Iowa House of Representatives
State Representative
Lee Hein
Address: State Capitol, Des Moines, IA 50319 Phone: (515) 281-3221
E-Mail: lee.hein@legis.state.ia.us
http://www.iowahouserepublicans.com
follow on Twitter @iahouserepubs
Tips For Upcoming Hunting Season
As the weather begins to turn and the hunting seasons are in full swing, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently issued information and tips on how to avoid problems getting a hunting license. They are as follows:
–According to the DNR, hunters who are now Iowa residents but had previously purchased an Iowa hunting license as a non-resident will need to fill out an application to update their residency status. Once the application is processed by the DNR, they may then go ahead and purchase a resident license.
–If the season has not started, the DNR will change the county/zone or season license for deer or turkey until the quota has been filled (for a small fee).
–Hunters are able to buy license and tags online at
https://jc.activeoutdoorsolutions.com/ia_customer/app/goHome.do
–Anyone born after 1972 is required to complete a hunter education course prior to purchasing a license. You can find information on education courses here: http://www.iowadnr.gov/training. Iowans under 16 years old who hunt with a licensed parent do not need to complete the course, a license or to pay the habitat fee.
–All hunters must have a deer or wild turkey license in order to hunt these animals.
For more information or to see a calendar of hunting season dates, please visit the Iowa DNR’s website at
http://www.iowadnr.gov/ or contact them by phone at (515) 281-5918.
Please use the proper precautions when hunting and have a safe and enjoyable season.
Iowa’s Unemployment Rate Inches Down
Iowa Workforce Development released September’s employment numbers and they showed that Iowa’s unemployment rate is now at 6.0%, a slight reduction from the 6.1% it was in August. Despite the drop in the unemployment rate, the state actually has 5,700 fewer nonfarm positions compared to August.
The industries that were affected the most include manufacturing (-1,000), trade, transportation and utilities (+1,400), leisure and hospitality (-2,300), and government (-2,100). Workforce Development said that 1,200 additional retail jobs helped the trade, transportation and utilities category to add jobs. Compared to a year ago at this time, the state has an additional 18,000 nonfarm employment positions. Six of the eleven category areas have more positions than were present a year ago in September.
The counties that remain the most heavily affected by the economic downturn include: Hamilton (10.5% unemployment), Lee (9.6% unemployment), Wapello (8.6% unemployment), and Davis (8.1% unemployment). The counties in the best unemployment shape are: Lyon (2.9% unemployment), Sioux (3.3% unemployment), Shelby (3.8% unemployment), and Kossuth (3.9% unemployment).
The September national unemployment rate held at the same 9.1% as it was in August. The country saw an additional 103,000 positions added in September, however the increase was largely due to the return to work of 45,000 Verizon workers who had been striking in August. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, 25 states saw a drop in September unemployment numbers, 14 states increased their rate, and 11 states remained the same.
Vilsack Announces Funding for Advanced Biofuels
On Monday, October 31, 2011, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced payments for 156 advanced biofuel producers across the country totally $44.6-million to support the production and expansion of advanced biofuels that included five Iowa businesses.
The funding is being provided through USDA’s Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels program. Under this program, payments are made to eligible producers to support and ensure an expanding production of advanced biofuels. Payments are based on the amount of biofuels a recipient produces from renewable biomass, other than corn kernel starch. Eligible examples include biofuels derived from cellulose; crop residue; animal, food and yard waste material; biogas (landfill and sewage waste treatment gas); vegetable oil, and animal fat. USDA is working to support the research, investment and infrastructure necessary to build a biofuels industry that creates jobs and conserves natural resources across America.
One of two examples of the projects supported by these grants cited by the USDA press release involves a Dubuque business, Western Dubuque Biodiesel, LLC which received a $487,871 payment. This biodiesel production facility produces 30 million gallons per year using soybean oil, canola oil and tallow esters as feedstock. The operation is expected to save 18 jobs. The full list of Iowa businesses receiving these awards is as follows–
• Clinton County Bio Energy, LLC: $131,831.49 for biofuel from waste products.
• Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC: $138,360.72 for biofuel from waste products.
• Renewable Energy Group, Inc.: $3,739,128.61 for biodiesel trans-esterification.
• Western Dubuque Biodiesel, LLC: $487,871.16 for biodiesel trans-esterification.
• Western Iowa Energy: $658,243.95 for biofuel from waste products.
A complete list of the 156 awardees can be accessed at:
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?conte ntid=2011/10/0466.xml&contentidonly=true
NEWS FROM DISTRICT 31
As most of you know elections were recently held across the state to determine who would serve as our voice on our local city councils and as mayors.
Whether successful or not, putting your name on the ballot and being willing to lead our local communities in the future is commendable. Thank you to all of those who were candidates for local office and congratulations to those who were successful. I look forward to working with you to ensure our communities continue to succeed and grow.
Also of note is the tax vote that took place regarding the Lake Delhi dam. That community voted, with 95% of the vote, to pay over $6 million in additional taxes over the next 20 years to rebuild the dam. This is another step in the process for those interested in rebuilding the dam. I look forward to continuing to listen to eastern Iowans on this and many other issues.
Things are gearing up for the start of the session. It begins on January 9th. I will be busy attending meetings and listening to constituents throughout the district. If you have any concerns or issues that need’s addressing, please contact me. My email address is lee.hein@legis.state.ia.us or my phone is 319-480-1997
Lee Hein 