Children
Young People Leaving Iowa
In a report issued Monday on Iowa employment one of the down notes sounded concerned Iowa’s young (25 – 44) workers leaving the state. This is hardly a new phenomenon. Young people have been leaving Iowa for decades. Yet for some reason it feels different this time.
We have some skin in this particular game. Our children are in that age group. When time came for them to seek careers and opportunities, Iowa just didn’t step up to the bar. With the internet opening doors that probably would not have been available years earlier, they were able to evaluate offers in a less emotional way than ealier generations may have been able to.
When offers were made, Iowa offers usually came in lower. Benefits were also more attractive elsewhere. Putting aside their desire to stay near home, they made decisions based on wages offered, plus benefits, plus future possibilities. Sadly, Iowa employers’ offers were not even in the ballpark.
Iowa businesses are going to the legislature looking for property tax relief. The claim is that if their property taxes are relieved, businesses that are here will stay, and other businesses will flock in especially on our borders. My gut tells me that won’t happen. For one thing, Iowa is far from the only state playing the give away to business game in the midwest. But the other thing is that businesses generally pop up where people live, and businesses that are already based in other states are most likely there because of clientele or because of some other advantage the location gives them.
So when Iowa’s young and talented decide to move out of Iowa because the wages and/or benefits do not compete, they become customers in another area and the money that they spend is not spent in Iowa. This then strengthens the customer base in another area.
A couple of things that Iowa definitely has going for it are the education system and the general amenities of a more rural lifestyle. But to keep the young and talented here they must compete in wages and benefits. Cutting taxes for businesses is going to do nothing to increase the customer base in Iowa, especially when many other states are playing that same game.
With the cutbacks in wages and benefits throughout the economy, young people must watch out for themselves. Especially since there has also been a huge cutback in education funding for post-secondary education. Many, many students now come out of college in debt up to their eyeballs, so they must get the highest price they can for their labors. From what we have experienced, Iowa businesses are unwilling to do that.
Tags: Sorrow
One of the worst tragedies that can befall anyone is the loss of a child.
Blogforiowa wishes to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the senseless shootings in Connecticut yesterday.
We hope that some good will come out of this tragedy.
We hope something like this never happens again in America or anywhere else.
Black Friday Antidote – Fighting Hunger
Once again we are at the time of year when we hear about the extravagances of living in the material world. People fighting over TVs, shoppers descending on stores in the middle of the night to fight over some gee-gaw that will eventually sit in a corner of the house or more likely will be thrown out in a couple of years.
We hear these stories hyped hour after hour on our media and we begin to wonder where are the people who care in this country? Where are those who give back? Where is the soul of this country that still as a nation has so much more that others?
Well we found such people and such a group the other day and it makes me feel good to have a chance to tell folks about it. Carol and I work with a small local group called Dream Catchers in West Liberty. One of the things we hope we can inspire the Dreamers with is that they are part of a larger world and they are expected to give back to the world. One of our mentors set us up with a great opportunity to do so the other night.
We were set up to help package meals for an organization known as “Kids Against Hunger.” Kids Against Hunger (I will use the initials KAH here on out) began about a dozen years ago by an engineer named Richard Proudfit in New Hope Minnesota. Mr. Proudfit worked for years to come up with a way to ship highly nutritious food in small containers to kids of the world and their families. He developed a small plastic package that contained dehydrated vegetables, soy protein, rice and 27 vitamins that could survive shipment around the world. The contents of that little package contained 6 meals at a total cost of $1.50 or 25 cents a meal.
Proudfit encountered many hurdles while developing his cheap, high nutrition meals and the distribution systems. The last hurdle was the need for constant expansion of the workforce to put the meals together. This is where we come in.
The packing system is a simple set up that involves a few pieces, a small amount of training and of course the meal supplies. So last Monday the Dream Catchers organization, mentors and students, met at a local church hall to be trained and to package KAH meals.
West Liberty, Iowa is one of the most interesting towns in Iowa. One of the hallmarks of West Liberty is that people are involved. They are involved in many activities that help make life better for the community. As Iowa’s only minority majority city, people of West Liberty learned long ago that we need to work together to survive or surely we will all sink. In that spirit some local folks became what is known as a wing unit of KAH. As a wing unit they have equipment and host packing groups as often as they can. So at 7PM we traipsed out to the First Church United community room and by 7:15 we were packing meals. All we needed was 12 people and an hour of time and some minor skills.
Let me interject here that KAH is not a religious group. Their mission is to feed starving children around the world. Period. Churches in small towns are often one of few place to gather. And while many may think that you should be religious to join in one of these groups, believe me all you need is a desire to help people. While I seldom discuss it, I am as far from religious as they come.
So we packed and it was fun. We had kids from age 9 to 15 and a smattering of adults. In one hour we packed 10 full cases of meals. So in total that was 2,160 meals (6 meals per packet X 36 packets per case X 10 cases). And we felt like we had really accomplished something, because we had accomplished something big.
Here comes the pitch. As soon as I heard the story of KAH that night my first thought was “I have to tell people about this group.” I have a small bullhorn here and I am taking that privilege to sound off. If you have a group looking to make a difference I daresay you would be hard pressed to find a more rewarding vehicle.
If you are in the eastern Iowa area, you can give one of our local KAH leaders a call. Syd Harned can be reached at 319-627-2643 or Bill Koellner at 319-627-4138. If you live elsewhere in Iowa go here to contact the state leaders:
http://www.kidsagainsthungeria.com/contact-us
And if you live elsewhere in the country, I am sure the folks in New Hope would love to hear from you Go here to contact them:
http://www.kidsagainsthunger.org/contact_us.shtml
Let me add that sadly some of the food packages are distributed in the United States. So if you are focused on helping in the United States, KAH works here also.
By the way the website for KAH in Iowa is here: http://www.kidsagainsthungeria.com/
Christmas 2011 – To My Grandson
Josh,
Your Grandmother and I have lived many years. Your life is just beginning. As I look ahead for you, I hope fervently that America and mankind as a whole ends the greed and the unsubstantiated hate that once again takes us to the brink of destruction.
We have lived through a time that was in the beginning one of excitement for what the future could bring. We were part of that generation born after the end of the most destructive conflict ever. Horrors of hate were unleashed during that war that forced world leadership to confront finally how truly damaging it can be.
But unfortunately, when the generation dies out that suffered the scars of war, the memory of the true horror of war is hard to keep alive. Your great-Grandfather fought in that war. He would never speak of it. His medals lay in a drawer never to be seen until the day he died.
Yet out of that horror came the great push that finally would propel man to help his fellow man to a decent life despite poverty or background. Through education, healthcare reform, collective bargaining and political involvement, slowly even painfully barriers were slowly broken and America in particular could see a time when the good of the whole country, not just a few would predominate.
Sadly as we got generations from the great war, memories faded. The greed, the avarice, the hate had never left. It can never be conquered. The best we can ever hope is that through constant vigilance we can keep its destructive forces at bay. Sadly we let it escape and once again it is loose in the world creating the conditions where few are privileged and many are oppressed to some degree or another.
But my greatest hope is that this is the United States of America. Over its life, America has had many attempts at takeover by the rich. But it seems when things look darkest, the people, who actually run this country stand up and say “NO.” It looks as if we are at such a point now.
My hope is that we bequeath to you a country that once again reaches back to its egalitarian roots. A country where there is a basic living standard for all and that affords a decent life. A country where basic goods are held in common for all, not held in private and sold only to those who can afford such a commodity. A country where people no longer die from lack of health care, nor starvation, nor from being the wrong color.
All this is within our reach. We have more than enough resources to accomplish this. The question is, do we or will we ever have the political will to stand up and say “Enough!”? No more stupid, wasteful wars. No more turning commons over to private individual for only them to profit on, no more homeless people in a land of plenty, plenty, plenty.
This is what we want to ultimately give you. We don’t have it today. You see, we are working on it. Have been for quite a while. And it is not like building a swing set or a playhouse. It will never be done. But we will work and work and work hoping that at least you can use it one day.
But others will always be trying to stop our work and destroy what we have built. We won’t let them. We will work with our friends day in and day out to get things ready for you when you are old enough to take over.
Oh, and you will still get toys from us. Toys to spur the imagination. Because some day someone has to pilot that first trip to Mars. It may as well be you. There are diseases to conquer, it may as well be you that does it.
Let me leave you with some great words to always carry with you. Words that will always remind you that whatever you do you must keep seeking:
“Some men see things as they are and say why.
I dream things that never were and say why not.”
These words were from a great American named Robert Kennedy. I hope our memory of him never fades.
Iowa State Capitol News – Weekend Recap
Iowa
State Capitol News – Weekend Recap
State Capitol News – Weekend Recap
by Paul Deaton
[Editors'
Note: Following is a weekly recap of stories from Des Moines that
came through the Weekend Editor's in-box in the ninth week of the
legislative session. Check out the House Democrats page for a
different take on the week here.
Senate Democrats are here.
Watch for this feature every Saturday while the legislature is in
session.] House Debates Wisconsin “Lite” HF 525 The Iowa House of Representatives debated House File 525, an act relating to public employee collective bargaining, for three days this week, including a long procedural debate on Thursday. House Democrats have proposed more than a hundred amendments, but seem unlikely to wear down the Republican Majority. Supporters of the bill say that it does not impact most collective bargaining, except that union represented public employees should start paying $100 per month co-pay on their health insurance. If it is that simple, why doesn't Governor Branstad sit down with the union and negotiate this in the next contract?
Closer to the truth is that the bill would further dismantle the power of the union by creating a “free agent employee” status whereas a public employee would not have to join the union, as is currently the case. However, the union would also have no obligation to negotiate for or defend that employee in pay matters and in the event of a grievance. Unions used this argument in a failed attempt to pass a “fair share” bill that would levy a fee for services rendered to public employees who did not join the union. Republicans listened and seek to remedy the situation in a way that infringes on the rights of all government workers. The measure passed the House 58-38 along party lines and is now headed for the Senate cemetery.
Where are the Jobs?
One hoped that after the first funnel, the Republican House majority would turn their focus to creation of jobs and economic development in the state. No, they did not. Instead, for the third time this year, they passed a measure to dismantle Iowa's statewide preschool initiative for more than 20,000 four year old children. They also revived a bill that would would allow Iowans to carry a concealed weapon without a permit, something that is opposed by the law enforcement community. The concealed weapons measure would enable Iowans with mental health issues to carry a concealed weapon, something that even the pro-gun state of Alaska does not do. A source familiar with the daily action in the house reported that on the gun issue, opponents to the measure, outside law enforcement, do not seem engaged in the debate. That aside, where is the discussion of jobs for Iowans who need them? In divided government, House Republicans are expected to cast blame on the Senate and accomplish little with regard to jobs.
Senate Cranks Out the Legislation
On Thursday, the Iowa Senate passed 16 bills and sent them to the house. Many of them passed unanimously, and they covered subjects like child support, tourism, high school graduation requirements, prevention of sexual abuse of children, sewage disposal systems, the educational needs of children who are deaf or hard of hearing and more. There were a few where there was dispute and in those bills, the Senate divided mostly along party lines. Thus far during the session, the action in the Iowa Senate seems calm and rational compared to the House. To check out the Thursday action in more detail, see the Senate Journal for March 10 here. Controversy is sure to come to the Senate as the session grinds down to the finish, at least that is what Senate watchers like the author are hoping.
Governor Branstad Hits Media
The Branstad-Reynolds office announced that Governor Branstad will resume his monthly call in show on WHO Radio in Des Moines. His decision to support a station that is home to Rush Limbaugh and Michael Medved is not surprising, given that right wing ideology dominates the public air waves in Iowa and there are few alternatives. Because of the reach and demographics of the station, progressives also attempt to get air time on WHO. A source familiar with the 2010 Culver-Judge campaign indicated that when the former governor's policies would be dissected by a right wing talker on-air, his campaign commercials would immediately follow. Since the fairness doctrine is gone, WHO is under no obligation to offer equal time to views opposing Governor Branstad.
In other media news, the Governor's special assistant for Education, Linda Fandel started an education blog here. Progressives interested in education should consider following the blog as it is expected to reflect the broader ideology of the Branstad administration regarding education policy. Too, knowledge about the administration's views equates to power during the next election cycle.
~Paul Deaton is a native Iowan living in rural Johnson County and weekend editor of Blog for Iowa. E-mail Paul Deaton
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Iowa State Capitol News – Weekend Recap
Iowa
State Capitol News – Weekend Recap
State Capitol News – Weekend Recap
by Paul Deaton
[Editors'
Note: Following is a weekly recap of stories from Des Moines that
came through the Weekend Editor's in-box in the sixth week of the
legislative session. Check out the House Democrats page for a
different take on the week here.
Senate Democrats are here.
Watch for this feature every Saturday while the legislature is in
session.]
Tobacco Lobby Hard at Work
When asked what is the difference between the tobacco companies and other multinational corporations on Wednesday, Dr. Christopher Squier, an oral pathologist at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, answered that there is no difference, except that their product and methods are immoral. Squier, an outspoken advocate for tobacco use cessation, indicated that members of the current House Majority accepted $450,000 in contributions from tobacco interests during the 2010 midterm elections. First you are hearing about it? The money was laundered through third party organizations as the tobacco interests prefer to hide in the shadows. While their money and influence can be expected this session, their physical presence will likely not be found on the capitol grounds. In the target zone this session are programs that benefit Iowans like Just Eliminate Lies (JEL) and Quitline Iowa. In the meanwhile, partly through the efforts of Squier and the coalition he helped build, the percentage of smokers in the state has dropped from 18% to 14% during the last 6 years.
Governor Branstad Announces Preschool Plan, Dems Counter
On Valentine's Day, Governor. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds joined Education Director Jason Glass to unveil their preschool proposal. House Democrats were prompt to point out that the governor's plan reduces preschool quality, eliminating a requirement that preschool be taught by a certified teacher. Branstad's voucher plan will also serve to restrict access to preschool and end existing partnerships with private, local preschool providers in some communities. House Democrats made an alternative proposal and were voted down in a straight party line vote.
HF 153 to Legislate Culture of Life Percolates in Subcommittee
During his appearance on Iowa Press last week, House Speaker Kraig Paulsen responded to a question from Radio Iowa's Kay Henderson, “…you have some key legislators who are among your fellow House republicans who…want to ban all abortions. How are you being the moderator of this internal discussion?” Paulsen said, “Right now we're letting it percolate.” What percolated up on YouTube was a video of a subcommittee meeting on HF 153 in which Representative Kim Pearson (R-42) and Representative Beth Wessel-Kroeschell (D-45) engaged in a colloquy over the purpose of the bill. Said Pearson, “The purpose of the bill is to turn our culture away from that of death to life.” Representative Pearson has had this opportunity to assert her position that abortion is murder and according to the legislature web site, the bill remains in the Human Resources subcommittee where Representatives Heaton (R-91) and Pearson are expected to vote for and Wessel-Kroeschell against, referring HF 153 to the full committee. House Democrats are calling for a public hearing on the matter. Read Des Moines Register coverage of the subcommittee here.
Senate Debates HF 45 and Amends
In a debate that stretched out for most of Thursday's session, the Iowa Senate debated about 20 amendments to HF 45, The Taxpayers First Act, and passed the amended legislation 48-1. HF 45 was messaged to the House of Representatives where Speaker Paulsen will get another at-bat to see if he and his caucus are ready to focus on governing, something that has been missing in that body during the first 6 weeks of the session. For the legislative addicts, read more in the Senate Journal for Thursday here.
First Funnel March 4
The Senate and House have two weeks to advance bills out of committee for consideration by the bodies according to Joint Rule 20. For your information, April 29th is scheduled to be the last day legislators are paid per diem, and therefore likely to be the last day of the session. Governor Branstad has discussed calling a special session to work on education issues this summer.
~Paul
Deaton is a native Iowan living in rural Johnson County and weekend
editor of Blog for Iowa. E-mail
Paul Deaton
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At a Forum in Mount Vernon, Iowa
At a Forum in Mount Vernon, Iowa
This Saturday, Iowa Legislators headed out to communicate with the public across the state. Armed with talking points and hope, to meet with constituents, hither and yon they came and a few brave souls ventured out on a thawing winter day to listen and ask questions.
Blog for Iowa attended the League of Women Voters' Legislative Coffee in Mount Vernon, Iowa where Representative Nate Willems (D-29), Linn County Supervisor Linda Langston and Mount Vernon School Board member Tom Wieseler gave brief comments and answered questions from the league and from about ten audience members. Someone was shooting video for distribution outside the room. This morning the talk was mostly about education. The benefit of low turnout was the author could ask more than one question.
With everything that is at stake in the 84th Iowa General Assembly, it is stunning that so few members of the public appeared at this forum. There were zero questions on the social issues of which so much was made in Des Moines during the first five weeks of the legislature. Supervisor Langston mentioned the county was seeking to ban guns from county buildings as the former County Attorney had previously been stabbed in one of them. No one in the audience objected on Second Amendment or any other grounds.
Since the legislature has to write a budget, no one complained, and everyone understood that the House and Senate will have to work to come up with a compromise. Until that happened, we would wait and see what needs to be done to live within the new budget. A much different picture than has been painted by conservatives who view Iowa's education system as bloated and lethargic.
Representative Willems is the ranking member of the House Education committee, and is in the middle of the firestorm over funding preschool, and determining the percent of allowable growth in the education budget. The Republicans propose zero percent allowable growth and the Senate Democrats propose two percent. One shouldn't assume that the parties will meet in the middle according to Willems. He expressed morale outrage that the Governor could propose $1 billion in tax cuts, yet purportedly could not properly fund education.
School Board member Tom Wieseler said one of the roles of the school board was to “not screw up the culture and reputation” the school district has established, saying that's why people come to live in Mount Vernon. He explained how the district dealt with Governor Culver's 10% cut last year, saying the board took $245,000 out of the operating budget, and that “all of the low hanging fruit” was picked. “Additional cuts will have to come out of programs,” Wieseler said.
Supervisor Langston contributed to the conversation saying, “the debate is less about the dollars for education and more about the limits and structures put upon teachers and how this restricts innovation.” She indicated that in order to recover from a 28th in the nation ranking, Iowa schools need to approach innovation and not just the funding. That is a side of the debate we don't always hear in Des Moines.
As the meeting broke up, we socialized a bit and headed home, hoping this calm, sane and reasonable conversation could continue in Des Moines. We are preparing for the worst from our politicians, but hoping for the best in a session of divided government.
~Paul Deaton is a native Iowan living in rural Johnson County and weekend editor of Blog for Iowa. E-mail Paul Deaton
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Iowans to be Taken for a Ride
Iowans to be Taken for a Ride
Okay, it is starting to sink in that the role of the Iowa House of Representatives is to provide entertainment for us while members of the House Appropriations Committee try to figure out how to pass the conservative agenda's budget in a session of divided government. I am beginning to get it.
It is good to know that while my local school district is facing a general fund deficit of $800,000, Representative Matt Windschitl (R-56) introduced a bill (HF 22) to enable Iowans to ride llamas, burros and alpaca-like equine animals off the trails of the state parks. It takes me back to my childhood burro rides in Mother Goose Land at Fejervary Park in Davenport. I wonder if he would bring back “monkey island” as well? I recall that it was also very entertaining.
While our local school board, in a growing district, is able to replace only six of nine retirees and terminations because of budget constraints, Governor Branstad proposed a billion dollar spending increase to the 84th General Assembly. If we are going back to big spending Republican agendas, then what about deferring some of the tax breaks for the wealthy to support our children's education? Seriously.
When our school superintendent tells us that because if there is zero percent allowable growth, during salary negotiations with the teachers' union, the school board will either have to deficit spend the difference out of the district's cash reserve or cut more out of the general fund budget, the legislature is concerned about decriminalizing the manufacture and possession of a mechanical silencer for weapons (HF 104). Seriously?
Unfortunately, conservatives are deadly serious about these ideas. In any legislative session constituents urge lawmakers to introduce bills that support their interests, and HF 22 and HF 104 should be considered no different. The problem is when they get traction in the House, are voted out of committee and see debate on the floor. While this may entertain us while the budget work gets done, it seems like a distraction from the work Iowans need and want from the General Assembly.
Some of us agree that school districts could do a better job controlling costs. But it a false assertion for Republicans to make that there is not enough money to support education. With a projection to have more than a $900 million surplus at the end of this fiscal year, HF 45's current budget year cuts and the governor's zero percent allowable growth for the next two fiscal years seem unwarranted and ideological. Of course they are.
There is almost certain to be an impasse when the budget reconciliation between the Senate and House gets to crunch time. So Democrats in the House, why don't you get bipartisan on this alpaca bill and vote it out of committee so there can be debate. After all, if the serious work of supporting our children's education is going to take the entire session, we may as well be entertained by the prospect of riding llamas and alpacas while we wait.
~Paul Deaton is a native Iowan living in rural Johnson County and weekend editor of Blog for Iowa. E-mail Paul Deaton
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Iowa State Capitol News – Weekend Recap
Iowa
State Capitol News – Weekend Recap
State Capitol News – Weekend Recap
by Paul Deaton
[Editors'Note: Following
is a weekly recap of stories from Des Moines that
came through the Weekend Editor's in-box in the fourth week of the
legislative session. Check out the House Democrats page for a different
take on the week here. Senate Democrats are here. Watch for this feature every Saturday while the legislature is in
session.]
Iowa Republican House Members Rolls Up Sleeves and Gets Started
It is great that after canoodling with their base for three weeks, the Iowa House Republicans rolled up their sleeves and got to work. In one short week they re-introduced styrofoam cups into the capitol, passed a resolution commemorating the Ronald Reagan Centennial, approved a new tagline for the state proclaiming we are a “right to work state,” established the right to choose whether to purchase health care and approved a measure for a constitutional amendment defining marriage. One can tell Republicans have a House majority this session. Coming out of committee are bills relating to restricting political telephone calls at night, school district dress codes, removing reminders of the I-jobs program at job sites, and a couple providing tax relief. They have sixty votes and don't seem interested in bipartisanship, and seriously, why would they be? As Bob Dylan said, “you gotta serve somebody…” and they are not serving the progressive agenda.Governor Wants to Public-Private Partnership for Economic Development
Governor Branstad released his plan for economic development this week and he would eliminate the department of economic development and replace it with the “Iowa Partnership for Economic Development.” According to the draft legislation, “economic development is an important public purpose and…both the public and private sectors have a shared interest in fostering the economic vitality of the state. Therefore, it is the purpose of this (legislation) to implement economic development policy in the state by means of a collaboration between government and the private sector.” From my business experience, the private sector will be first to ask “what's in it for me?” That means how can they find economic return on investment in the partnership which is a much different proposition from a purely government program. Sinceeconomic development can potentially mean jobs, Democrats are open
minded, with the caveat that oversight and accountability of the
partnership must be part of the new endeavor. Check out the governor's proposal here. Cedar Rapids Gazette Editorial here.
Funding For Education Debated
There was no surprise when the Iowa Senate countered the idea of zero percent allowable growth for education over two years with a 2% number. 2% allowable growth represents roughly $60 million per year, and when the governor announced that he would like to handle budget shortfalls in school districts with shrinking enrollment through $48 million in property tax relief, it would seem like we are almost there. Except that the property tax relief was one time money that would impact roughly 275 rural schools for one year, leaving them to fend for themselves in the second. Every other school district would have to determine how to pay increased operating costs like utilities, wages and benefits through cutbacks or increasing property taxes. This discussion does not include the preschool cuts proposed in HF 45 which is currently in the Senate Rules and Administration committee. There is a lot to watch in the debate over education spending, so stay tuned.
HJR 6 Advances to the Senate Cemetery
As Blog for Iowa and many major news outlets reported, House Joint Resolution 6, proposing a constitutional amendment defining marriage was debated and passed in the Iowa House. Next step is determining whether Senator Mike Gronstal (D-50) will remain true to his word and be able to stop the bill from advancing in the Senate. Word is that two Democratic Senators would vote for passage if such a vote is held, so Gronstal may have to stop the bill on procedural grounds. We hope he does. If you haven't viewed the video of Zach Wahls' testimony at the House public hearing on HJR 6, see it, here. ~Paul Deaton is a native Iowan living in rural Johnson County and weekend editor of Blog for Iowa. E-mail Paul DeatonNo Comments »
Iowa State Capitol News – Weekend Recap
Iowa State Capitol News – Weekend Recap
by Paul Deaton
[Editors'
Note: With the transition in the Governor's office and legislature, a
lot of news is expected from the Iowa Capitol. Following is a weekly
recap of stories from Des Moines that came through the Weekend Editor's
in-box. If you hear of news from the capitol, email the weekend editor here. Watch for this feature every Saturday in 2011.]
Iowa Power Fund on the Chopping Block, or is it?
Governor-elect
Terry Branstad made an about turn from what he said on the campaign
trail and now expects to keep the Iowa Power Fund started by the 2007
legislature and the Culver Administration. According to the Des Moines Register, Branstad “expects the fund to live on within a retooled economic development department.”
Perhaps this is because the Iowa Power Fund is actually an economic
engine for the state, as Carrie La Seur, original Power Fund board
member, points out. Perhaps it is because the Governor-elect did not understand the value being created during the campaign. The December 16 economic impact study
released by the Iowa Office of Energy Independence illustrates the
benefits of the Iowa Power fund and tells a positive story. Restructuring the Power Fund to report to the Office of Economic Development may, in the end, mean a slow and out of sight death by attrition.
Democrat Michael Mauro Appointed Iowa's Next Labor Commissioner
Governor-elect Terry Branstad named Democratic Secretary of State Michael Mauro as the state's labor commissioner beginning in May. Branstad announced Mauro's appointment on Thursday, calling Mauro a dedicated and effective public servant. He says he has been impressed with Mauro's administration of election laws and the way he ran the secretary of state's office. Other Branstad appointees this week: Mike Carroll to head Department of Administrative Services, Jason Glass as Director of the Iowa Department of Education, Debi Durham, previously announced Director of the Iowa Department of Economic Development will also head the Iowa Office of Energy Independence. Click here for the complete list of Branstad appointments.
Farm Bureau to Help Shape Iowa Ag Policy.
The Des Moines Register ran a story about Iowa Farm Bureau's agricultural policy advocate Rick Robinson. According to the Register, “On behalf of the members of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, he pleads for patience, common sense and a strategy to curb pollution without what they see as costly regulations or progress-stalling lawsuits.” Among Blog for Iowa readers, the view of the Iowa Farm Bureau ranges from tolerance to open derision. Governor-elect Branstad's campaign speeches stand as evidence that people like Robinson helped shape Branstad's pro-business, anti regulation policy. During the 2011 legislative session, a key dynamic to watch will between Farm Bureau's “preserve the status quo” approach and the approach of environmentalists who believe that time is running out to preserve our environment.
Vander Plaats Raises $$$, Dvorsky Counters
An Associated Press story reported that Bob Vander Plaats, head of the group Family Leader, seeks to raise $8,000 by January 1 to further pursuit of his cause to convince the remaining four Iowa supreme court justices who consented in Varnum vs. Brien to resign or face impeachment. While impeachment seems an unlikely waste of time for the Iowa House of Representatives, Iowa Democratic Party Chair Sue Dvorsky was quick to appeal for donations to combat the Vander Plaats effort, saying “You and I know that discrimination has no place in Iowa or any other state and we will fight to keep it that way.” Regrettably, according to the donation page where users are directed, Dvorsky's appeal is to support Democratic candidates and their campaigns. This seems reasonable, but represents a longer term goal than the Family Leader's action time line. Contrary to the current talking points, Vander Plaats' success in the midterm elections has more to do with his taking the lead in politicizing judicial retention in Iowa. This is something most Iowans do not support.
~Paul Deaton is a native Iowan living in rural Johnson County and weekend editor of Blog for Iowa. E-mail Paul Deaton
- Cheating Determines Iowa’s Elections, Schultz Implies
- Cownie Unconvincing
- Too Many Little Elections?
- Like Iowa, Like Armenia
- Who Can Vote?
- Schultz Vindicated: Voter Fraud Proven!
- Schultz Raises Dead Voter Scare Again
- Repubs Stage Crime at NH Polls
- Wondering About GOP Caucus Count
- Judge Fires Voting Machine Investigators
