeyink is excited about the energy and new leadership he has seen across the state. His sole purpose, said Boeyink, is to foster this energy and to get Republicans elected.

Freshman Senator Randy Feenstra from Hull, Iowa in Senate District 2 was up next. Senator Feenstra had been the head of a foreign candy company that made popular sweets, like my personal favorite, Black Forest Gummy Bears. He resigned the successful career to begin a family, and was soon approached by community leaders to be Hull’s City Administrator. His political career took off from there, and was elected County Treasurer where he streamlined the budget and cut government waste. Senator Feenstra ran for the Senate for three reasons: He felt that the state shouldn’t pass laws mandating certain aspects of local and county governance; he wanted to reign in on the state’s bureaucratic mess as he did in his own county; and he wanted to promote Conservative values and fiscal responsibility.

Freshman Representative Kevin Koester from Ankeny, who touted his Irish heritage, described how he was persuaded to run for office. He enjoyed his work as a Community Service Administrator and gave an adamant “No” after being asked to run for State House several times by Steve Boal, former Representative Carmine Boal’s husband. He finally gave it some thought after being asked to pray about it, and made a successful run for the office. Representative Koester credits the state party leadership and the legislative leaders for their successes in reorganizing and reenergizing the Republican Party.

Both of the these freshman legislators are illustrative of the rest of the new class of Republicans; not only are they excellent speakers, but they are full of energy and are excited for the rebirth of the Republican Party and getting Republicans elected in 2010.

3M Day on the Hill

2009-03-11T16:07:00.002-05:00

Wednesday was 3M Day at the State Capitol. 3M business leaders and local plant managers led by Dan Gary, 3M's Public Affairs Manager, met with the House and Senate majority and minority leaders and their local legislators to discuss issues and concerns affecting 3M plants in Iowa.

Among those concerns were Big Labor’s bills, particularly doctor shopping (a.k.a. choice of doctor). 3M provides healthcare for its employees and over the past five years of 1,000 employees each year has had ZERO complaints filed about the occupational doctors 3M has provided for its employees.

Another concern is the yearly threat of combined corporate reporting. The bill was killed early this year, but inevitably will come up again. Forest City, Iowa is home to 3M’s largest distribution center. Forest City plant manager John Roisen told legislative leaders that the Iowa distribution center competes with states nationwide, and combined corporate reporting would make it easy for them to pack up and move their operation and 140 jobs to another state.

There is one good-for-Iowa bill out now that 3M would like to see passed. House File 199 provides for the use of safe and environmentally friendly cleaning products by the state’s schools. 3M is a maker of the “green-cleaning products” which are certified as “green” by an independent agency. The bill is currently in the House Education Committee and will need to move by Friday to survive Funnel Week.

Legislators and legislative leaders recognized 3M as a model corporation that provides valuable jobs to Iowans. Senate Minority Leader Paul McKinley (R-Chariton) expressed his appreciation for good companies like 3M who invest in Iowa, and believes that it is manufacturing jobs that can help get America out of the economic slump it’s in.

The Big Four for Big Labor

2009-03-05T15:42:00.003-06:00

Next Friday, March 13, is the funnel deadline requiring all Senate bills to be reported out of Senate committees, and all House bills to be reported out of House committees. Bills that don’t get reported out of committee are effectively killed. However, issues may be resurrected until the last day through amendments of leadership bills. There are four main labor issues CSG is keeping an eye on - a couple of which are already funnel-proof.

Right to Work

House File 555 authorizing the negotiation of “fair share” fees in collective bargaining agreements was introduced on Wednesday by Representative Bruce Hunter (D-Des Moines) and referred to the House Labor Committee. An individually sponsored bill being introduced on such a major issue at this late date may be going nowhere, but if it does, it must be voted out of the committee by next Friday.

Choice of Doctor (a.k.a. Doctor Shopping)

House File 530 states that employers would no longer be able to select proper medical care for employees injured on the job. This bill was also introduced on Wednesday by Representative Hunter and referred to the House Labor Committee. Similarly, it must be voted out of the committee by next Friday to survive in the House.

A similar bill exists in the Senate, Senate File 155, and was voted out of the Senate Labor & Business Relations Committee in mid-February and placed on the Senate Debate Calendar. The bill is very much alive and funnel-proof, and so is the issue regardless of action taken on it in the House.

Prevailing Wage

A motion to Reconsider was filed February 23, after that weekend-long prevailing wage debacle. House File 333 has not shown any signs of life after having been shot down, but could be revived at anytime if a previously "No"-voting Democrat decided to change his or her mind. No such bill has been filed on the Senate side.

Collective Bargaining

Expanded bargaining bills add specific things to the list of what unions can bargain for. Nothing has been filed yet and there is no word of anything coming up. Legislative leaders are going to wait for Governor Culver’s approval before any action is taken regarding a collective bargaining bill.

At this point, the Prevailing Wage and Choice of Doctor bills are funnel-proof. The Right to Work bill must be voted out of committee by next Friday if it is going to become an issue, and a Collective Bargaining bill would need to be both introduced and voted out of committee before the end of the week.

On a lighter note, it was a beautiful day in the State’s Capitol today - sunny and 73 degrees. Who else is ready for spring (and an early end to the session)?

Early Out for State Lawmakers?

2009-03-04T14:45:00.003-06:00

In a normal non-voting year, the Iowa General Assembly is in session 100 days beginning the second Monday in January. In a move to send legislators home early, Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal (D-Council Bluffs) has informally moved up the funnel deadlines by one week.

Generally speaking, funnel deadlines require bills to have advanced to a certain level by some date, otherwise they’re killed. The Session Timetable says that by March 13, Senate bills must be reported out of Senate committees and House bills must be reported out of House committees for them to receive any further consideration. Senator Gronstal’s informal acceleration of the process would require Senate bills to be reported out of Senate Committees this Friday, March 6, but would have no effect on the House funnel deadlines. The Senate Majority Leader could implement this by not scheduling any committee meetings other than Appropriations, Ways & Means after this week, and bills not moved out would effectively die.

This move by Senator Gronstal reflects the fact that state revenues continue to fall which eliminates the need to stay in session and wait for the April revenue estimation. During growth years there is incentive to stay and spend the new money projected in the revenue estimate. The state would save some much needed money on those days they are not in session.

Launched:

2009-03-03T08:34:00.005-06:00

Monday evening I attended the launch party for a fantastic new website called The Bean Walker. The site is an Iowa news aggregate – a one stop shop for Iowa news and politics that includes links to news sources, blogs, and leading articles. The design is similar to sites such as The Dead Pelican in Louisiana and The Drudge Report – a national right leaning news aggregate.

The site’s creator, Tim Albrecht, has done an excellent job promoting the site on TV news and radio. The name of site came from the summer job of many rural Iowan kids – bean walking – the dreaded, but well paid, task of walking through the bean fields to pull weeds and volunteer corn stalks. While bean walking is a thing of the past, The Bean Walker represents the growth of the present conservative movement.

The launch party was a huge success, with many prominent elected officials in attendance. If the party was any indicator, this website will be a huge success as well and a daily must read.

The site promises something for all Iowans, because in Iowa we’re all bean walkers!

Teacher's 403(b) Insurance on Path to Repair

2009-02-26T16:26:00.001-06:00

Previously I reported on the 403b issue regarding changes made last year teacher’s insurance that had the effect of forcing them to leave their personal financial advisors to go with advisors mandated by the state.

On Wednesday Senate Study Bill 1257 was filled with the intent of correcting this error. After review with our NAIFA (National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors) members, we are not satisfied with the changes this bill proposed. CSG plans to file a strike-all amendment preserving only the title of the bill and replace it with language that fixes some of the errors in last year's changes.

Last year’s changes in the 403b law requires the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) to handle all the administrative aspects of 403b insurance, including the selection of a small group of insurance carriers who are allowed sell the 403b insurance to teachers. The main problem arose when teachers were forced to leave their trusted financial advisors, who were no longer eligible to sell 403b insurance, to seek advice from strangers mandated by the state. The other problem arises when DAS decides to change their select group of carriers and teachers are bounced from one agent to the next. No one else is forced to buy their insurance from someone they don’t know or trust – nor would they want to be.

One possible solution is to put a procedure in place to require any licensed insurance agent in good standing to have access to the DAS-selected carriers’ 403b products. This would allow teachers to remain with their preferred financial advisors.

Bad for Business Bill: Combined Corporate Reporting

2009-02-24T14:48:00.005-06:00

Just as spring comes around once every year, so does a bill at the State House calling for combined reporting of corporate income taxes. However, unlike spring the Combined Reporting Bill is loathed by the state’s corporations and its largest employers.

The bill is Senate File 211, filed by Senator Keith Kreiman (D-Bloomfield). Combined reporting would require corporations such as 3M, who do business in states outside of Iowa, to report their TOTAL income on their Iowa State income taxes – not just their Iowa income as the law is now. 3M’s Iowa State income taxes would increase by 500%.

This bill is bad for corporations in Iowa and will discourage other multi-state corporations from coming into the state and creating jobs for Iowans. Combined reporting is favored by some Democrat legislators because it would generate millions more corporate tax dollars for the state. Taxing corporations exponentially is not in the best interests of Iowans who are worried about the stability of their jobs or are already in search of new ones.

Victory for the Taxpayer in the Prevailing Wage Saga

2009-02-23T20:48:00.001-06:00

Monday, the House Majority leader switched his vote to “no” so he could file a motion to reconsider the bill and the speaker closed the vote. The bill failed with a final vote 49 aye – 49 no and 2 absent.

The bill effectively would require that the highest wage paid in the county or district will always be the union wage. Small contractors cannot possibly pay union wages, so it favors big city union contractors.

According to House Minority Leader Kraig Paulson (R-Cedar Rapids), the 4 main objections to the bill are:

1. It will require local governments and schools to spend more money than necessary for infrastructure projects thereby increasing property taxes.
2. It risks putting family-owned contractors out of business.
3. The bill takes immediate effect for Linn and Johnson counties and really hurts those areas trying to rebuild. It’s estimated this could raise the cost of flood rebuilding by as much as 20%.
4. The state will have to add at least 17 new employees and spend over $1.4 million just to administer this law.

Though the motion to reconsider has been filed, it is unlikely the House Democrats will get the 51 votes needed to pass it. This weekend Representative McKinley Bailey (D-Webster City) went on TV committing himself to his “no” vote, and Representative Larry Merek (D-Riverside) promised constituents at town meetings that he would stand strong in his opposition to the bill.

NOT ENOUGH VOTES FOR PREVAILING WAGE

2009-02-20T22:51:00.000-06:00

Speaker of the House Pat Murphy (D-Dubuque) will leave the voting machines open all weekend in case anyone changes their minds under pressure. The vote was left at 50 – 46 with 51 votes needed to pass.

House Republicans’ victory over prevailing wage was largely due to the outstanding leadership by House Minority Leader Kraig Paulson (R-Cedar Rapids) and also Jeff Kaufman (R-Muscatine).

The will and resolve of the 5 House Democrats who voted against the bill could not be broken under extreme pressure. One Democrat has not voted yet, but she is believed to be voting “no.”

If this bill ultimately fails it will be a huge victory for Iowa taxpayers.

House to Act on Prevailing Wage

2009-02-20T11:33:00.002-06:00

With a nod towards organized labor, the Iowa House of Representatives will take action today on a bill that would require the payment of “prevailing wage” on certain construction projects in the state (HF 333). The bill is expected to be taken up for debate at noon today, but will likely be delayed. Critics cite the potential for property tax increases to pay for the expected 15 to 20 percent cost increases they fear the bill will drive. Union supporters argue that the bill would result in better construction and job safety. If House Democrats prevail, the bill is expected to pass the Senate quickly and be sent to Governor Culver who has pushed aggressively for passage of the measure.

The House also acted on an additional health care mandate proposed in HF 311 that would require health insurance policies in the state to provide coverage for prosthetic devices. A coalition led by the National Federation of Independent Business and the Association of Business and Industry conducted a news conference this week to attempt to highlight the negative impact of health care mandates. In the Senate, the mandate issue is being handled by Senator Tom Rielly (D-Oskaloosa) who has raised concerns about the cost of additional mandates and their affect on the ability of businesses to afford the increases.

A new coalition of businesses and business organizations has been organized to resist passage of a Senate Labor Committee bill commonly referred to as “doctor shopping.” Senate File 155 is on the Senate Calendar, and would completely reverse our current system of selecting medical care for workers compensation cases by allowing the employee to use any doctor. Labor groups support the change while businesses are predicting an immediate 15 to 20 percent workers compensation rate increase if the bill is signed into law.

TMC Tractor at State House

2009-02-18T14:43:00.001-06:00

CSG brought one of its TMC truck tractors up to the State Capitol briefly Wednesday afternoon. This fine specimen was on display for legislators to see firsthand the thousands of dollars worth of safety equipment installed on the inside - living up to TMC's "Commitment to Excellence."

The use of this safety equipment may be considered “distracting” under the terms of a new bill – which could result in more penalties for drivers who are found to have been distracted at the time of an accident. Senate Study Bill 1217 expands the offense of “careless driving” to include “driving while distracted.” Careless driving is a simple misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $25

Certain activities which are incidental to driving are not distracting activities under the bill, including conversation with passengers, using a global positioning system device, using an installed audio system, using an amateur radio, or calling 911.

Specified distracting activities include using a cellular telephone, text messaging, using a computer or video game device, viewing a television or digital video disc player, personal grooming, eating, drinking, reading, writing, interacting with pets, reaching for or maneuvering unsecured cargo, or interacting with passengers in the back seat of the vehicle

Freshman Representative Chris Hagenow (R-Des Moines) took the opportunity to investigate the inside of the TMC tractor. He was very impressed with all the safety equipment installed including a device that alerts the driver when he is within 3 seconds of the vehicle ahead of him. He reasoned that so much is invested in these trucks that it is in the best interest of drivers and TMC to keep the trucks on the road and accident free.

CSG plans to bring the tractor back up for legislators on a day when the weather is a bit more favorable.

[photo above of your fearless blogger hitching a ride]

Republican Rebirth Seen at the Breakfast Tables

2009-02-17T17:20:00.000-06:00

The Des Moines Conservative Breakfast Club met Tuesday morning at the Republican Party of Iowa Headquarters. The breakfast tables were packed with upwards of around 70 conservatives. This number has grown steadily over the past several months since Republican’s grave defeat on Election. It is representative of the Rebirth of the Republican Party and new leadership in State Chairman Matt Strawn and Executive Director Jeff Boeyink.

Senator Shawn Hamerlinck (Davenport) and Representative Renee Schulte (Cedar Rapids) – two of the fine class of freshman legislators – both spoke about the hard work they did to get elected and the work that needs to be done going forward to rebuild our party and regain the majorities.

Monday Meetings

2009-02-16T16:50:00.002-06:00

The House Rebuild Iowa & Disaster Recovery Committee met Monday afternoon.

Timelines were presented to the committee by Mike Tramotina of the Iowa Department of Economic Development showing the progress Texas made rebuilding after Hurricane Rita. In Texas, only 13% of their money had been spent 706 days after the storm, because, according to Tramotina, that’s how long it takes to spend CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) money. The presentation was an effort to show legislators by analogy how long it takes to obtain and use federal disaster funds.

CDBG monies must be used for low income people in low income areas. 50% must be spent on people below the median area income. Awards of money must go to a local government and then to some other entity adding to the delay in its distribution.

A Senate Transportation Subcommittee comprised of Senators Larry Noble (R-Ankeny), Tom Reilly (D-Oskaloosa), and Steve Warnstadt (D-Sioux City), and met this afternoon to discuss SSB1182 which increases the excise tax on motor and diesel fuel. The proposed bill would increase the motor fuel and diesel fuel excise tax by 8 cents by January 1, 2010.

It is Capitol Strategies position that this tax increase is too fast too soon. Our motor carrier clients recognize the need to repair roads statewide and would be in favor a 4 or 5 cent increase over time.

We are also interested in a tax preference for biodiesel. This would give carriers the option of purchasing regular diesel and the increased rate or biodiesel at the preferred rate.

Tonight at 7:30 the House Chambers will be hosting a public hearing on the issue of prevailing wage. Speakers are limited to 3 minutes and as of 3:00 about 40 people were signed up.

Ban on Cell Phones in Vehicles Proposed

2009-02-12T19:48:00.002-06:00

House File 9 if passed would ban all people from using a cell phone while driving a vehicle. The bill allows for the obvious exceptions for a person to call 911 or if the vehicle is pulled off to the side of the road.

Most people realize that it is probably not the best practice to talk or send text-messages while driving, but is it that bad that it requires a change in Iowa Law? Capitol Strategies thinks not.

Opening the door to restrict the use of cell phones can quickly become a slippery slope leading to other restrictions and prohibitions in our personal lives. When changes are proposed to the state code intending to alter peoples’ habits, there must be some compelling statistics in its favor. No statistics have been presented indicating that driving with one hand and talking on the phone is more dangerous than talking to the person next to you or in the back seat of the car, for example.

Truck drivers are often on the phone getting instructions on deliveries and best routes making it an essential aspect of their job.

We have spoken to the bill’s sponsor, Representative Abdul-Samad (D-Des Moines) who is open to amending the bill to make an exception for motor trucks. CSG plans to bring a truck tractor up to the Capitol to give Representative Abdul-Samad and other legislators a chance to see firsthand how our drivers operate and how safe they are.

Featured Freshman: Representative Gene Ficken

2009-02-10T15:41:00.003-06:00

Name: Gene Ficken

District: 23

Committee assignments: Education (Vice Chair), Veterans Affairs, Natural Resources, and Joint Education Appropriations

Hometown and current town
Hometown – Spirit Lake; Current town - Independence

Your family
Wife Michelle, Children Travis, Garret, and Paige

Education and Cyclone/Hawkeye affiliation
BA in biology from UNI, MA in biology from UNI Loyal to all

Occupation when not in session: retired

Why you ran for office
To help improve education in the state of Iowa.

What you think are the three most important things the General Assembly needs to accomplish this session, and describe each briefly
a. Disaster relief
b. Economic relief for middle class families
c. Education

What has been your impression of the legislature thus far?
Challenging and high learning curve with an unbelievable and rewarding experience

Click here to go to Representative Gene Ficken's Legislative Page

Monday Meetings

2009-02-10T08:29:00.001-06:00

The Senate Labor & Business Committee met Monday afternoon to discuss Senate Study Bill 1119 – providing for employee choice of doctors for purposes of injuries that are workers compensation injuries. Senator Tom Courtney (D-Burlington) chairs the committee. The room behind the Senate Chambers was packed with the business lobby, the labor lobby, and several who were there to give statements before the committee.

A representative from the Iowa Occupational Nurses Association, in a prepared statement, said that employers often know what doctors specialize in treating certain workplace related injuries. She also pointed out that some doctors chosen by employees will do anything to please the injured employee in effort to retain their business.

An employee advocate discussed horror stories from the Case plant in Burlington. Various employees had been given the run-around and were allegedly made worse when they were not initially able to choose their own doctor.

What was missing from the discussion was the fact that Iowa has some of the richest workers compensation benefits in the nation. We also allow employees who are not satisfied with their care to petition the Industrial Commissioner to allow them to use their own doctors. The current system works for 99.9% of Iowa workers and we should do nothing to alter that balance.

House Rebuild Iowa Committee

The House Rebuild Iowa Committee also met to clarify questions raised last week about Rebuild Iowa Office (RIO) Expenditures. Last week the RIO chief of staff Emily Hajek told the committee that that $19,000 was spent to replace the carpet in their office because "the lieutenant governor asked that it be replaced." Monday, General Ron Dardis of the Iowa National Guard, who is now in charge of RIO, did his best to answer committee members’ questions.

Representative Tom Sands (R-Columbus Junction) told General Dardis and the committee that there is “frustration out there, real frustration” from his constituents – some of whom are still living in FEMA trailers. He also pointed out that he has 30 year-old carpet in his office that should probably be replaced, but it is not a priority to him and suggested that it should not have been a priority to RIO.

While both those meetings were going on, Representative Steve King was speaking on the first floor at the Prayer for Life Rally. Hecklers in the audience made themselves known. Sheriffs escorted one man was escorted to the door and subdued the others.

Rebuild Iowa Office Expenses Questioned

2009-02-06T22:37:00.002-06:00

The House Rebuild Iowa Committee met on Wednesday this week. Legislators vigorously questioned Rebuild Iowa Office (RIO) executives about seemingly out-of-place expenditures including $19,000 on re-carpeting the office space and $425,000 dollars on lobbying and media personnel.

RIO was established by Governor Culver through an Executive Order to coordinate state-wide efforts to aid in recovery after the onslaught of natural disasters last summer.

On Monday, Governor Culver signed the Rebuild Iowa Bill into law after receiving unanimous votes in the House and Senate. House File 64 allocates $56 million from the state’s rainy day funds to disaster recovery efforts:

• $24 million will go to the Jumpstart Housing Assistance Program
• $22 million for grants to cities and counties for expenses including repairing and rebuilding public infrastructure, and public purchase of land and structures
• $10 million for individual disaster relief grants to be dispersed through the Department of Human Services

Governor Culver has also signed SF 44 which aids cities in federally declared disaster counties to impose a vote for a local option sales tax to raise funds for disaster recovery.

On a different note, on Friday the 3M plan in Ames announced it would be reducing work hours for most of its 350 employees as a result of the nation’s economic woes.

Featured Freshman Senator Tim Kapucian

2009-02-04T16:48:00.005-06:00

Name: Tim Kapucian

District: Senate 20

Committee assignments
Agriculture, Transportation, Economic Growth, Appropriations, Local Government, Economic Development Approps. Subcommittee

Hometown and current town
Keystone, Iowa (30 miles west of Cedar Rapids)

Your family
Wife since November 29th, Brenda who lives in West Des Moines and works at Farmers Mutual Hail, two stepdaughters and one stepson- in-law and two grandchildren. My mother Betty lives in Keystone.

Education and Cyclone/Hawkeye affiliation
1979 Graduate of Iowa State University, BS in Animal Science. Definite CYCLONE

Occupation when not in session
Farmer – corn, soybeans, some oats and hay. On occasion I feed some cattle. Former cow-calf and farrow to finish operator

Why you ran for office
To make sure rural Iowa keeps its’ representation and support agriculture and small town Iowa.

What you think are the three most important things the General Assembly needs to accomplish this session, and describe each briefly
Balance the Budget – We must curtail out of control spending and keep Iowa prosperous not only for our future but for generations to come. Infrastructure – To continue to not only feed the world but now supply energy as well. We must have a good, safe highway system so we can export our products efficiently. Keep taxes down – Low taxes provide incentive for business growth.

What has been your impression of the legislature thus far?
So far it has been mostly getting organized and then with the inauguration and Mary Lundy’s funeral we haven’t had a lot of time for all our work. However, I feel we will get on track shortly and accomplish the task at hand.

The food you most look forward to at the Iowa State Fair
Iowa Pork Chops and Beef Quarters Steaks

Anything else you would like readers to know about you?
I believe strongly in Iowa, our work ethic is second to none, our citizens are the friendliest in the nation and we have the most productive ground in the world. I am proud of these things and I will do everything I can to support and protect our land, our people, and our future

Click here to go to Senator Kapucian's legislative page

Fair Share or Unsolicited Union Representation?

2009-02-04T09:47:00.001-06:00

A bill that will require non-union members to pay their “fair share” for union representation – albeit unsolicited – is expected to hit the bill stack soon. Labor leaders are rumored to be making their way into the State House lobby and meeting rooms behind the House and Senate Chambers.

Union leaders are fed up with non-union members receiving the same benefits they “win” for union employees without paying their dues. So to get around requiring them to join the union, which is prohibited by Iowa’s Right-to-Work law, union bosses will just require them to pay a fee for representation.

Union leaders don’t have to represent those who aren’t paying their “fair share” – they choose to.

Only about 10-12 percent of Iowa's workers choose belong to a union.

Iowa’s neighbors that have fair-share laws include Missouri, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois. Does Iowa really want to replicate anything that Illinois does? I think not. South Dakota and Nebraska do not have fair-share laws and South Dakota is ranked as one of the top states in the nation in which to do business in part for that reason.

When Iowans are struggling to pay bills as it is the last thing they want is to be told they MUST pay for union representation whether they want it or not.

Prosthetics Bill Mandates Increased Insurance Costs

2009-02-02T21:51:00.001-06:00

A Senate Commerce subcommittee met today to discuss the Senate Study Bill 1122 which would require employer provided health insurance to cover medically necessary prosthetic devices. The subcommittee members included Tom Rielly (D-Oskaloosa), Rich Olive (D-Story City), and David Hartsuch (R-Bettendorf).

Most employers’ insurance plans already provide some coverage for prosthetic devices, but this bill effectively eliminates the restrictions on what kinds of devices must be paid for. It is not a mandate for insurance companies to sell prosthetics but a mandate for employers to buy. The business community is under more pressure than ever before just struggling to stay open and keep the lights on let alone pay extra insurance on their employees. The debate is a public policy one whereby taking care of a few peoples’ interests must be weighed against employer ability to afford the insurance.

CSG proposes that a commission be established to evaluate insurance mandates and establish a limit on how many are allowed. This would help maintain affordability while the most medically necessary mandates will be in place. The commission would be responsible for deciding which mandates are the most important and cost effective and assign a value to each. If a new mandate is proposed, the commission would determine if its value is greater than one already in place. If so, the commission would replace the lowest valued mandate with the new one – instead of just adding it to the list.

Each new mandate – whether it be for prosthetics, diabetes, or in vitro fertilization – will have some compelling personal story behind it. But the emotional appeal must be balanced with the reality that the employer will have to bear the cost of it. The more mandates that must be paid for, the more the insurance will cost, and the less likely an employer will be to maintain that insurance coverage for his employees. Employers in Iowa currently have a choice of whether or not to provide insurance for their employees. Adding mandates to what is covered increases the cost of that insurance and the ultimate effect is that fewer people in Iowa will be insured because employers will not be able to afford the insurance.

Featured Freshman Legislator: Renee Schulte

2009-01-28T16:07:00.004-06:00

Name: Renee Schulte

District: 37 NE Cedar Rapids

Committee assignments
Human Resources, Judiciary, Education, State Government, Human Services budget sub

Hometown and current town
Born Centrailia, IL Raised in Danville, IL live in Cedar Rapids Iowa

Your family
My husband Brent and chow chow Rio (former foster parent of teen girls)

Education and Cyclone or Hawkeye affiliation Cyclone
Husband attended ISU

Brief description of any military experience
Husband was Air Force making me an Air Force wife

Occupation when not in session
Adjunct professor of psychology at Mt Mercy College

Why you ran for office?
My passion is working with children and families. While working as a therapist, I became aware of policy issues that needed to be addressed at the state level in order to strengthen families in Iowa. Economic Development is the biggest thing we can do in Iowa to strengthen our families. Second, families need to keep the money they make in order to provide for their family. Third, I believe that before policy decisions are made, government officials should consider the full effect. Sometimes well meaning people make laws that have unintended consequences on constituents. Being a voice for children and families in Iowa is my reason for running for office.

What do you think are the three most important things the General Assembly needs to accomplish this session, and describe each briefly
1) Flood recovery- As a citizen of Cedar Rapids, I have labored with my community since the flood in June working to rebuild our community. Now that we did not have a special session to address this issue, we need to do everything in our power to provide resources as soon as possible.
2) Fiscal responsibility- We face a large spending gap/deficit in the current 2009 budget and in the projected FY 2010 and FY 2011 budget. We need to be honest and transparent in the process so Iowan’s can understand the gravity of the situation.
3) Shrinking government- We need to look for ways to streamline and make government more efficient. We also need to look at the 2600 new full time employees added to state government in the past two years to determine if they are necessary in this current fiscal climate.

What has been your impression of the legislature thus far?
I am honored to make history as a member of the 83rd General Assembly of Iowa. I am amazed every day at the beauty of the chamber in which I work. I have met the most wonderful public servants- legislators, lobbyists, capitol employees and staff-all working toward the common good.

The food you most look forward to at the Iowa State Fair
Anything on a stick

Anything else you would like readers to know about you?
I come to the state house with a unique background. As a therapist, foster parent, and professor of psychology, I am energized by the relationships with others. I am excited to be able to help my constituents. I wake up early every day, knowing that today I can make a difference. One thing I hope to accomplish as a legislator is being a positive role model for young women in Iowa.

Work Underway to Restore 403(b) Relations

2009-01-28T10:04:00.005-06:00

Last year destructive changes were made in the way teachers get financial advice and plan for retirement. Public school teachers have the option of paying part of their salary directly into 403(b) tax-advantaged retirement savings plans. School officials got tired of writing out checks to multiple insurance carriers, and decided they could reduce their workload if they only had to write out checks to a couple different insurance carriers.

This forced teachers/clients to leave their personal financial advisors to go with advisors mandated by the state. It had the effect of breaking up relationships that had been in place for years and forcing relationships with new advisors who may not have known what is in the teacher’s best interest. This has been particularly destructive in our current market climate, and transfers of plans have resulted in huge losses for some.

Yesterday, Senator Steve Warnstadt (D-Sioux City) and Representative Tyler Olson (D-Cedar Rapids) requested bill drafts in each chamber to repeal last year’s 403(b) changes. Senator Warnstadt warned that he could make no promises but was interested in hearing “horror stories” from disgruntled teachers.
The same is true regarding Representative Tyler Olson. He has already been contacted by TIAA-CREF and they are flying in a big player to meet with him.

Right now, CSG’s focus will be providing real life examples of damage that has been caused.

In addition, NAIFA (National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors) will need to consider a fallback position should it become necessary. CSG will need to leave this to our team, but one suggestion would be to protect all relationships moving forward from this point. If the state changes carriers, the client would be able to retain his or her advisor.

Monday Mania

2009-01-26T20:37:00.003-06:00

The fire alarm went off this afternoon, and while all the newbies grabbed their jackets and headed for the exits, Statehouse veterans stood their ground recalling the regularity of pranksters past.

The House Rebuild Iowa & Disaster Recovery Committee met this afternoon to discuss HSB54 the local option sales tax bill. This bill allows a city or unincorporated area located in a county in which the president of the United States declared a disaster to exist at any time during 2008 to impose a local option sales tax pursuant to Code chapter 423B using an expedited procedure. The bill requires the question of the imposition of a local sales and services tax to be submitted to the registered voters of a city or to the unincorporated areas of the county. The bill itself doesn’t add new taxes; it just accelerates the implementation date of a vote for more taxes.

Amendments were introduced which would make five changes to the original bill. One of the changes adds a second set of implementation dates. The amendments passed though the Republicans voted together against them.

A vote on the whole bill yielded 11 “ayes” and 6 “nos” with Republicans voting together against it. The bill passed and will move to Ways & Means.

The House may be debating the local option sales tax bill as soon as tomorrow afternoon.

Governor Culver’s Budget is expected to come out tomorrow. The rumor circulating earlier today was that he’s going to do a 10% across the board cut and let legislature figure out the rest. It turned out to be a little high as the Des Moines Register is now reporting at 6.5% budget cut affecting 205 of the state’s 280 programs. Click here to read the article.

Meeting the Newbies

2009-01-23T13:06:00.002-06:00

With the new legislative session comes many new legislators – 27 in fact. Scott Weiser and I for the last two weeks have been calling out the freshman legislators to introduce ourselves, our clients and to give them a little advice. “Calling out” the legislators involves sending a note into the House or Senate Chamber requesting an impromptu meeting with them in their respective lobby. Weiser has been at the Capitol for awhile so he gives the advice while I mostly listen and promote my blog.

We start out by telling them about our clients and the key issues they face. If a bill comes up with the legislator’s name on it that a client is interested in we will call out that legislator to discuss it. Our job is to provide the legislators with information about the issue and tell them where our client stands on it. We will also provide the other side of the issue, but argue that our side is superior. The newbies will soon find out who they can trust to provide valuable information, and those who get the most information will ultimately be the most successful.

The other bit of advice we give is for them to make constituent work a priority. If the legislators allow it, there will be lobbyists in front of them all day long. They must devote a little time each day to constituent work and even plan to bring their campaign committees and neighbors down to the Statehouse for a tour and pictures with the Leaders. Keeping the voters happy is essential to ensuring one’s return to office.

We’ve been very pleased so far with the new legislators we’ve met with. Many bring new energy and enthusiasm and all have a desire to do well. Weiser recognizes that there are a couple days that stand out in the life a legislator: the day they send out their friends and family letter telling everyone they are going to run for office and sticking their neck out there, and the first day of session when they walk in and wonder just how they are going to do a good job after they’ve told everyone they will. Part of our job is to help them do well.

Funeral Held Today for Former Senator Mary Lundby

2009-01-21T17:27:00.004-06:00

The House and Senate gaveled in today, but most committee meetings were cancelled in anticipation of the absences of those legislators attending former Republican Senator Mary Lundby’s funeral today in Marion. Senator Lundby died last Saturday at age 60 after a long fight with cervical cancer. She served 22 years in the Iowa Legislature.

Another notable death occurred on Monday. Former Republican State Representative Rosmary Thompson of Marion died at age 73. Thompson was elected in 1995 to fill Mary Lundby’s seat after her election to the senate and retired from the House in 2000.

New Legislators Exemplify Energy and Enthusiasm Needed in the Republican Party

2009-01-20T12:19:00.003-06:00

The Conservative Breakfast Club met early this morning at the Republican Party of Iowa Headquarters. The Republican Party of Iowa’s new State Chairman Matt Strawn had just begun to speak before being interrupted so everyone could move their cars to avoid getting parking tickets from the State Trooper knocking at the door.

Chairman Strawn resumed giving an eloquent speech emphasizing the need for Republicans to stand up and band together to preserve our freedoms and our way of life. He noted the irony of Governor Culver’s plan to rebuild Iowa by going into debt during a world-wide economic crisis. Chairman Strawn also pointed out Culver’s idea of economic development is getting on a plane and flying to Washington to beg for table scraps. As Republicans, it is our job to stand up for fiscal responsibility and to protect Iowa’s economy.

Representative Annette Sweeney from Buckeye, Iowa and Senator Kim Reynolds from Osceola, both freshman legislators, spoke briefly about themselves and their runs for office.

Representative Annette Sweeney from House District 44 is a former teacher who returned Buckeye to manage her family’s farm after her father’s death when she was just 24. Representative Sweeney is the face of hardworking conservatives and the can-do attitude that is the heart blood of the Republican Party. To this, she credits her success as well as maintaining a positive campaign and emphasizing conservative values.

Senator Kim Reynolds is from Senate District 48 – geographically the largest senate district in Iowa – is comprised of 7 counties in Southwest Iowa. Senator Reynolds credited her success in the race in part to tireless door knocking in all corners of the district as well as maintaining a public presence at every opportunity. She also credited her experiences and contacts she made as the Clarke County Treasurer for the past 13 years to help her connect to voters in all counties.

Governor Branstad added that the party needs enthusiastic and energetic legislators like Representative Sweeney and Senator Reynolds, and that we must start now to recruit them.

Horse Study Says Races Good for Iowa Economy

2009-01-15T10:58:00.002-06:00

An expansion of horse racing at Prairie Meadows should be considered as a way to increase revenues at the racino, according to a study presented to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission at their meeting on January 15th at the Stoney Creek Inn in Johnston.

Dr. Richard Thalheimer of Thalheimer Research Associates in Lexington, Kentucky presented the results of a new study commissioned by Iowa’s horse industry that details the economic impact that horse racing has at the track, at county fairs, and on the farm. The study follows a previous report from Thalheimer Research Associates confirming an increase in slot machine revenue at the track when live horse racing is being conducted.

“We are very pleased to be able to provide the positive details of horse racing’s economic impact here in Iowa,” said Wm. Leroy Gessmann, President of the Iowa Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, one of the study’s sponsors. “These are hard numbers that confirm the need for and the positive impact that additional horse racing opportunities will provide for Prairie Meadows’ bottom line and that of Iowa’s horse industry.”

According to the study, the Iowa horse racing industry generated a total direct and indirect economic impact of $123 million in expenditures and 2,180 full time equivalent jobs in Iowa in 2007. Owner and trainer direct expenditures around the state include labor, feed and bedding, veterinarian care, transportation and boarding. Breeder expenses in Iowa include labor, stud fees, registration expenses, feed and bedding, veterinarian expenses, investment, and other fees.

Future success for Prairie Meadows and the Iowa race horse industry is dependent on many factors and how success is defined by the stakeholders, according to the study. Policy makers should consider the following as they proceed:

An increase in race days and/or horses in training per day results in:

- Increased pari-mutuel revenue both on-track and from simulcasts of live races to other state and national betting locations
- Increased slot machine revenue from the relationship of live racing to slot machine wagering
- Increased spending and employment by the race horse industry
Increases in purses result in:
- Increased wagering revenues
- Increased value and supply of race horse breeding stock with associated “green space”
- Increased spending and employment by the race horse industry.

The study was commissioned by the Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association, the Iowa Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, the Iowa Quarter Horse Racing Association, and the Iowa Harness Horse Association.

Rebuild Iowa Committees Convene

2009-01-15T10:57:00.000-06:00

The House and Senate Rebuild Iowa Committees met for the first time separately this afternoon and again jointly early this evening.

Representative Tom Schueller (D-Maquoketa) chairs the House committee and Senator Rob Hogg (D-Cedar Rapids) is the chair of the Senate committee. The committees are stocked with lawmakers from regions hit hard with disasters and others who have experience to take on the challenges presented. Representative Schueller is no stranger to rebuilding as he has his own reconstruction business. Representative Kerry Burt (D-Waterloo) is a firefighter who personally manned the rescue efforts in his area as a firefighter. Representative Mark Kuhn (D- Charles City) was singled out for the exceptional recovery efforts in his district and will be counted on to provide leadership and guidance in finding state-wide solutions.

The Rebuild Iowa Office (RIO) presented a detailed progress report to a joint meeting of the House and Senate committees. Overall, RIO was disappointed in the amount of funds they have received thus far from federal agencies including FEMA and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The majority of funds necessary to rebuild will come from the feds and state funds will be used to fill in the gaps. Of the 500 people living in FEMA trailers after the floods, only 39 have moved out. The rest have 18 months from the time they moved in to find replacement housing. Where they rebuild and how they will pay for it are some of the key challenges the committees will address. Solutions are expected to arrive in the form of two bills proposed by the Rebuild Iowa Advisory Office.

State of the State

2009-01-14T08:29:00.003-06:00

"The condition of the state is strong because the people of Iowa are strong."

Tuesday morning Governor Chet Culver gave his State of the State address. Last year Iowans survived relentless natural disasters and 4000 Iowa National Guardsmen were deployed making it the largest deployment from Iowa since the Civil War proving that Iowans are strong. Though I was France when the blunt of the floods ravaged Iowans the television footage of it was broadcast on the BBC and around the world. Iowans are strong and resilient and known for it world-wide.

Governor Culver stated that this “legislative session must be to rebuild this state which we all love.” With a projected $779 million budget shortfall this may seem like an unattainable task. However, as the Governor pointed out, Iowa has an AAA bond rating and he intends to use it. An ironic statement after he explicitly pointed out the relative strength of the State’s economy due to the lack of debt compared to states like California.

As the Governor proposed, Rebuild Iowa Investment Bonds will be sold to raise the funds necessary to rebuild and repair roads bridges, trails, railroad, public buildings, water treatment plants, sewer treatment plants, the utility grid and telecommunications. On the one hand, investment in infrastructure and roads will create and maintain jobs. State issued bonds are subject to tax exemptions as well.

On the other hand, Iowa has not traditionally sold bonds to fix infrastructure. Bonding is currently done for major buildings but is very limited. Over time it can become difficult to make the massive bond payments. Depending on how long the bonds are for, we would likely need new roads before the bonds issued for the old ones have even been paid for. At a time when the rest of the country is in dire financial straits as a result of over spending and taking on too much debt, do we really want to fall in line behind them?

The Governor also stated that he will not tax our way out of this budget shortfall. However, many Iowans would not be opposed to a gas tax increase if it meant improved roads. In the long run, this may be the more fiscally responsible solution and the time to do it is now while the price of oil is low and before we’re hit with a national gas tax increase.

On Lobbying

2009-01-13T08:29:00.001-06:00

As a second year student at Drake Law School I opted to take the Legislation class last semester. It was taught by famed agricultural law expert and lobbyist Professor Neil Hamilton. As part of the course we studied the art of lobbying, and Professor Hamilton brought in a panel of lobbyists to discuss their experiences and answer questions. The following day, Professor Hamilton asked the class for our opinions on the panel and the overall consensus was that the panel was informative and should be kept on the schedule for next year. There was however one student who was adamant about never wanting to be exposed to the influence of a lobbyist again.

This student, though highly educated and halfway through law school failed to realize the true role and responsibility of a lobbyist. A lobbyist not only has the job of representing his or her clients’ interests but also has the job of educating legislators. Often it seems that people forget that legislators are generally average folks who are not experts on all issues that arise in the hundreds of pieces of legislation placed before them. The lobbyist must provide the legislator with information that enables him or her to make educated decisions about issues that will affect the clients.

But who are these clients? The clients are Iowans – they are the People with narrowly tailored interests represented by the lobbyist in the People’s House. Nearly every interest arguably has the opportunity to be represented (with the exception of Tobacco interests) by a registered lobbyist. Those without a registered lobbyist are not without recourse. Individuals are free to contact legislators about issues affecting them, and the legislators listen.

The most effective lobbyists have reputations for being impeccably honest and resourceful. Iowa ethics and campaign laws also regulate lobbyist activity and, at least in Iowa, lobbyists strictly adhere to them. In the event a lobbyist has their reputation tarnished by some other than honest act, they may as well pack up and go home because they can no longer be relied upon to provide legislators with accurate and honest information.

The student in my Legislation class generally offended by lobbyists suffers from a preconceived, gross misconception of the necessity of lobbyists in the legislative process and our system of representative government. Lobbyists provide a much needed service in educating legislators and representing clients’ specific interests. The art of lobbying is capable of being mastered by a select group of individuals in possession of the personality, persistence, and patience to persuasively communicate their client’s needs in the audience of legislators.

The 83^rd General Assembly gaveled in on Monday and the lawmaking process has begun.