Vote for Iowa's Own Lynda Waddington in Blog Contest
By Seth Moomey
I would ask that each of you take one minute and help me put our friend Lynda Waddington at the top of this contest.. for those of you that do not know Lynda, she is a good friend of mine, a wonderful journalist and fellow Democrat. She runs a great blog, Essential Estrogen (see below). It is a great accomplishment in and of itself that her blog has been recognized in this contest and has made it this far, but I would be very appreciative of a minute of your time and the favor of your vote to push her to the top!
Regardless of your vote, please check out her blog (www.essentialestrogen.com). If you are interested in politics, and especially a woman's point of view, you won't be disappointed!
Thank you,
Seth Moomey
----- Forwarded Message ----
Sent: Friday, March 28, 2008 2:15:52 PM
Subject: Lynda Waddington is in the running to be the top WVWV female blogger!
In celebration of Women's History Month, WVWV (Women's Voices Women's Vote) honored female bloggers through our Women making History contest. The 10 most nominated bloggers are listed below - Vote for your favorite!
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Lynda Waddington, a former journalist and current small-business owner, is the creator and designer of Essential Estrogen. Throughout history, every significant societal shift toward a more equitable community has taken place because either a woman or group of women took action. Her blog is dedicated to the women of today ‚ especially fellow Iowans, who strive to bring the female attributes of integrity, cooperation and true compassion into our public policies.
Click here to vote for Lynda Waddington.
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Monday, March 31
Vote for Iowa's Own Lynda Waddington in Blog Contest
by
Sam Garchik
on Mon 31 Mar 2008 08:22 AM CDT
Saturday, March 29
Iowa House of Representatives Statehouse News -- March 27, 2008
by
Sam Garchik
on Sat 29 Mar 2008 08:24 AM CDT
Iowa House of Representatives Statehouse News -- March 27, 2008
By Mary Mascher INSIDE THIS EDITION Iowa 9th in Personal Income Growth School Sales Tax Passes Committee Governor Signs Tax Exemption for Federal Rebates Core Curriculum Bill Before House Legislature Passes Collective Bargaining Bill Two Identity Theft Bills Pass House Committee Effort to Constitutionally Protect Natural Resources Bill requires Minority Impact Statements Require Kids 12 and Under to Wear Life jackets Bill Sets Elections and Lengths of Certain Terms New State Regulation of Foreclosure Consultants Environmental Management Systems Passes House Judiciary Committee Approves Military Custody Bill More Iowans Eligible for State Disaster Aid Transportation Policy Bill Passes House Bill Addresses Crop Damage Caused by Deer Should the Channel Catfish Be the State fish? Veterans Affairs to Control Commemorative Property Judiciary Expands Residency for Judicial Nominees Great Places Forums and Timeline Set *********************************************** IOWA 9th IN PERSONAL INCOME GROWTH According to a new study by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), Iowa per capita personal income growth outpaced the national per capita growth average of 5.2 percent. In 2007, Iowa total per capita income surpassed Ohio and Oregon, moving the state from 29th to 27th in the nation. In the rankings provided by the BEA, Louisiana showed the highest jump in personal income growth at 9.2%. Iowans' income increased to $35,023 in 2007 from $33,038 in 2006. Iowa ranked 9th in personal income growth at 6%. Arizona and Tennessee had the lowest growth at 3%. The study indicated that farm income was higher in Iowa. This is why Iowa's growth was ranked 9th. *********************************************** SCHOOL SALES TAX PASSES COMMITTEE House File 2663, formerly House File 2066, passed the House Ways and Means Committee with bi-partisan support last Thursday night. This legislation would make the current one cent local option sales tax for schools a statewide sales tax. All the sales tax money will go into one "pot." It will be distributed out to school districts on a per pupil basis. The amount distributed in the first year, fiscal year 2009, is estimated to be $372 million to school districts. Another $28 million would be used for property tax relief and distributed out of the property tax equity and relief fund in fiscal year 2009. The bill is now eligible for debate by the full House. *********************************************** GOVERNOR SIGNS TAX EXEMPTION FOR FEDERAL REBATES Governor Culver signed legislation to exempt federal rebate checks from Iowa income taxes, saving Iowans $67.5 million. For most, the federal rebate is equal to their 2007 tax liability, up to $600 ($1,200 joint returns). The minimum is $300 ($600 joint) and there is an extra $300 per child eligible for the Child Tax Credit. Those with little or no tax bill may qualify for the minimum $300 rebate ($600 joint), with at least $3,000 in qualifying income. Senator Harkin Gets Help For Iowans Senator Tom Harkin said the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will open four locations this Saturday, March 29, to help Iowans who are eligible for a rebate but normally don't file an income tax return. This group includes many retirees, veterans and low-income workers. IRS offices that will be open from 9 am to 3 pm on Saturday, March 29th: Cedar Rapids - 425 Second St. SE Des Moines - 210 Walnut St. Sioux City - 3539 Southern Hills Drive Waterloo - 300 W. Third St. *********************************************** CORE CURRICULUM BILL BEFORE HOUSE Senate File 2216, the Iowa Model Core Curriculum bill, passed the House Education Committee this week. The bill would mandate a core curriculum for all accredited Iowa schools. Iowa is currently the only state that does not have any mandatory statewide measures or standards for curriculum and teaching. Senate File 2216 would achieve this, allowing Iowa to join the rest of the states to put measures in place. Senate File 2216 will require that all accredited public and accredited non-public schools adopt the model core curriculum. Right now, a model core curriculum exists but it is voluntary and schools do not have to adopt it. The Iowa Core Curriculum provides local school districts a guide to delivering instructional content that is challenging and meaningful to students. School districts have until 2010 to implement the Iowa Core Curriculum into all grades. The bill is now eligible for debate on the House floor. *********************************************** LEGISLATURE PASSES COLLECTIVE BARGAINING BILL House File 2645 expands the list of items that can be negotiated in the collective bargaining process for public employees. Currently, when contracts are negotiated between public employees and public employers, only certain subjects are required to be considered. Under the bill, public employees in a collective bargaining unit would now be allowed to discuss with management additional items. Iowa is one of seven states that have a "limited scope" for negotiations under collective bargaining. There are 34 states that allow bargaining for the terms and conditions of employment. This is called "open scope." There are nine states that do not allow collective bargaining at all. House File 2645 would allow open scope collective bargaining in Iowa. Currently the bill is being held by the Senate to give the Governor more time to consider the legislation. *********************************************** TWO IDENTITY THEFT BILLS PASS HOUSE COMMITTEE The House Commerce Committee passed two bills this week to protect Iowans from identify theft. The bills now go to the full House for consideration. Notice of Security Breach Senate File 2308 requires notification of consumers of a security breach involving personal information by the one who owns, maintains or otherwise has the information. Notice must include the date and description of the breach, type of data obtained, how to contact reporting agencies, and how to report suspected identity theft incidents to the Attorney General or local law enforcement. Senate File 2277 allows a consumer to request credit reporting agencies to freeze future release of their credit information. The request must be sent by certified mail, with proper identification and an application fee, if applicable. * The reporting agency must start the freeze within five business days after receiving the request. * Within 10 business days after starting the freeze, the reporting agency must send the consumer written confirmation and a personal ID number or password to use when authorizing suspension or removal of the freeze. The freeze remains in effect until the consumer requests that it be removed. The reporting agency must remove the freeze within three business days after receiving a request that includes proper identification, ID number or password, and payment of the applicable fee. *********************************************** EFFORT TO CONSTITUTIONALLY PROTECT NATURAL RESOURCES On a unanimous, bi-partisan vote, the House Natural Resources Committee adopted the resolution to add an amendment to Iowa's constitution to protect natural resources and outdoor recreation funding. The bill now goes to the full House for consideration. The Senate adopted the resolution last week. Senate Joint Resolution 2002 would have to pass the House this year, and pass the House and Senate again over the next two years, before it would go on the ballot for the general public to vote on. At the earliest, it would be on the November 2010 ballot. Senate Joint Resolution 2002 creates a natural resources and outdoor recreation trust fund for the purpose of protecting and enhancing water quality and natural areas in Iowa. This would include parks, trails, fish and wildlife habitat, and conserving agricultural soils. Moneys in this fund can only be used for these purposes. The intent is to credit 3/8th of 1¢ to the fund when the sales tax is increased, which would generate approximately $150 million. The Legislature is to establish the parameters for administration of the fund. *********************************************** BILL REQUIRES MINORITY IMPACT STATEMENTS House File 2393, which requires minority impact statements, passed the House 99-0 this week. The bill has two main parts regarding minority impact statements. Under current law, correctional impact statements must be attached to any bill, joint resolution, or amendment before debate in the Legislature. In addition, correctional impact statements are only required when a change in the law is proposed which creates a public offense; significantly changes an existing public offense or the penalty for an existing offense; or changes existing sentencing, parole, or probation procedures. House File 2393 adds the requirement that correctional impact statements must now include the impact of the legislation on minorities. Grant Applications Secondly, the bill requires that each application for a grant from a state agency must include a minority impact statement. For the purpose of the statements, minority is defined as individuals who are women, persons with a disability, Blacks, Latinos, Asians or Pacific Islanders, American Indians, and Alaskan Native Americans. In addition, grants from a state agency include grants from a department, board, bureau, commission, or other agency or authority of the State of Iowa. The bill will is now up for consideration by the Senate. *********************************************** REQUIRE KIDS 12 AND UNDER TO WEAR LIFE JACKETS To prevent kids from drowning from a boating accident, the House Natural Resources Committee adopted a bill that requires children 12 and under to wear their life jackets while boating. This law would mirror federal law. Current law requires that a life jacket for every person be in the boat, but they are not required to wear it. Iowa is one of only three states that currently do not require kids to wear their life jackets while boating. The National Transportation Safety Board has said the failure of wearing a life jacket can have fatal consequences. It is the leading cause of drowning fatalities. Senate File 203 requires the children to wear the life jacket only while the boat is moving. They also do not need to wear them in an enclosed cabin or below deck, or if they are a passenger on a commercial boat with a capacity of 25 people or more. A one-year warning period is provided so that if the bill is signed into law, officers can only issue warning citations for the first year. After that, there would be a $25 fine. Senate File 203 is now before the full House for consideration. *********************************************** BILL SETS ELECTIONS AND LENGTHENS CERTAIN TERMS Due to concerns that the number of special elections is increasing that, in turn, increases the costs to taxpayers, the Iowa House passed legislation to limit the number of special elections held in Iowa. House File 2620 received bipartisan support from the House on Monday, March 24, passing on a vote of 79 - 21. According to the Secretary of State's office, there have been 409 special elections in the state since January 2006. Polk County taxpayers alone have spent more than $1 million on elections since January 2006 - more than one-third has been spent on 16 special elections at a cost of $334,059. Linn County has held 12 special elections since 2006 costing taxpayers $106,602. As approved by the House, cities, counties and schools can hold special elections on four dates per year. This bill also changes the terms of elected school board members and directors of merged areas from three years to four years, responds to a lawsuit brought against the state by the Green and Libertarian parties dealing with voter registration, and makes changes relating to challenges to a person's qualifications when registering to vote. *********************************************** NEW REGULATION OF FORECLOSURE CONSULTANTS The House passed legislation designed to stop abuses involving mortgage foreclosure consultants. House File 2653 now goes to the Senate for its consideration. A foreclosure consultant is one who, for a fee, offers to help a homeowner avoid foreclosure. They are prohibited from: * Accepting compensation until all services are performed. * Charging more than an annual 8% of the amount of any loan made to the homeowner. * Taking a property lien, wage assignment, or other security to ensure payment by the homeowner. * Accepting third-party payment in connection with services, unless disclosed to the homeowner. * Acquiring interest in a home from an owner with whom the consultant contracted. * Accepting a power of attorney from an owner, except to inspect documents as provided by law. * Inducing an owner to enter into a contract not in compliance with the requirements of this bill. * Accepting payment for promising to negotiate a loan or modify a real estate contract without successfully doing so. * Trying to prohibit the borrower from contacting any lender, servicer, government entity, or any other person helping the consumer. All remedies under Iowa's Consumer Fraud Act are available to the homeowner either by a legal action filed by the Iowa Attorney General or by the homeowner for violations of the bill. If the court finds a violation occurred, it shall award the owner actual damages, equitable relief, and court costs and attorney fees. In addition, a violator commits a serious misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of from $315 to $1,875 and up to one year in prison. *********************************************** ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS PASSES HOUSE House File 2570, which establishes the designation of Environmental Management Systems (EMS), passed the Iowa House 96-0 this week. The purpose of the bill is to encourage responsible environmental management and solid waste disposal and to enhance efforts to promote environmental stewardship. EMS Designation The EMS is defined as a solid waste planning area as designated by Iowa Code. This also includes a designated planning area that is providing multiple environmental services in addition to solid waste disposal and that is planning on the continuous improvement of solid waste management by appropriately and aggressively mitigating the environmental impacts of solid waste disposal. To qualify for designation as an EMS, a solid waste planning area must actively pursue all of the following: * Yard Waste Management * Hazardous Household Waste Collection * Water Quality Improvement * Greenhouse Gas Reduction * Recycling Services * Environmental Education House File 2570 also establishes the Comprehensive Recycling Planning Task Force. The purpose of the task force is to study and make recommendations for the planning and implementation of comprehensive statewide recycling programs, including an evaluation of the current beverage container control law, also known as the Bottle Bill. The bill now moves over to the Iowa Senate for consideration. *********************************************** JUDICIARY COMMITTEE APPROVES MILITARY CUSTODY BILL The House Judiciary Committee passed Senate File 2214 this week. The bill makes changes to modifications of child custody orders when the child's parent is serving in the active duty military. The bill provides that if an application for modification of a child custody order is filed while a parent is serving on active military duty , the court may only enter a temporary child custody order only if there is clear and convincing evidence that the change is in the best interest of the child. When the parent that was serving on active duty returns from service, the bill requires the court to reinstate the custody order that was in effect just before the parent was deployed. Finally, the bill provides that if an application for modification of child custody is filed after a parent returns from active duty, the parent's absence due to active duty cannot be considered a substantial change in circumstances and the court cannot consider the parent's absence to due active duty in determining the best interests of the child. Senate File 2214 must now be considered by the entire House. *********************************************** MORE IOWANS ELIGIBLE FOR STATE DISASTER AID If the Governor declares a disaster, such as a winter storm, flooding, or a tornado, low-income Iowans are eligible for state grants to reimburse the costs of repairs of storm-damaged property, home repair, temporary housing, and food. Last year, the Legislature authorized up to $1 million a year for this individual assistance disaster aid grant program. House File 2564 increases eligibility from an annual income of 130% of the federal poverty level to 200% of the federal poverty level. This means individuals with an income of up to $20,800 or a family of four with an income of up to $42,400 will now be eligible for state assistance. The bill also increases the maximum grant award from $3,319 to $5,000, with uninsured structure repair allowable up to the maximum of $5,000. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration. *********************************************** TRANSPORTATION POLICY BILL PASSES HOUSE The Department of Transportation policy bill, House File 2651, passed the House this week. The bill creates a new four-year private college or university special license plate. After an application is submitted by a private four-year college or university located in Iowa, the Department of Transportation will work with the institution to design a license plate that displays the colors associated with that institution. The new private college or university license plates will cost $25, in addition to the regular annual fee. The private college or university plates can be personalized. The bill also allows both the new four-year private college or university plates and the already established state university plates to be displayed on not only motor vehicles and trailers, but also motor trucks, motor homes, and multipurpose vehicles. *********************************************** BILL ADDRESSES CROP DAMAGE CAUSED BY DEER The House gave final approval this week on a bill that establishes a depredation management program to help farmers address the problems they are having from deer. Legislators have heard from farmers regarding the devastation deer are causing to their crops and how this is affecting their livelihood. Senate File 2328 requires the Department of Natural Resources to make deer depredation hunting licenses available to resident hunters. These licenses allow the hunting of does on farmers' property during the hunting seasons. A landowner who incurs crop, horticultural product, tree, or nursery damage in excess of $1,000 or more, due to wildlife, is to enter into a depredation management agreement with DNR. The producers will be issued a set number of licenses from the department. These licenses are available to hunters for that farmer's property. Deer shooting permits must also be available from DNR. These permits may be used outside the established deer hunting seasons on the farmers' property. *********************************************** SHOULD THE CHANNEL CATFISH BE THE STATE FISH? Once again, the House Natural Resources Committee thinks the channel catfish should be the state fish of Iowa. The committee unanimously approved Senate Joint Resolution 2 and moved the bill to the full House for consideration. The full House would have to approve the bill before it would become law. The Senate unanimously adopted the resolution last year. The resolution directs the Department of Cultural Affairs to display pictures and representations of the channel catfish in an appropriate place in the State Historical Museum. It also directs the editor of the Iowa official register to include an appropriate picture and commentary in the Iowa official register, along with the pictures of the state rock, state flower, state bird, and state tree. ********************************************** VETERAN AFFAIRS TO CONTROL COMMEMORATIVE PROPERTY The House Veteran Affairs Committee approved Senate File 2333, which would expand control over all Veteran's commemorative property to the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs. Currently the Department of Veteran Affairs has control over commemorative property in cemeteries if the commemorative property is 75 years old or older. The bill would expand control to veteran's commemorative property placed in all locations and the commemorative property no longer needs to be over 75 years old. The bill defines veterans' commemorative property as memorials including headstones, plaques, statues, urns, decorations, flag holders, badges, shields, items of memorabilia, or other embellishments that commemorates any veteran or group of veterans, including any veterans' organization or any military unit, company, battalion, or division. The bill allows the Department of Veteran Affairs to control the sale, trade, or transfer of the property. The bill is now eligible for consideration of the entire Iowa House of Representatives. *********************************************** JUDICIARY EXPANDS RESIDENCY FOR JUDICIAL NOMINEES The House Judiciary Committee passed Senate File 2211 making the bill eligible for consideration by the entire House. Senate File 2211 removes the requirements that a nominee for district judge reside in the judicial district prior to nomination for appointment. Under the bill, as in current law, a nominee would have to become a resident of the judicial district upon appointment by the Governor to serve as a district judge for that district. The idea behind the bill is to assure the most qualified candidates are able to apply for district judicial openings. The bill could allow additional applicants in areas of the state that have had difficulty filling open district judge positions. The judicial nominating commission is made up of individuals from each of these judicial districts, and this legislation would allow these commissions to weigh the qualifications of applicants against the an applicant's ties to the district. *********************************************** GREAT PLACES FORUMS The Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) will host four Iowa Great Places regional forums March 31-April 3, 2008, to discuss program information, the application process, grant funding, and the Great Places Citizen Advisory Board's expectations. The Iowa Great Places regional forums will be: Storm Lake - March 31, 8:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m., King's Pointe Waterpark Resort, 1520 E. Lakeshore Drive. Corning - April 1, 8:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m., Midwest Opportunity House, 407 8th Street, 3rd Floor, Turner Room. West Union - April 2, 8:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m., Country Hills Community Golf, Restaurant, & Lounge, 10280 Echo Valley Road. Albia - April 3, 8:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m., Albia Area Chamber of Commerce, 18 South Main Street. So far, 40 projects and 120 people have already applied for the forums. RSVPs are required for the events by contacting DCA at francis.boggus@iowa.gov, or by calling (515) 281-691. Agendas for each forum are available at the Iowa Great Place's Web site. Friday, March 28
Save This Date, APRIL 10, For PCCI Meeting
by
Sam Garchik
on Fri 28 Mar 2008 08:15 AM CDT
Save This Date, APRIL 10, For PCCI Meeting
By PCCI Friends and Fellow Progressives, The Progressive Coalition of Central Iowa, with its across-the-state affiliations, will hold its spring assembly on Thursday, April 10, at 7:00 in the evening at the Northwest Community Center at 5110 Franklin Avenue (next door to the Franklin Public Library) in Des Moines. The purpose of this general meeting is twofold: (1) The assembly will bring together representatives from many progressive groups in central Iowa to briefly share in person with the assembly the mission and planned projects of each group and to distribute their groups' descriptive and promotional materials. On behalf of the PCCI Board of Directors I INVITE YOU TO REPRESENT YOUR ORGANIZATION AND/OR SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO THIS EVENT. (2) The assembly will hear a report and recommendations from the PCCI Board of Directors to enhance the function of the Coalition in order to better serve the progressive community and its goals. In addition, we will also be accepting nominations of persons from participating groups (nominees do not have to be present) to serve two year terms on the PCCI Board of Directors. You may nominate yourself or any active member of your organization. All nominations will be processed by the PCCI Nominating Committee. Elections will take place in the fall of this year. Vern Naffier Board President The Progressive Coalition of Central Iowa, Inc. www.iowaprogressives.org Progressives make progress by working together Thursday, March 27
Rally for Conservation!
by
Sam Garchik
on Thu 27 Mar 2008 01:00 PM CDT
Rally for Conservation!
By Lynn Laws, Communications Director, Iowa Environmental Council Join others at the Statehouse on April 9! Please join other Iowans for a rally at the statehouse, in Des Moines, on April 9, to advocate in support of SJR-2002, the bill to establish a constitutionally-protected trust fund for natural resouces and outdoor recreation in Iowa. For many years, Iowa has failed to commit the funds necessary to protect and enhance Iowa's natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities. There are serious unmet needs before Iowa will have healthy water, land and wildlife. This bill, SJR 2002 (formerly SSB 3250), is an important initial step helping us reverse this trend. It begins the process of establishing a trust fund to protect our natural resources and invest in outdoor recreation by amending Iowa's constitution to guarantee that revenue generated by the next 3/8 of one cent increase in Iowa's sales tax must be dedicated to protect and enhance water quality, natural areas, including parks and trails, fish and wildlife habitat, and soil conservation. The fund would be constitutionally protected in the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund, audited annually and cannot be spent for any other purpose. SJR 2002 is the result of two years of research and study led by bi-partisan members of the Iowa legislature along with many of the state's leading conservation, environmental, sportsmen, and agriculture advocates. It is important to understand what this legislation does and what it doesn't do... What it does • It ensures that IF the legislature raises the sales tax, 3/8 of a cent must be dedicated to enhancing our state's natural resources What it doesn't do • This bill does not raise taxes, nor does it give voters the ability to raise the sales tax-only the legislature can do that. • Even if this constitutional amendment is adopted, only the legislature can approve the sales tax increase that would be needed to provide funding This constitutional amendment is a promise to Iowans of healthier water quality and wildlife and a top-notch system of parks and trails. It's our promise that Iowa's natural resources will be here for future generations. I hope you can join us at the rally. Rally participants must first meet in the auditorium of the State Historical Bldg., at 9:30 a.m., April 9, to receive information and to talk about how to discuss this bill with Legislators. After that, we'll go up the Hill to the Capitol so that folks can speak face to face with their Representatives. It would be great to have folks from all 100 House districts. We are hoping to involve a minimum of 200 Iowans----the more the better. If you are unable to get to Des Moines for the morning, please consider calling your Representative that day to encourage him or her to support this legislation. Wednesday, March 26
Follow Up on CAFO Bill: Iowans’ Protests Stall Odor Study Bill
by
Sam Garchik
on Wed 26 Mar 2008 08:59 AM CDT
Follow Up on CAFO Bill: Iowans’ Protests Stall Odor Study Bill
By ICCI Bill Pulled from House Debate amid Calls from Hundreds Hundreds of members of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement and Iowans from across the state contacted their legislators and pushed key House leaders to say no to the odor study bill, HF2652 & SF2362, just prior to the debate in the House last night, which led to its stalled passage and move to the House Appropriations Committee. Because House leadership did not want a divisive debate, the bill’s move to the Appropriations Committee will likely stall the bill, keeping it alive beyond the March 28 funnel. “This was a huge victory,” said CCI member Norma Countryman of Des Moines. “Our legislators know that Iowans are tired of handing over our taxpayer dollars to factory farms so that they might begin to fix the problems they create. Twenty-three million taxpayer dollars should not fund an unnecessary study.” “The odor study is simply a stall tactic for factory farms to avoid enforcing clean air standards,” said CCI member Vern Tigges from Carroll. “Studies have already been done that have shown we need clean air standards for hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, which are toxic to our health. Our legislators have heard this message loud and clear.” At a meeting March 4 in which CCI members met with Governor Culver, where he heard concerns from Iowans on the proposed $23 million odor study for which taxpayers would foot the bill, Culver was open to other methods of improving our state’s air and water quality, “Maybe we could use [the money] for something else.” Members of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement say they will continue to contact their legislators, specifically the Appropriations Committee, to not pass the odor study bill. They will also lobby their legislators at the Capitol April 1. Tuesday, March 25
URGENT -- Your call or email needed TODAY: Funding for Natural Resources Facing Stiff Opposition in Iowa House
by
Sam Garchik
on Tue 25 Mar 2008 08:56 AM CDT
URGENT -- Your call or email needed TODAY: Funding for Natural Resources Facing Stiff Opposition in Iowa House
By Leigh Adcock Take Action! Please Call or Email Your Representative Today! SJR 2002, a bill which establishes a trust fund to protect our natural resources and invest in outdoor recreation, passed the House Natural Resources Committee on March 24, and will be up for a vote in the House as early as Wednesday, March 26. Your calls, emails and letters to your Representatives are needed NOW. For many years, Iowa has failed to commit the funds necessary to protect and enhance Iowa's natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities. There are serious unmet needs before Iowa will have healthy water, land and wildlife. This bill, SJR 2002, is an important initial step helping us reverse this trend. It establishes a trust fund to protect our natural resources and invest in outdoor recreation by amending Iowa's constitution to guarantee that revenue generated by the next 3/8 of one cent increase in Iowa's sales tax must be dedicated to protect and enhance water quality, natural areas including parks and trails, fish and wildlife habitat, and soil conservation. The fund would be constitutionally protected in the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund, audited annually and cannot be spent for any other purpose. SJR 2002 is the result of two years of research and study led by bi-partisan members of the Iowa legislature along with many of the state's leading conservation, environmental, sportsmen, and agriculture advocates. It is important to understand what this legislation does and what it doesn't do... What it does * It ensures that IF the legislature raises the sales tax, 3/8 of a cent must be dedicated to enhancing our state's natural resources What it doesn't do * This bill does not raise taxes, nor does it give voters the ability to raise the sales tax-only the legislature can do that. * Even if this constitutional amendment is adopted, only the legislature can approve the sales tax increase that would be needed to provide funding This bill was has already passed the Senate, but is facing stiff opposition in the House. Please call or email your representative today and tell him or her that this constitutional amendment is a promise to Iowans of healthier water quality and wildlife and a top-notch system of parks and trails. It's our promise that Iowa's natural resources will be here for future generations. Monday, March 24
ACTION ALERT on CAFOs
by
Sam Garchik
on Mon 24 Mar 2008 08:09 AM CDT
ACTION ALERT on CAFOs
By the IFU LEGISLATORS ARE NOW MAKING DECISIONS ON THE BUDGET FOR 2008-09 . I HOPE YOU WILL ALL TAKE THE TIME THIS WEEK TO CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS, GOV. CULVER AND LT. JUDGE TO URGE THEM NOT TO FUND THE ODOR STUDY. THIS WILL COST THE TAXPAYERS OF IOWA $22.8 MILLION OVER 5 YEARS. LET THE INDUSTRY PAY. OVER THE NEXT 5 YEARS APPROXIMATELY 2550 NEW CAFOS (450 A YEAR ACCORDING TO DNR DIRECTOR LEOPOLD) WILL BE BUILT WHILE THE STATE DOES NOTHING TO RAISE STANDARDS. THERE IS NOT EVEN A GUARANTEE THAT NEW REQUIREMENTS WILL BE REQUIRED AFTER THE STUDY IS CONCLUDED. EMAIL the governor and lt. governor Gov. Culver's email is chet.culver@iowa.gov Lt. Gov. Judge's email is patty.judge@iowa.gov Saturday, March 22
EMMA ROCKS!
by
Sam Garchik
on Sat 22 Mar 2008 08:18 AM CDT
EMMA ROCKS!
By Karen Kubby Emma Rocks! is a fun and exciting musical event to benefit the Emma Goldman Clinic. It is a participatory musical competition to be held on Saturday March 29 from 7pm-9pm at the historic Englert Theatre in downtown Iowa City. 11 performances will be included in this competition. Performances are from a broad spectrum of musical genres from folk to jazz pop to alternative sex rock by performers ranging from high school to middle aged. This fundraising event is a collaborative effort between the Emma Goldman Clinic, the Englert Theatre, Summer of the Arts, Creative Connections, United Action for Youth, Dave Zollo, Community Television Services, The Guitar House, and J Frahm Music. The audience will vote for the top three performances at the March 29th event. A panel of judges will chose the winner of Emma Rocks! Judges are Mayor Regenia Bailey, former high school music teacher and community theater actor; Nikki Lunden, local singer and songwriter; and Sam Schlesinger, United Action for Youth volunteer. Winners will receive a prize including main stage time at the Iowa Arts Fest and a feature story in Creative Connections magazine; a demo CD produced by Dave Zollo in the music studios of United Action for Youth and a music video produced by Community Television Services; an Arbor acoustic guitar provided by J Frahm Music and guitar lessons from Bill Hook, owner of The Guitar House. Tickets are available at the Englert Theatre Box Office and are $15 for adults ($21 the night of the show) and $9 for students, seniors, and those living on lower incomes ($11 the night of the show). The Englert Theatre Box Office is located in the theater at 221 E. Washington Street and is open Monday – Friday from 1-6pm. Tickets can be purchased over the phone at (319) 688-2653, extension 1. For more information, contact Toni or Karen at the Emma Goldman Clinic by calling 319-337-2111 or go to <http://www.emmagoldman.com/>www.emmagoldman.com. Performer list: * Marv Hain, Jr. playing folk. * Factor X, made up of Joe Anderson, Jake Anderson, Dan Powers, and Miles Newkirk playing hard rock. * Jeffery Morgan playing folk. * Megan Kalb, playing folk. * Iron Hymen, made up of Karl Gronwall and Lindsay DeLand playing alternative sex rock. * Greg and Jean Thompson playing roots folk. * The Nonoxyl-9 made up of Dave Collins, Diane Machatka, Pete Hammond, and Sam Hammond playing jazz pop. * Truthhawk playing original reggae pop. * Pigs in Clover made up of Jamie Frederickson and Matt Kearney folk swamp rock. * Family Van, made up of Lisa Kattchee, Laura Kelley, Lisa Preciado, and David Luthor, playing noise pop. * Blue Cat Alley made up of Kate Thompson, Tom Laughrin, David Bordow, Steve Jeffries, Mark Soth, and Beth Payne playing blues-rock. |
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