Education Reform Moves to Conference Committee Some of the most important work done during the legislative session is not completed on the House or Senate floor, but in conference committees. In conference committees, bills are negotiated until both the House and Senate members reach a final, agreeable version. Of the bills education reform is currently in a conference committee. The committee is comprised of an equal number of Democrats and Republicans from the house and senate that have met the last few weeks to hammer out details of legislation that attempt to help Iowa students compete at a global level.

Iowans Need True Property Tax Reform Many of us received our property assessments in the mail this past week which makes it clear that NOW is the time for property tax reform. The current tax system is burdensome and one of the most complex in the nation. However, when the Iowa Senate had an opportunity to make meaningful property tax changes this week we failed.

Income Tax Reform Needed  Iowa taxpayers are plagued with headaches every year as they prepare their income tax returns, thanks to our complex tax system.  I have been advocating for tax reform and want to enact meaningful legislation that helps the taxpayer.  This session, along with property tax reform, I am working hard to reform Iowa’s individual income tax system. This week I cosponsored a bill that changes the tax […]

Increase in Education Spending Will Not Increase Student Performance Education issues remain in the spotlight as the Iowa Senate continues to debate education reform. We must pass meaningful legislation that helps Iowa students compete at a global level and contribute to the overall economy. Unfortunately, the Senate education reform plan that was passed this week spends even more money while demanding less accountability. I offered an amendment that required accountability from the Department of Education. This would have been a five year assessment that set up guidelines for measurable student performance expectations in our schools. Some of the requirements;

Increase in Revenues Not a Green Light to Grow Government! -Good news arrived last week that came from the Revenue Estimating Conference to discuss the state’s financial situation. This is a good sign that the economy in Iowa is rebounding! I was encouraged by the announcement that revenue estimates were up to $6.87 billion for FY 2014; however, I continue to urge fiscal restraint on budgetary practices and caution against growing government by irresponsibly spending the excess revenue.

Healthy Iowa Plan - As we might have heard there is an ongoing debate about expanding Medicaid or renewing and expanding the Iowa Cares program which has now been renamed the Healthy Iowa Plan. The proposal expanding Medicaid in Iowa would add an additional 153,000 Iowans to the Medicaid rolls with the federal government paying 100 percent the first three years, then promising to pay 90 percent the following years. My largest concern is there is no guarantee that our government will follow through with their promise to pay. Assuming we someday send elected officials who decide to spend less than they take in, it is my belief this Medicaid expansion would fall on the taxpayers of Iowa.

State Employees Arbitration Decision Made We are so fortunate to have hard working Iowans working on our behalf. These are the people who teach our youth, work in prisons, work at Human Services, and snow plows our highways to name a few. Many put their lives on the line and for this I am very thankful. Last week after a months’-long negotiation, an arbiter decided on a two-year contract for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). AFSCME is Iowa’s largest union, representing 20,000 employees under this contract. Government workers will continue to receive free healthcare while the majority of hard-working Iowans pay for their medical coverage.

Improved Government Transparency Legislation was filed last week that took a step toward greater government accountability by making the lawmaking process more transparent to Iowans. The first bill requires a statement of Constitutional authority on all legislation filed by the General Assembly, while a complementary bill charges legislators with providing a statement of legislative intent in bills creating or expanding a program. Filing this legislation reminds all legislators of their duty to serve Iowans as the fiscal watchdog over the state budget and to reign in over-reaching government.

Iowa Drought Preparations As we have been clearing snow from the recent snow storms there is a silver lining, much needed moisture! Clean water is a precious commodity throughout the world and Iowa is fortunate to have an ample supply in most years. Iowans recognize the vital role that water plays in growing the economy and feeding the world. That is why the 2012 drought was particularly hard to stomach, as it affected everything from business and agriculture to municipal water supplies. Droughts have adverse effects on our state, and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources work diligently each year to provide accurate precipitation predictions. Last year statewide precipitation was about nine inches below normal and the state experienced one of the worst droughts in half a century. The DNR is predicting that in 2013 Iowa will have another situation during which demand for water exceeds supply, hopefully the recent storm and rains will continue; however it is important for Iowa to be appropriately prepared for a natural disaster of this sort.

Nutrient Reduction Strategy in Iowa We all should be thankful for the fruitful land that we live on here in Iowa. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy and has kept our economy strong. The livelihood of Iowa farmers depends on responsible land stewardship, and Iowa has excellent practices in place to ensure we retain soil nutrients and protect waterways. These practices allow Iowans greater control over land issues like nutrient reduction, and discourage the federal government from coming into the state and overregulating our businesses and agricultural practices. Iowa’s agriculture-driven economy will continue to thrive as we develop innovative solutions to deal with our problems.