From Senator Pam Jochum, Iowa Senate President –

This week, the Iowa Senate released a budget proposal that will expand Iowa’s middle class while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Our overall budget is equal to that proposed by Governor Branstad, saves taxpayer dollars and breaks this session’s on-going logjam on school funding.

Senate Democrats’ plan calls for a compromise 2.625 percent increase in state support for Iowa’s local schools. It also calls for a tuition freeze at our state universities for the third consecutive year and for fully funding property tax credits and a commercial property tax cut that is especially helpful to our small businesses.

Under Iowa law, the Legislature never spends more than 99 percent of what it takes in. In fact, this year’s Senate proposal is $149.1 million below that 99 percent mark. We use a cautious approach to determining how much to spend by looking at the recent revenue estimates of a nonpartisan panel of experts, then budget according to the more conservative estimate.

Each year, at least 1 percent of the state budget goes into savings accounts, which include a cash reserve fund and an economic emergency fund, funds that help with economic downturns or natural disasters.

With the budget proposal that Senate Democrats released for Fiscal Year 2016 (July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016), we expect to have a surplus of about $225 million when the fiscal year ends. In addition, our reserve funds will be full with $717 million, the largest amount in state history.

This budget proposal is sustainable, spends less than the state takes in, and invests in expanding Iowa’s middle class by helping workers gain new skills, improving Iowa schools and growing local businesses.

Read more at www.senate.iowa.gov/democrats/?p=20252

SCHOOL FUNDING FITS INTO STATE BUDGET PLANS

Senate Democrats continue to get public support for our compromise proposal to increase basic school funding next school year by 2.625 percent, exactly halfway between the original Senate and House proposals.

Unfortunately, legislative Republicans refuse to budge, despite widespread reports that their proposal for a meager 1.25 percent increase in school funding would result in more crowded classrooms, fewer course offerings and extracurricular activities, and higher property taxes.

The refusal of House Republicans to consider a compromise puts school districts in the impossible position of setting budget priorities before their April 15 deadline without knowing how much money they have to work with. In some school districts, layoff notices already are being sent to teachers and other school employees.

Senate Democrats released our overall state budget plan this week. Our plan proves that it is possible to invest in students and schools while maintaining fiscal responsibility. We are constantly raising expectations for students and educators. We must provide them the opportunities to meet those expectations through strong local schools focused on 21^stCentury learning. Please continue to make your voice heard on school funding that will prepare our students for the jobs, training and higher education to grow Iowa’s future.

SAFE, SECURE MEDICAL CANNABIS FOR SUFFERING IOWANS

Iowa took a first step last year to help those with epilepsy to legally use cannabis oil, which has been shown to dramatically reduce seizures and other complications.

A legislative committee studied our new law last fall and came to the conclusion that it is ineffective because families cannot get the medicine locally, requiring them to break laws or face financial, travel and other hardships to access it elsewhere.

This week, the Senate voted to address those deficiencies by passing SF 484. The legislation establishes a comprehensive, safe and secure medical cannabis program for Iowans seeking relief from debilitating medical conditions. Eleven medical conditions are eligible for the program, including cancer, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. A medical advisory board is established to recommend the future addition of other medical conditions and to provide oversight of the program.

To address one of the primary failures of last year’s law, four Iowa-based manufacturers will be licensed to produce medical cannabis and 12 dispensaries will be licensed across the state to provide local access. All facilities will be subject to inspection and strict security requirements. The Iowa Department of Public Health will determine the appropriate form and quantity of medical cannabis available to patients, but smoking of medical cannabis will be prohibited.

Establishing a more effective Iowa program is a responsible, compassionate alternative to help suffering Iowans, who currently must use legal but ineffective or dangerous medicines, break the law by obtaining medical cannabis illegally, or leave their homes, families and jobs to move to a different state. According to a recent Des Moines Register poll, Iowans strongly believe that their friends and neighbors with debilitating conditions deserve the same access to medicines already legally available to more than half of all Americans.

In response to the federal government’s failure to act, 23 states, including Minnesota and Illinois, have created regulated systems to provide their citizens with access to medical cannabis. Iowa can draw from the best of these state-level programs. It is time that suffering Iowans also have access to medical cannabis in a safe and secure manner.

HELPING IOWANS WITH DISABILITIES LIVE INDEPENDENTLY

The ABLE — Achieving a Better Life Experience — Act was approved by the U.S. Congress in December. It allows people with disabilities to establish tax-free savings trusts into which money can be deposited to pay for future disability-related expenses. To be eligible, the disabling condition must have occurred prior to age 26.

The trust can be used for expenses that help maintain health, self-sufficiency and quality of life, including modifications to a home to enhance independent living, specialized medical and dental care, education and transportation. These trusts are even more attractive because people with disabilities can save up to $100,000 in their account without losing eligibility for other services, including Social Security benefits.

Under current federal gift tax limitations, as much as $14,000 may be deposited annually. Donors can deduct deposits from income tax calculations, and any gains are protected from income taxes. Each state must create its own program before its residents can establish ABLE savings accounts.

The state Senate, through SF 439, is working to be sure that Iowa is ready to implement the program as soon as federal rules are finalized. Iowa’s program will be modeled after the College Savings Iowa 529 program and administered by the State Treasurer.

Learn more about the ABLE Act and the benefits of an ABLE account from the National Disabilities Institute at www.realeconomicimpact.org/News.aspx?id=460.

OTHER RECENTLY PASSED LEGISLATION

• SF 488> provides adequate funding for DNR’s air quality program, through a fee system for services to ensure businesses with emissions can get timely permits. It passed with bipartisan support and is now being considered by the Iowa House.
• HF 558 requires that those who are demonstrating and being disruptive must stay at least 1,000 feet away from a funeral service, procession, burial or memorial service. It has passed both chambers and is headed to the Governor’s desk.
• HF 414 will require businesses which provide services to veterans for a fee must disclose that veterans may apply for the benefits for free with the help from county offices and local service organizations The Senate and House both approved the bill unanimously and now goes to the Governor for his signature.