Lee Hein

Iowa House of Representatives
State Representative
Lee Hein
Address: State Capitol, Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: (515) 281-7330
E-Mail: lee.hein@legis.state.ia.us
Website: http://www.iowahouserepublicans.com/members/lee-hein
http://www.iowahouserepublicans.com
follow on Twitter @iahouserepubs

Recap of Week 15
This was an extremely short week here at the Capitol. While there is still much to be done this session, the House is winding down its business. On Wednesday we passed the final appropriations bill in the House. We are now waiting for the Senate to move forward with their legislative work. At the School Foundation auction held last month Charlie Becker of Monticello made a donation to receive a tour of the Capitol. Charlie redeemed his prize this week for his generous donation and I gave him a tour of the building. I enjoyed visiting with him and appreciate his generosity to the community. I was also visited by some family. Emery and Irene Hines, Mary Squires, and my wife Jacky came to see the Capitol. They are pictured below with Speaker of the House Kraig Paulsen in his office.

One of the most important duties that needs to be accomplished yet this session is funding for education. In my newsletter is a breakdown of the funding that House leadership is proposing. This plan is a first draft that will surely transform as negotiations take place between the House, Senate and Governor.
As always, you can contact me at lee.hein@legis.state.ia.us or (515) 281-7330. You can read any of my newsletters at http://www.iowahouserepublicans.com/members/lee-hein. Also, if you are ever in Des Moines make sure you stop by the Capitol to visit.
Sincerely, Lee Hein
Governor Approves Redistricting Plan
On April 19, Governor Branstad signed into law HF 682 – an Act providing for congressional and legislative districts and providing an effective date. This sets up the boundaries for the 4 congressional districts, 50 senate districts and 100 house districts.
While there may be some objections out there regarding the new map, the plan is very accurate when it comes to dividing population in each district. While some may not like this map, chances are the next map produced could have been less fair and created even more objections.
With that in mind I voted in favor of the new plan. The House and the Senate both approved the map with few objections. With the Governor approving the plan, these districts will remain in place until redistricting in 2020.
Allowable Growth
• 0% Allowable Growth for FY12 means adding $215 million to the budget. This is new money going to schools. Over the last 7 years no legislature has had to find as much new state aid as we will this year.
New state aid amounts:
FY05 – $109.2 million (2% AG)
FY06 – $82 million (4% AG)
FY07 – $85.5 million (4% AG)
FY08 – $101 million (4% AG)
FY09 – $58 million (4% AG)
FY10 – $112.6 million (4% AG)
FY11 – $55.6 million (2% AG)
FY12 New state aid amounts:
0% AG = $215 million
1% AG = $247 million
2% AG = $280 million
3% AG = $312 million
4% AG = $345 million
• The reason for this is a backfill of $156 million that was underfunded by last year’s legislature, plus $52 million in one-time funds ($47.9 federal stimulus and $5.1 UST transfer), plus an additional $7 million that comes about automatically through the formula.
• If we did not have to backfill FY11, $215 million would be equivalent to about 6.5% allowable growth. 0% would be equal to about $6 million increase in state aid.
• 2% Allowable Growth is $65 million OVER 0% for a total of $280 million
• 0% keeps our promise to the taxpayers that we will not spend more than we take in. 0% limits state spending in the short term and long term.
• What does promising more than we can afford do? FY09 = 1.5% across the board cut ($33 million); FY10 = $31 million underfunding AND 10% across the board cut ($230 million); FY11 = $156 million underfunding; TOTAL = $450 million

Iowa House of Representatives
State Representative

Lee Hein

Address: State Capitol, Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: (515) 281-7330
E-Mail: lee.hein@legis.state.ia.us
Website: http://www.iowahouserepublicans.com/members/lee-hein
IOWA House Republican Newsletter
http://www.iowahouserepublicans.com
follow on Twitter @iahouserepubs

Recap of Week 12

This week I had several visitors. Among them were members from both the DBQ and Jones County Farm Bureau, and the Dyersville Chamber of Commerce. This week was the 2nd funnel week. Any bills that haven’t passed on the floor of the House (with the exception of bills in Appropriations, Ways & Means, & Oversight committees) are dead for the session. The Ag committee met for the last time for the session. Looking back we passed some good bills in this committee and we will continue to work on ideas over the interim.

Last weekend I attended the ‘Re-Open Iowa for Business’ Rules and Regulations tour meeting in Dubuque. The event was very constructive and it was great to hear from constituents. On April 2nd, I will be hosting a public forum in Farley with Rep. Lukan. The event is being held at the Farley Memorial Hall from 8:30am – 9:30am. Please come with any questions, comments or concerns you may have.

As always, you can contact me at lee.hein@legis.state.ia.us or (515) 281-7330. Also, if you are ever in Des Moines make sure you stop by the Capitol to visit.

Sincerely, Lee Hein

House Passes Department of Economic Development Reorganization

On Monday, the House passed HF 590. The bill, referred to as IPEP (Iowa Partnership for Economic Progress), reorganizes the Department of Economic Development into a new public Authority (Economic Development Authority), a private non-profit Corporation (Economic Development Corporation), and a vision board (Partnership for Economic Progress).

HF 590 went through a number of different forms, and was heavily worked on in subcommittee, committee, and the

House floor. A number of Republican and Democrat, amendments were accepted. The bill changes the status quo in regards to state economic development efforts. It also puts in place a number of safeguards, which include:

•  mandating that the Authority Board have two individuals from each Congressional district

•  requiring that members of the Authority Board and the Partnership Board receive Senate confirmation

•  adding four legislative ex-officio members to the Authority Board

•  prohibiting the Director of the Authority to receive any money or valuable thing outside of his/her salary

•  requiring a report of all gifts or grants that the Authority receives

•  prohibits an individual from concurrently being employed by the Authority and the Corporation

•  providing for a two year cooling off period in which an individual working for the Authority cannot work for the Corporation for two years, and vice versa

•  requiring an annual report of the Corporation be prepared to present to the Authority

•  requiring an annual financial audit of the Corporation

•  requiring an annual report of the Corporation be submitted to the Governor, General Assembly, and Auditor of State

•  requiring an annual report of the Authority be submitted by the Director to the Authority

•  requiring that deliberation or meetings of the Corporation board of director be conducted in accordance with Open Records and Open Meetings laws when the topics pertain to the performance of functions delegated by the Authority

•  prohibiting dual representation of a company/corporation from being represented on both the Corporation Board and the Authority Board

•  adding language at the request of the Treasurer, the Attorney General, and the Governor’s transparency advisor

•  adding a requirement for the new Authority to adopt rules that prevent favoritism and pay-to-play tactics

•  providing for a legislative review of the Authority in 2014 and a report of findings and recommendations in 2015

•  adding the requirement that the Corporation submit its 990 form to the General Assembly

The new makeup of the economic development arm of government will allow for a more timely and flexible approaches to economic trends in Iowa.

House Republicans Unveil Conservative Spending Outline for FY 2013

During the campaign Governor Branstad promised to push for a biennial budget. House Republicans have heard that call and this week unveiled an austere budget for FY 2013.

Since FY 2013 is still 15 months out, House Republicans are taking a conservative approach to the state budget. The increase to the budget subcommittee areas is only 0.78 percent compared to the House Republican budget targets for FY 2012. If the December 2011 REC estimate allows for additional spending, it will allow for increases in priority areas during the 2012 session.

In addition, instead of using the bulk of the new revenue for new expenditures, the blueprint will fulfill commitments to the property taxpayers and fix budget problems left by the previous administration.

Of the total increase in expenditures, $60 million is used to shift notwithstandings from the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund (RIIF) to the general fund. The big ticket items are tuition replacement ($25 million), technology funding ($17.5 million), lake dredging ($8.6 million) and flood prevention ($3.3 million).

The targets also account for an additional $65 million to fully fund the property tax credits, which is dollar-for-dollar property tax relief. The credits – homestead, agriculture land and family farm, military and elderly disabled – haven’t been fully funded for over a decade. This will increase the total funding of the credits from $145 million to $210 million for FY 2013.

The last component is a built-in increase for Medicaid. Since Medicaid is a federal entitlement program, it must be funded at a certain level. The average increase for Medicaid (not counting the use of one-time funds or other funding sources) is about $45 million per year. The House budget targets build in $45 million for the FY 2013 increase with the knowledge that the number may need to be adjusted in 2012.

In total, general fund expenditures for FY 2013 will increase by $222.6 million compared to the House Republican FY 2012 budget targets, an increase of 3.77 percent. This conservative rate of growth will be criticized as not nearly enough. However, it represents the House Republican philosophy that a certain rate of growth is government is needed for priorities and the rest should be returned to the taxpayers.

House Republicans believe that the taxpayers should have a seat at the table and ongoing spending must be aligned with ongoing revenue to ensure that the budget is sustainable in the future.

This week went by quickly in the House. I sponsored HF557, a bill that eliminates the requirement to isolate pigs for 30-60 days and test for pseudo-rabies after a hog show. This change will allow hog producers to participate in multiple shows over the summer season. The bill passed 97-0. In the House we also passed a bill that would transfer water quality programs from the DNR to the Department of Ag & Land Stewardship. This change will streamline the process, benefit farmers and improve water quality in our lakes and streams.

Last weekend I attended Jones County Cattlemen’s Association banquet. On March 26th I will be attending the ␣Re–Open Iowa for Business’ Rules and Regulations tour meeting in Dubuque at the Best Western Hotel. The event is designed to receive input from Iowans about burdensome rules and regulations that are preventing businesses from growing and moving to Iowa. The event runs from 2:30 ␣ 4:30pm and is open to the public.

As always, you can contact me at lee.hein@legis.state.ia.us or (515) 281-7330. Also, if you are ever in Des Moines make sure you stop by the Capitol to visit.

Sincerely, Lee Hein

House Passes Eminent Domain Protection for Land Owners

On Tuesday, the Iowa House passed House File 603 with an overwhelmingly bipartisan support. House File 603 was written to help solve problems with eminent domain laws. Republican Rep. Jeff Kaufmann worked with Republicans and Democrats to draft legislation that would address the issues facing Iowans as cities grow onto farmland and resources are stretched thin. Eminent domain is not a new issue to Iowa or to the legislature. However, House File 603 addresses some new issues, including the creation of lakes for water use in Iowa and standards for land condemnation.

During the past several weeks the house judiciary committee held two subcommittee meetings to hear from Iowans who are losing their land to condemnation and the acquiring agencies who are attempting to take the land. After listening to both sides and evaluating the facts, House Republicans drafted a bill designed to protect the land owner from erroneous taking but that would not stop a legitimate taking needed for a real public use.

Some highlights of House File 603:

• Property that is listed on the State Register of Historic Places shall not be removed from the register solely for the purpose of condemnation. This protects historic places from takings, unless a joint resolution authorizing the condemnation is approved by at least 2/3 of each House of the general assembly and signed by the governor.
• Prior to creating a lake, the agency must show by clear and convincing evidence that it is for public use and there is no other prudent and feasible alternative for a drinking water source.
• If land is taken to create a lake for water use, the plans, analyses, application for funding and other planning activities by the acquiring agency will not provide for the use of the lake for recreational purposes. This prevents agencies from increasing the water use or taking more land for recreation.
• The Department of Natural Resources cannot condemn land for recreational use. During subcommittee hearings the DNR agreed that they do not take land for recreational use and the portion of the code allowing this is no longer used or needed. This provides extra protection for land owners in the future.

House File 603 is now in the hands of the Senate. With the bi-partisan house support, House Republicans are hopeful that Democratic leadership in the Senate will recognize the very serious issue of eminent domain facing Iowans and take up this legislation. Without action in the Senate, many Iowans will lose their farmland, their homes and their family legacy for recreational, nonpublic purposes. This is not the true intent of eminent domain and it is up to the Iowa Legislature to protect the land owners from those who would violate their property rights.

House Passes .08 For Boating

Senate File 7 lowers the current .10 blood alcohol limit for operating motorboat or sailboats to .08.

This bill aligns the BAC level for Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) offenses with the vehicle OWI level. This will help reduce vessel accidents, injuries and fatalities caused by alcohol impaired operators. Currently, a person could be legally under the BAC limit on the water (.10), but could be over the limit in a vehicle (.08) leaving the lake or river.

In addition an amendment was offered on the floor that defines operating as, “is powered by a motor of ten horsepower or more which is running, and when used in reference to a sailboat, means the sailboat is either powered by a motor of ten horsepower or more which is running, or has sails hoisted and is not propelled by a motor.”

The bill passed the House on a vote of 97-0.

HF534 – Instructional Hours

After approving an amendment that stripped the original language removing the school start date from Code, the bill was left changing mostly one thing: Instructional hours for elementary and high school.

Current code sets the school year at 180 days with a minimum of 5.5 hours per day for a total of 990 hours. The bill passed removes the days requirement and set the hours at 1,080. This is the equivalent of 6 hours per day. Those hours include passing time between classes and assemblies but do not include lunch, professional development, or parent-teacher conferences.

A poll taken of all school districts showed that over 75% are currently meeting or exceeding 1080 hours. The remaining 25% can increase their day by a few minutes to meet the new requirements, depending on how close they are to the statutory 990 hour requirement.

The new hours instead of days requirement will help to preserve the integrity of the instruction time a student should have every year by stopping the practice of counting days with early release and late starts as instructional time. It will also allow for flexibility in setting schedules by allowing districts to go to 4 day weeks if they choose, saving on transportation and building operational costs. Any changes to the schedule will require the school board hold a public hearing to discuss the changes.

The bill passed the House 62-33 with bipartisan support. The Senate had worked earlier in the year on a similar bill, but it is unclear if they will act on this bill.

Iowa House of Representatives
State Representative

Lee Hein

Address: State Capitol, Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: (515) 281-7330
E-Mail: lee.hein@legis.state.ia.us
Website: http://www.iowahouserepublicans.com/members/lee-hein
IOWA HOUSE REPUBLICAN NEWSLETTER
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Recap of Week 10

This week we spent much time in session passing several bills. One bill of interest that we passed is a requirement for professors/teachers at public schools who are convicted of a crime to repay their salaries they received while on paid administrative leave. On Thursday we passed HF 589, which expands the protections for farmers from interference, invasion and fraud caused by uninvited persons.

Last weekend I attended the monthly meeting of the 9.12 group of Jones County in Anamosa. This weekend I will be attending the Jones County Cattlemen’s Association banquet.

As always, you can contact me at lee.hein@legis.state.ia.us or (515) 281-7330. Also, if you are ever in Des Moines make sure you stop by the Capitol to visit.

Sincerely, Lee Hein

House Passes Education Bills for Homeschool and Choice Advocates

This week the House approved a number of bills on the Floor, several of which helped increase opportunities for homeschooling families, as well as providing choice and local control into the public school system.

HF 583 – Independent Accreditation of Nonpublic Schools

Iowa is the only state in the country requiring state accreditation of nonpublic schools. This bill makes it voluntary like 18 other states, and would allow for a nonpublic school to be accredited by nonpublic accrediting bodies.

HF 584 – Driver Education by a Teaching Parent

Allows a parent teaching a student under competent private instruction to teach driver’s education to the student over which they have custody and control. The course of instruction must be approved by the department of transportation and must meet at least the standards taught in public and private schools. Applying for an intermediate license requires a signed form designed by the department showing evidence of completion of the course. Regular requirements apply as far as a driving test for intermediate license and full license are concerned.

HF 585 – Charter Schools

HF 585 amends the charter school and innovation zone school chapter of Iowa code. It separates the approval process for the two types of schools by requiring charter schools to be approved by the local school board, as opposed to the state board of education. Innovation zone school applications are still to be approved by the state board. It allows more entities to apply for a charter school, including community colleges, Regents universities, nonpublic schools, private colleges, and nonprofits. Current code only allows for a principal, teachers, or parents to apply for converting an existing school into a charter. The bill also allows for the charter to be established in a new building and not just an existing attendance center, as allowed in current code. The bill eliminates the requirement that charter and innovation zone schools have to comply with chapters 20 and 279, instead allowing them the option to comply, should they choose.

HF 588 – Independent Private Instruction

Allows for independent private instruction, which is a parent providing home school education to students that are not related. The bill limits enrollment to no more than four unrelated students. Independent Private Instruction is exempt from all school-related statutes and rules except compulsory attendance. Additionally, independent private instruction must provide private or religious based instruction as its primary purpose and must provide enrolled students with instruction in math, reading, language, science, and social studies.

No Money for Passenger Rail in Budget

House Study Bill 220 (Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Budget) passed out of appropriations on a party line vote this week. The budget bill funds building projects, technology improvements, and regent’s construction projects among other things. One thing the bill does not fund is passenger rail.

The governor did not recommend the funding in his budget. The most alarming component of the passenger rail project is the estimated $3 million annual commitment needed to subsidize the operating costs of the train.

The bill removed $6.5 million needed for federal match that was previously appropriated for the project. The state would have to commit a total of $20.6 million to draw the federal funds. If the state did appropriate money, the federal government had already awarded the project $230 million in 2015 with $86.8 million designated for the Iowa portion of the project.

Conference Committee on Senate File 209 Continues to Meet

Over the past week, the conference committee on Senate File 209 met several times to try to find a compromise. SF 209 is the federal tax code coupling and FY 2011 supplemental appropriations bill.

The bill was approved by the Senate on February 22 on a 49-0 vote. As it left the Senate, the coupling with the federal tax code portion of the bill reduced general fund revenue by $256.5 million over three fiscal years (FY 2011 – FY 2013). This includes $14.7 million for increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit from 7 percent of the federal credit to 10 percent.

In addition, the bill provided the following supplemental appropriations totaling $45.7 million, all to backfill the cuts made by Governor Culver on his way out of office.

The House approved the bill on Tuesday, March 1 on a 64-34 vote. The House amendment allows individuals to couple with the federal tax code starting in for 2010, allows corporations to couple with the federal tax code starting in 2010 and leaves the Earned Income Tax Credit at 7 percent and not increased to 10 percent. The amendment increases the revenue reduction to $311.2 million over three years.

Also, the House approved an amendment that added the following items that had been previously approved in House File 45 but removed by the Senate:

• Creation of the Tax Relief Fund to capture the ending general fund balance
• Establishment of a minimum health insurance premium of $100 for all state employees
• Requires the Revenue Estimating Conference to set a growth rate for FY 2013 at next meeting
• Prohibits DNR from purchasing land through the end of FY 2011, cuts REAP by same amount
• Appropriates $25 million for mental health and repeals the current system as of July 1, 2012

The conference committee consists of Representatives Raecker (co-chair), Wagner, Helland, Jacoby and Tyler Olson and Senators Bolkcom (co-chair), Dvorsky, Jochum, Zaun and Kettering.

The committee met twice the week of March 7 and four times the week of March 14.

The highest priority for the Senate Democrats is increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the supplemental appropriations. The highest priority for House Republicans is the Tax Relief Fund, the mental health funding and bonus depreciation.

House Republicans offered a compromise that would include all of the original provisions of SF 209 including coupling and bonus depreciation as of January 1, 2011, increasing the EITC from 7 to 10 percent, $46 million in supplemental appropriations. The compromise would also include $20 million for mental health funding and the language creating the Tax Relief Fund (TRF).

Senate Democrats responded that they wanted language changes to mental health and the TRF. They offered to push the repeal of the mental health law to July 1, 2013 (allowing the current system for one additional year) and agreed to the creation of the Tax Relief Fund but wanted only 25 percent of the ending balance and wanted it all for property tax relief.

House Republicans will continue to work with Senate Democrats to try to reach resolution on this important tax and spending measure and will continue to fight for tax relief and measures contained in the bill necessary for businesses to create jobs and grow Iowa’s economy.

 

Iowa House of Representatives
State Representative

Lee Hein

Address: State Capitol, Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: (515) 281-7330
E-Mail: lee.hein@legis.state.ia.us
Website: http://www.iowahouserepublicans.com/members/lee-hein

IOWA, HOUSE REPUBLICAN NEWSLETTER
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Recap of Week 9

On Tuesday we passed the preschool reform bill which sets up a scholarship system for families that need financial assistance to pay for preschool. On Wednesday we started the lengthy debate on HF 535. The main points of the bill simply requires employees to contribute to their insurance benefits, allows an employee to negotiate as a free agent and allows an arbitrator to pick a middle group between the two parties.

On March 5th I attended a forum at NICC with Representative Lukan. If I get back in Des Moines in time I will be joining the 9.12 group of Jones County on Saturday for their monthly meeting in Anamosa.

As always, you can contact me at lee.hein@legis.state.ia.us or (515) 281-7330. Also, if you are ever in Des Moines make sure you stop by the Capitol to visit.

Sincerely, Lee Hein

Secretary Northey Notes–Community Meat Lockers: Great Source of Local Food

On Friday March 4, 2011, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) issued a press release that touted that Iowa is not only a great agriculture state, but it is also a great food state. Iowa leads the nation in pork production and is in the top ten in production of beef. Our state’s delicious corn-fed Iowa beef or a juicy Iowa pork chops are recognized across the globe as the standard of high-quality meat. One option to get more of these Iowa-grown products on our tables is to visit local meat locker.

Iowa currently has 164 Iowa inspected establishments serving the people of Iowa. This includes sixty-eight “official establishments” that are able to directly sell their products, labeled “Iowa Inspected and Passed,” within the state. There are also eighty-six “custom exempt establishments” that slaughter and process livestock, poultry, and wild game for the owner’s exclusive use and

are labeled NOT FOR SALE. Custom exempt establishments are also allowed to purchase inspected products for further

processing and sale to the household consumer. In addition, ten plants are able slaughter poultry, either on a custom basis for the animal’s owner or as an official establishment where they can offer it for sale.

A directory is available at http://www.IowaAgriculture.gov.

Funeral Protests and the First Amendment

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution reads; “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” Last year, the United States Supreme Court carefully examined this amendment in relation to free speech in the case of Snyder v. Phelps 562 U.S. (2011). Last week the U.S. Supreme Court handed down their ruling in the case of Phelps, better known as the Westboro Baptist Church Case.

Westboro Baptist Church is located in Topeka, Kansas but is known throughout the United States for the funeral protests conducted by members of the church. It is estimated they have protested over 600 funerals, many of the funerals were U.S. Soldiers. The case came to the Supreme Court after Albert Snyder, the father of one of the fallen soldiers, filed a law suit against Westboro and its leader Fred Phelps. During Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder funeral, Phelps and his congregation from Westboro picketed the funeral with chants and signs condemning soldiers and the United States. Albert Snyder brought a suit against the church for intentional infliction of emotional distress, intrusion upon seclusion and civil conspiracy claims.

On March 2nd the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Westboro with an 8-1 decision (Justice Alito dissenting). Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts agreed that what the members of Westboro church were saying was hurtful but he writes; “we cannot react to that pain by punishing the speaker. As a Nation we have chosen a different course – to protect even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate. That choice requires that we shield Westboro from tort liability for its picketing in this case.” The majority of the Supreme Court Justices found that the free speech of the picketers outweighed the emotional pain caused by their signs.

The dissenting judge, Justice Alito, argued that protecting Westboro would only encourage their “outrageous” attacks. “This is the strategy that they have routinely employed – and that they will now continue to employ – inflicting severe and lasting emotional injury on an ever growing list of innocent victims.” Justice Alito did not believe that the language Westboro used while picketing funerals was protected under the first amendment.

While many are concerned about the ruling and what it means for the future, Iowans do have some protection against funeral picketers. In 2006 Republican Representative Jeff Kaufmann introduced the Iowa law that places limits on protests at funerals. Code section 723.5 prohibits disorderly conduct at funerals or memorial services within 500 feet of the location. Penalties for violating this law increase each time the law is violated. The first violation is a simple misdemeanor, the second is a serious misdemeanor and the third or subsequent offense is a class “D” felony.

Governor Signs Taxpayers First Act — “Extra Light”

On Monday, March 7, the Governor signed House File 45, the Taxpayers First Act. Dubbed “Extra Light,” the bill saves $10 million over three fiscal years and contains several policy provisions that are important to the House Republican caucus. The Governor signed the bill with only one item veto.

Here are the items that remain in the bill after the Senate amendment:

• Prohibits legislators and legislative employees from having a better health care plan than plans bargained for by executive branch employees

• Eliminates funding for the shuttle from the parking ramp to the Capitol

• Requires the Transportation, Infrastructure and Capitals budget subcommittee to review all sustainable communities projects (this is the House language on heated sidewalks)

• Limits sabbaticals to not more than 3% of faculty through the end of FY 2012 (this is a small reduction to the overall number of sabbaticals for FY 2012)

• Cuts acquisitions by the state library by 50% through the end of FY 2011

• Denies any state benefits to adult illegal aliens

• Prohibits taxpayers funded lobbyists

• Cuts expenditures for office supplies, equipment purchases, printing and binding and marketing by 50 percent of the unencumbered appropriation, requires the establishment of a master marketing contract to reduce the amount spent on marketing

• Prohibits out-of-state travel by state employees unless they get a waiver from Executive Council

• Requires the sale or lease of the Iowa Communications Network

• Requires Department on Aging to develop a plan to reduce number of Area Agencies on Aging

• Prohibits the purchase of any new state vehicles, requires Admin and Reg budget sub to look into privatization of the state vehicle fleet

• Eliminates the Generation Iowa Commission

• Prohibits Iowa from renewing its membership in the North America Super Corridor Coalition

• Reduces Department of Education by $59,000 due to not having a director until January 2011

• Reduces funding for the legislative health care coverage commission by $167,000

• Prohibits DOT from planting wildflowers unless it is for erosion or weed control

• Eliminates the Rebuild Iowa Office and shifts responsibilities to Division of Homeland Security at the end of FY 2011

• Provides “claw back” provisions for local government funding if found to be ineligible

• Corrective language regarding early childhood and unemployment compensation

In addition, the Senate added the language from House File 94, the Taxpayer Transparency Act, which requires the Department of Management to create a searchable budget database and internet website. The Senate changed the language to require the database to be updated every 60 days instead of every 30, deleted the tax rate calculator that would show the tax rate by location, exempted federal funds and grants from the database, required the Regents to provide only information related to state funds and not only funds, and added required the database to have information about special tax credits.

Iowa House of Representatives
State Representative

Lee Hein

Address: State Capitol, Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: (515) 281-7330
E-Mail: lee.hein@legis.state.ia.us
Website: http://www.iowahouserepublicans.com/members/lee-hein

IOWA HOUSE REPUBLICAN NEWSLETTER
http://www.iowahouserepublicans.com
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Recap of Week 8

We finished up a long Funnel Week, which is the deadline for bills in committee. We passed many good bills in the Ag, Environmental Protection and State Gov’t committees, which I hope will make it to the floor for a vote. On March 1st the Monticello Girls b-ball team visited the Capitol while at the state tournament here in Des Moines. They took a guided tour of the building and I accompanied them to the top viewing gallery overlooking the city.

Last Friday I had the opportunity to tour the Anamosa Penitentiary. It was a very interesting and educational experience. Last weekend I also attended a forum w/ the DBQ Farm Bureau in Dyersville. On March 5th I will be holding a forum at NICC in the Peosta Industrial Technology building. The event runs from 9am – 10am and is open to the public. Please come with any comments, questions or concerns you may have regarding any issues affecting your community and the state.

As always, you can contact me at lee.hein@legis.state.ia.us or (515) 281-7330. Also, if you are ever in Des Moines make sure you stop by the Capitol to visit.

Sincerely, Lee Hein

Secretary Northey Announces Grants Available to Help Promote Specialty Crops

On Wednesday, February 23, 2011, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) issued a press release in which Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey announced that IDALS will make grants available to help enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops grown in Iowa. IDALS is eligible to receive approximately $275,000 in grant funding through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program which is run by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. This is the fourth of five Specialty Crop Block Grants authorized through the Farm Bill (Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008). Secretary Northey noted– “These funds are available to support food safety, research and marketing

efforts that will encourage Iowans to choose the products that are produced right here in our state. Specialty crops are a very important part of Iowa agriculture as they allow farmers to diversify and give customers access to locally grown products.”

Iowa agencies, universities, institutions, and producer, industry, and community based organizations are all eligible to apply for funding to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. In addition, single organizations, institutions, and individuals are encouraged to participate as project partners. Grant awards will be considered up to a maximum of $24,000. Grant funds shall be used for projects that solely enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops that benefit the specialty crop industry as a whole and will not be awarded for projects that directly benefit a particular product or provide a profit to a single organization, institution, or individual. “Specialty Crops” that are eligible under this program are fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.

Proposals must be received by IDALS on or before 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 13, 2011. For more information visit the IDALS Specialty Crop Block Grant program at the Department’s web site at http://www.IowaAgriculture.gov/Horticulture_and_FarmersMarkets/ specialtyCropGrant.asp IDALS is also establishing a Review Committee to help review, evaluate, and make recommendations on grant proposals submitted to the Department. Those interested in participating in the Review Committee should have knowledge of specialty crops, and/or grant writing or grant management experience, and the ability to devote the necessary time to complete the review process. Additional information about reviewer responsibilities, meeting dates and an application form can be found at http://www.IowaAgriculture.gov/Horticulture_and_FarmersMarkets/ specialtyCropGrant.asp .

Applications to participate in the Reviewer Committee are due Friday, April 1, 2011 by 4 p.m.

House Labor Committee Passes Collective Bargaining Reform in Marathon Meeting

Last Friday morning at 6:04 a.m. the House Labor committee passed HSB 117. Debate began the previous day at 5:00 p.m. after already having met for two hours earlier in the day. Democrats offered over fifty amendments, which resulted in the debate on the bill taking over fourteen hours.

HSB 117 is the collective bargaining reform bill that seeks to restore the balance in bargaining between the taxpayer and the public unions. Republicans amended the bill to strip out some portions that would have required legislative approval of agreements that had been decided by an arbitrator as well as a provision that would have allowed the Public Employment Relations Board to charge fees for its services. Democrats attempted to amend the bill in a number of ways, but none of the amendments were adopted by the committee.

HSB 117 still contains provisions that allow for free agent employees, allow an arbitrator to choose between the two final offers of opposing parties, and excludes insurance and procedures for staff reduction from the scope of negotiations that the state and unions bargain over.

As the bill moves to the House floor, a public hearing has also been scheduled for Monday evening, March 7 at 6:00 p.m. The two hour hearing will hear from both supporters and those in opposition to the bill. Those wishing to speak at the hearing may sign up through the Legislative Information Office at (515) 281-5129.

House Approves SF 209, Coupling and Supplemental Bill

On Tuesday, March 1, the House approved Senate File 290, the federal tax code coupling and FY 2011 supplemental appropriations bill.

The bill was approved by the Senate on February 22 on a 49-0 vote. As it left the Senate, the coupling with the federal tax code portion of the bill reduced general fund revenue by $256.5 million over three fiscal years (FY 2011 – FY 2013). This includes $14.7 million for increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit from 7 percent of the federal credit to 10 percent.

In addition, the bill provided the following supplemental appropriations totaling $45.7 million:

• $5.9 million for the community colleges to restore Governor Culver’s cut
• $14.2 million for the Department of Corrections (prisons, CBCs and central office) to restore Governor Culver’s cut
• $18.6 million for public defender and indigent defense to make up for the underfunding used by the Democrats to balance the budget in FY 2011
• $2.96 million for the Department of Public Safety to restore Governor Culver’s cuts with $2 million going to the Iowa State Patrol, the rest going to administration, Narcotics Enforcement, DCI and the State Fire Marshal’s Office
• $1.2 million for the Department of Public Health to restore Governor Culver’s cuts to addictive disorders, community capacity, healthy aging, healthy children & families and infectious diseases
• $2.64 million to the Department of Human Services to restore Governor Culver’s cuts to the mental health institutions

The House Ways and Means Committee approved an amendment that allows individuals to couple with the federal tax code starting in for 2010, allows corporations to couple with the federal tax code starting in 2010 and leaves the Earned Income Tax Credit at 7 percent and not the 10 percent SF 209 proposed. The amendment increases the revenue reduction to $311.2 million over three years.

The House Appropriations Committee approved an amendment that added the following items that had been previously approved in House File 45 but removed by the Senate:
• Creation of the Tax Relief Fund to capture the surplus from the ending balance
• Establishment of a minimum health insurance premium of $100 for all state employees
• Requires the Revenue Estimating Conference to set a growth rate for FY 2013 at next meeting
• Prohibits DNR from purchasing land through the end of FY 2011, cuts REAP by same amount
• Appropriates $25 million for mental health and repeals the current system as of July 1, 2012

The House approved the bill on 64-34 vote and the bill now returns to the Senate for debate.

 

Iowa House of Representatives
State Representative

Lee Hein

Address: State Capitol, Des Moines, IA 50319 Phone: (515) 281-7330
E-Mail: lee.hein@legis.state.ia.us
Website: http://www.iowahouserepublicans.com/members/lee-hein
http://www.iowahouserepublicans.com
follow on Twitter @iahouserepubs

Recap of Week 7

It has been a busy week with several sub-committee meetings. Friday, March 4th is the end of Funnel Week and all bills need to be passed out of committee if they are to have a chance of a vote on the floor. This week at the Capitol I visited with members of the Farm Bureau. I also had the pleasure of hosting Rev. Rick Jenkins from the Anamosa Penitentiary to lead the opening prayer in the House.

Last weekend I attended forums in Oxford Junction and Monticello. On Friday, Feb 25 I will be taking a tour of the Anamosa Penitentiary at 1pm. On Feb 26 I have a forum w/ the DBQ Farm Bureau at the Country Junction Restaurant in Dyersville from 10am – 12pm. This event is open to the public. Please come with any comments, questions or concerns you may have regarding farming or any issues affecting your community and the state.

As always, you can contact me at lee.hein@legis.state.ia.us or (515) 281-7330. Also, if you are ever in Des Moines make sure you stop by the Capitol to visit.

Sincerely, Lee Hein

House Adds to Senate Supplemental Bill

Senate File 209 which couples Iowa tax law to the Federal tax code for changes made between January 1, 2008 and January 1, 2011 passed with a bi-partisan vote of 17-7. The Legislature has chosen not to couple the past few years which has been a source of frustration not only for taxpayers, but also for tax preparers.

The Federal changes include the repeal of the limitation of itemized deductions, expands the child and dependent care credit, maintains the student loan interest deduction and increases limits on Section 179 expensing for business. In addition, teachers can take a deduction for classroom supplies.

The original Senate File only allowed individuals and corporations to couple with the federal tax code beginning January 1, 2011. The House Ways and Means Committee amended the bill to allow individuals and corporations to couple with tax years beginning on January 1, 2010. The amended bill allows businesses to take enhanced bonus depreciation for tax years 2010 going forward.

Enhancing bonus depreciation encourages firms to accelerate otherwise planned investment spending forward – thus giving the economy a much needed boost. Businesses will get deductions for machinery, equipment, software and other items to grow their business. This will help spur job growth all over the state, at all income levels. With over 100,000 Iowans still out of work, this bill delivers a $311 million stimulus to the Iowa economy over the next three years.

The original Senate File included an increase to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) from 7% to 10% increasing the total impact of the EITC from $30 million to $44 million. House Republicans voted to keep the EITC at the current level of 7% as any increase in the EITC needs to be discussed in conjunction with the 20% income tax already approved by the House.

The 20% across the board income tax cut impacts all Iowans not just those earning under $45,000 as the EITC. The 20% income tax cut provides working Iowans 2.5 times the tax relief and impacts 257,000 more Iowans than the Senate Democrats’ expansion of the EITC.

Some Relief for Speeding Tickets in Transition Zones

House File 239 passed the House Transportation Committee on Tuesday with unanimous support.

Currently when the Department of Transportation considers a license suspension or revocation, they are required to disregard the first two speeding tickets a driver receives within any 12 month period when the violations were for less than 10mph over the speed limit and in a 34—56mph speed limit zone. The bill raises that ceiling to 61 miles per hour.

The reason behind the change is an attempt to accommodate those ―transition‖ zones on where the speed limit might go from 70mph to 60mph and then to 55mph. House File 239 does offer some protection for drivers who might be caught in those quick transition zones.

In addition, the bill also directs that the abstract of operation record provided to insurers must include a designation as to which speeding violations were for 10mph or less over the speed limit in speed zones with a speed limit between 35mph and 60mph (previously the ceiling was 55mph). The bill also states that car insurance companies must disregard the first two speeding tickets in a 12 month period that are for no more than 10mph in a speed zone between 35mph and 60mph for purposes of insuring or canceling a policy. House File 239 now moves to the floor as committee bill.

Hot Topic: Collective Bargining

The issue of collective bargaining is a hot topic around the nation. Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, and most recently Iowa, have been focal points for a debate about each state’s own process for collective bargaining.

In Wisconsin, Democrat Senators fled the state in order to prevent a vote that forces public employees to pay for a portion of their health insurance and pension plans and the bill also eliminates collective bargaining rights except in relation to wages. Republicans in Wisconsin control the Senate and the House as well as the Governor’s office. Gov. Walker has vowed a vote on the bill and is not interested in a compromise.

Iowans are not unfamiliar with the issue that is being debated in Indiana where a scene similar to Wisconsin was set as Democrat House members have reportedly fled the state. Republicans in Indiana are attempting to pass Right-to- Work legislation, which prevents any worker from being forced to join or pay dues to a union to get or keep a job. The current arrangement, also known as ―Fair Share,‖ forces non-union workers to pay union dues regardless of their membership in the union. Iowa is currently a Right to Work state, and Iowa Democrats attempted to change that in 2007 by repealing those provisions in Iowa law. Their attempts ultimately failed in the House after the bill had originally passed the Senate.

Iowa had its own run in with labor issues this week. Wednesday saw a protest from union members, and a counter- protest from Tea Party members. Also under discussion that afternoon was the subcommittee on HSB 117, which is a bill sponsored by House Republicans that affects the collective bargaining law in Iowa.

The subcommittee heard from a variety of individuals who spoke for and against the bill. The major changes in the bill include: the ability of a public employee to opt out of representation by the union, allowing the state to control what portion state employees pay for insurance (currently, 84% of state employees pay no premiums for health insurance), allowing an arbitrator to make a decision between two opposing sides during the arbitration process (currently, the arbitrator must only choose either side A’s offer or side B’s offer), forcing the arbitrator to compare public and private wages and benefits when possible (currently, the arbitrator does not have to compare to private wages or benefits), and forbidding the arbitrator from considering past bargaining agreements when negotiating new contracts.

The bill will continue to be worked on by Republicans, who have invited their Democrat counterparts to provide input into making the bill better. The bill will move on to the full Labor committee before it is sent to the House floor.

Iowa House of Representatives
State Representative

Lee Hein

Address: State Capitol, Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: (515) 281-7330
E-Mail: lee.hein@legis.state.ia.us
Website: http://www.iowahouserepublicans.com/members/lee-hein
http://www.iowahouserepublicans.com
follow on Twitter @iahouserepubs

RECAP OF WEEK 6

In the past week I visited with members of ABATE motorcycle enthusiast group, board president of Innovative Ag Co-op Randy Blake, and the superintendent of Monticello Schools Chris Anderson.

Last weekend I attended a forum with the Jones County Farm Bureau in Olin at Selma Café. On Saturday, Feb 19, I will be attending a forum in Oxford Junction at Shackey’s from 9am- 10am. On Saturday I will also be attending a forum in Monticello at Whiskey River Pub & Grub at 10:30am. These events are open to the public. Please come with any comments, questions or concerns you may have about any issues affecting your community and the state.

As always, you can contact me at lee.hein@legis.state.ia.us or (515) 281-7330. Also, if you are ever in Des Moines make sure you stop by the Capitol to visit.

Sincerely, Lee Hein

Tax Relief Update

Tax Relief for all Iowans passes the House

HF 194 which provides a 20% across the board income tax cut for all Iowans passed the House with bipartisan support. The bill helps all Iowans and specifically helps small businesses put Iowans back to work. The bill puts money into the hands of small business owners throughout the state. Small business is where the real job creation takes in our economy. This will help them invest and grow their business.

This is a jobs bill

Iowa has over 1.5 million taxpayers; many of these are organized as small businesses. The biggest job growth comes 1to 5 employees at a time. This bill helps small entrepreneurs in every community in Iowa. With Iowa’s unemployment rate is still high at 6.3%, now is the time to stimulate Iowa’s economy and help accelerate our recovery.

We put the taxpayers of Iowa first

When you hear people in government talk about priorities, the taxpayer is rarely mentioned. The want list from government is endless, which usually leads to more spending. This bill shows Iowans that we heard the message of less spending and lower taxes and we trust Iowans to spend their own money how they best see fit.

Iowa Law Enforcement Academy- Training to keep Iowans Safe

Iowans are proud to live in such a great state. One reason Iowa is so great is due to our low crime rate, even in larger cities. Police officers all over Iowa work hard every day to ensure our safety. But where do these men and women in uniform get their training? The Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) is responsible for providing some of Iowa’s finest with the best education and training to help them serve Iowans.

Founded in 1967, the ILEA was designed to upgrade Iowa law enforcement to a professional quality. The ILEA’s intent is to; “maximize training opportunities for law enforcement officers, to coordinate training and to set standards for the law enforcement service, all of which are imperative to upgrading law enforcement to professional status.” Over the years the ILEA has worked hard to meet and surpass these goals.

The Iowa National Guard at Camp Dodge in Johnston was the original home to the ILEA. The ILEA and the National Guard have worked side by side, sharing firearm ranges and tactical facilities. Throughout the state there are five registered training facilities (Cedar Rapids Police Department, Des Moines Police Department, Department of Public Safety, Hawkeye Community Technical College and Western Iowa Technical Community College). Additionally, the ILEA has partnered with Des Moines Area Community College to assist with officers drivers training.

The ILEA provides those who want to be police officers with the training they will need to be successful in their department. In 2010, 197 officers were certified after attending the Academy. In addition to new officers, the ILEA offers training for jailers, dispatchers, bike patrol and many more areas. The training is offered at different times throughout the year to accommodate a variety of schedules.

Having a well-trained police force is essential for our safety in Iowa. The ILEA and its staff work hard every day to ensure our police officers, dispatchers and jailers are well trained to protect Iowans.

Eminent Domain- Property Rights vs. Public Use

As Iowa continues to grow, our state will face many challenges. Currently, the house judiciary committee is working to address one of the main challenges facing both rural and urban Iowans, the issue of eminent domain.

This week a subcommittee meeting was held to hear from people on both sides of the issue. The goal of the meeting was to learn more about the specific situations currently facing Iowans and how best to draft eminent domain language that will protect property owners but not stop growth around the state.

Eminent domain is the right of the state to take private land, with just compensation, for public use. While eminent domain laws are not new, they made headline news after the United States Supreme Court issued its ruling in the case of Kelo v. City of New London, 545 U.S. 469 (2005). The Supreme Court determined that eminent domain over private land is justified by the community benefit of economic growth. Public use, as the court defined it, could mean projects that create jobs, increase revenue or revitalize downtrodden areas. The ruling gave states the final decision to either expand or contract eminent domain laws.

Many states took action after Kelo to protect property owners, including Iowa. In 2006, the legislature reformed part of Iowa’s eminent domain laws. Unfortunately, problems still persist and that is why the house judiciary committee is again addressing the controversial issue.

Monday’s subcommittee addressed issues Iowans are facing in Clarke County regarding a proposed reservoir. Land owners, engineers and community leaders presented their case. Some who own land in the proposed reservoir were concerned other options are being overlooked and that their land did not need to be taken, especially if the reservoir would serve multiple recreational purposes. Engineers and some community leaders believe that the proposal is the best option for development and water needs in Clarke County.

The legislation proposed during the subcommittee will change as the representatives learn more about the needs of each side. The goal of the legislation is to protect property owners and stop needless taking of land, while still allowing Iowa to grow. Another subcommittee will be scheduled and the public is invited to attend.

Iowa House of Representatives
State Representative

Lee Hein

Address: State Capitol, Des Moines, IA 50319 Phone: (515) 281-7330
E-Mail: lee.hein@legis.state.ia.us Website: http://www.iowahouserepublicans.com/members/lee-hein
Iowa House Republican Newsletter
http://www.iowahouserepublicans.com
follow on Twitter @iahouserepubs

House Republicans: Align Spending with Ongoing Revenue

On Thursday, February 10, House Republicans were set to announce targets for the FY 2012 budget. The targets will fulfill the campaign promise of aligning ongoing spending with ongoing revenue.

House Republicans are proposing to align ongoing spending with ongoing revenue in FY 2012. This is in contrast to the last four years when ongoing revenue was not sufficient to cover all of the increased spending demanded by the former governor and Legislature.

According to the Governor, the FY 2011 budget (approved by Legislative Democrats and former Governor Culver last year) spent $6.35 billion. This includes $872 million in expenditure shifts, which are general fund expenditures that were funded by one-time and other funds.

For FY 2012, the Governor’s recommendation for FY 2012 general fund expenditures is just over $6.1 billion, or a decrease of $185 million compared to adjusted FY 2011. This is the first budget proposal in five years to align ongoing revenue with ongoing spending and it does it in the first year (FY 2012).

House Republicans agree believe that ongoing spending must be aligned with ongoing revenue and therefore will proposebudget targets that accomplish that goal.

House Republicans’ budget targets will spend $477 million less than the expenditure limitation under current law. This is because current law allows the one-time surplus of $298 million from FY 2011 to be used to fund ongoing expenditures in the FY 2012 budget. In addition, the $119 million from the extension of the federal tax rates should not be used for new spending.

The Taxpayers First Act, House File 45, establishes a Tax Relief Fund to capture the one-time surplus and revenue from the federal tax rate extension to be used for tax relief. This surplus is due to Iowans being overtaxed and should be not used to grow government spending. The tax relief likely will be in the form of lower property taxes, lower personal income taxes and lower corporate income taxes.

These targets will not be easily achieved without difficult work being done to eliminate unnecessary and duplicative programs and spending. But this work must be done in order to ensure the state has the ability to fund the priorities like taking care of the most needy and keeping the public safe.

The budget subcommittees will meet jointly until it is time to approve a bill. The House will start the following bills: Taxpayers First Act, Administration and Regulation, Education, Transportation, RIIF and Health and Human Services. The Senate will start the remainder: Federal Block Grant, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Economic Growth, Courts, Justice System and Standings.

House Republicans believe that the taxpayers should finally have a seat at the table and ongoing spending must be aligned with ongoing revenue to ensure that the budget is sustainable in the future.

Getting Government Out of the Way of Iowa Businesses

House Republicans believe that an important component of job creation and fostering a positive economic climate means government getting out of the way of businesses. There are a number of ways that Republicans are working to reduce burdensome regulations.

The first of these is a tour with Legislative Republicans and the governor, hitting the road and talking with Iowans. They will stop in 10 communities across the state collecting ideas from all Iowans on what administrative rules are getting in the way of business. Republicans are traveling to Ames, Newton, Oskaloosa, Sioux City, Council Bluffs, Cresco, Cedar Falls, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, and Burlington. Legislators will return to Des Moines and to implement the proposed ideas to remove these road blocks.

The Economic Growth committee will also be discussing a number of bills related to administrative rules. HF 176 requires that state agencies go no further in administering rules or policies than the specific requirements of the corresponding federal law or policy. This means that federal rules or policies would be the ceiling with which the state could compare, not the floor. Federal regulations are quite enough, we don’t need the state to make them even more burdensome. HF 181 is a bill that provides an automatic sunset to all rules five years after their adoption. This act forces a constant updating and review of rules that can become outdated and overly burdensome.

House Republicans are committed to easing restrictions and regulations on business. Removing these barriers will allow for a reduction in burdens on businesses and to increased job creation.

Property Tax Relief is on the Way

HF 189 provides $47 million dollars in direct property tax relief to Iowans passed the Iowa House in bipartisan fashion on a vote of 73-22. Over the last few years, decisions by the legislature have placed a heavy burden on the backs of property taxpayers. This bill helps ease that burden.

The budget guarantee last year for schools was $25 million. The increase this year will be $22 million for a total of $47 million.

In previous years, property taxpayers were forced to pick up the cost of increased funding. Many Iowans are seeing the result in their property tax bills. However, House Republicans are committed to fully- funding the state’s share of allowable growth to stop saddling property taxpayers with a growing burden.

HF 189 covers the budget guarantee increase resulting from fully-funding zero percent allowable growth now moves onto the Senate.

The State will honor its commitment.

By fully-funding zero percent allowable growth, this gives schools certainty, while at the same time protecting Iowa property taxpayers from the large increases they have experienced the last few years.

Our spending reflects our values

Education remains the top budget priority. The state will increase school funding $215 million dollars, but will not continue the recent practice of shifting that burden onto the backs of all property taxpayers.

This helps rural and small schools.

This bill will help schools with declining enrollments maintain their spending levels. Over 277 school districts will receive a budget guarantee.

Protects Iowa property taxpayers

This bill eases the burden of runaway property tax increases, while putting more money into the hands of everyday Iowans to invest, spend or save as they chose.

Recap of Week 5

In this week I had the opportunity to meet with superintendents from the district, representatives from Early Childhood Iowa, and Jones County Limestone Bluffs Resource Conservation and Development.

This weekend I will be attending a forum with the Jones County Farm Bureau in Olin at Selma Café from 9am-10am. On Saturday, Feb 19, I will be attending a forum in Oxford Junction at Shackey’s from 9am-10am. I will also be attending a forum in Monticello on Saturday at Whiskey River Pub & Grub at 10:30am. These events are open to the public. Please come with any comments, questions or concerns you may have about any issues affecting your community and the state.

As always, you can contact me at lee.hein@legis.state.ia.us or (515) 281-7330. Also, if you are ever in Des Moines make sure you stop by the Capitol to visit.

Sincerely, Lee Hein