From State Rep. Sharon Steckman:
We took a few more steps toward adjournment this week. While budget bills are making their way through the process, most are headed for conference committees in order to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions. The same is true of the Education Reform bill.
I have been assigned to that conference committee (SF 2284) and am looking forward to working toward the best practices possible for our kids, the school systems and our state. Both chambers want to address establishing competency-based education and changes to the Iowa Core curriculum. We also need to look at on-line learning (especially in light of the two schools that have recently begun open enrolling students on-line) and early childhood literacy. However, the two versions differ on how those issues would be addressed.
I am hopeful that we will be able to wind up the session sometime next week.
The House, Senate and Governor have largely agreed to a $6.2 billion budget next year, which will leave the state with another surplus and full savings accounts. Although we are close to a budget agreement, there are still some big issues on which we have to reach consensus before adjournment, including education reform, revamping of our mental health system and commercial property tax relief.
Note: The decision to force Iowans who need assistance with unemployment to call a toll-free number was reversed this week. People looking for work will continue to able to meet with a job counselor in person.
Capitol Visitors
I enjoyed sharing legislative experiences with Chloe Epley, the daughter of Dave Epley from the Democrat caucus staff, and niece of John and Dea Birtwistle of Mason City. My clerk, Bev Burns, also joined us for the picture in the Speakers well.
It’s hard to say goodbye to some of our legislators and friends, Representative Andrew Wenthe of West Union and Representative Janet Petersen of Des Moines who are moving on to new endevors outside of the Iowa House.
While walking back to the Statehouse after lunch one beautiful day, I found Cerro Gordo county. Be sure to look for it when you visit the statehouse!
Iowa Continues to Lead in Renewable Energy
With Iowa ranking 1st in ethanol, 2nd in wind energy, and 4th in biodiesel production, Iowa continues to be a world leader in renewable energy.
The American Wind Energy Association announced Iowa maintained the 2nd ranking nationally producing 4,322 megawatts of energy, or enough to power over 2 million homes for one year. The wind energy industry supports around 6,000 jobs in Iowa with all parts of wind turbines produced in Iowa at facilities in Newton, Ft. Madison, West Branch, and Cedar Rapids.
According to Iowa’s Economic Development Authority, Iowa’s biofuel industries have added $11.5 billion to Iowa’s economy, generated $2.3 billion in new household income, and created or supported over 70,000 Iowa jobs.
Iowa has a goal that 25 percent of all petroleum used in the formulation of gasoline be replaced by biofuels by the year 2020. Based on a formula to determine pure biofuels sales in Iowa, the Department of Revenue has reported that 9.7 percent of Iowa retail motor fuel sales in 2011 were biofuels, including 1.2 billion gallons of E10, 10.7 million gallons of E85, and 227.2 million gallons of biodiesel.
The Department of Revenue provided this information in their 2011 Retailers Motor Fuel Gallons Annual Report, found at here.
New Iowa Public Information Board
In an effort to provide transparency and accountability, the House gave approval this week for the creation of an Iowa Public Information Board to serve as an enforcement mechanism for Iowa’s open meetings and public records laws.
The board can receive complaints from Iowans and seek resolution through informal assistance or through mediation and settlement, investigation, determine probable cause, and prosecute violations in contested cases. The board can determine whether there have been an open meetings or public records violations from governmental entities and impose civil penalties and other appropriate remedies. They are also required to provide training and education regarding Iowa’s open meetings and public records laws.
The 9-member board will be appointed by the Governor and subject to Senate confirmation. No more than three members can be representatives from the media and no more than three can be representatives of cities, counties, and school boards. Appointments need to be politically balanced and gender balanced.
Initial members of the board are to be appointed by September 1, 2012.
Currently, complaints relating to open meetings and public records laws are handled by different state agencies. The Legislature’s Ombudsman Office handles many of these cases. In addition, some cases are handled by the State Attorney General’s Office, as well as internally by local entities. The Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board also told us they field some calls.
Senate File 430 now goes to the Senate, which is expected to accept the House changes.