Statehouse News
February 26, 2010

The 2010 legislative session is underway and we have a lot of work ahead of us. My priorities this year include balancing the budget, quality education and creating good jobs. I encourage you to contact me with your ideas and suggestions.

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I look forward to serving you.

Calendar of Events

March 4, 2010 – 14th Annual Des Moines Summit & Legislative Day; organized by the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce since 1997; Senator Steve Sodders, Representatives Mark Smith, Annette Sweeney, and Lance Horbach are assisting with the organization. Watch for registration information or visit the Chamber website at: www.marshalltown.org.

March 5-7 - 2010 Spring Home & Garden Show; Marshall Town Center;

Nunsensations! The Nunsense Vegas Revue – another hilarious Nunsense musical at Marshalltown Community Theater, March 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. For more information check out: www.mctonline.org. March 21 - Observe 100th Anniversary of Railway Disaster of 1910 at Fisher Community Center; 2 p.m.; hosted by Historical Society of Marshall County.

April 15 - File your taxes and check off the child abuse donation. Check out: www.checkoffchildabuseiowa.org for more information.

Helpful Information

www.centraliowaartassociation.com

A new local information hotline regarding H1N1 vaccinations has been established at 641-754-5005. Information is available in English and Spanish.

The 2010 Census will create hundreds of jobs across the State of Iowa. If you are interested or know someone who is, you may call the Census at 866-861-2010. Please mention this opportunity to anyone you know who is looking for a great employment opportunity.

Marshalltown Community Theater offers a wonderful opportunity to see local talent perform in productions throughout the year. To see a complete schedule of coming shows check out their website at: www.mctonline.org.

The Marshall County Conservation Board invites preschoolers who are - accompanied by an adult- to Nature’s Story Hour the first and third Wednesday of each month. Location is the Grimes Farm & Conservation Center, 2359 233rd Street at 10 a.m. For more information, contact Diane Pixler at 641-752-5490.

Iowa River Hospice hosts a Grief Healers Support Group at Our NEW Location 502 Plaza Heights Rd on Feb. 4th from 1:00-2:00 p.m. This group meets at the same time and place the first Thursday of each month. We are open to all individuals who have experienced the death of a loved one. Grief is a healthy and natural response to death. It is difficult to process. Come join us in our journey of healing. If questions, call 753-7704.

Iowa River Hospice hosts a Spousal Support Group at Hy-Vee in Marshalltown on Feb. 14th at 5 p.m. This group meets at the same time and place the second Sunday of each month for a meal, support and socialization (Usually not intended for newly bereaved persons). If questions, call 753-7704.

Iowa River Hospice hosts a caregivers group Common Bonds developed to nurture caregivers on Feb. 15th at 2 p.m. Each day can be a challenge for the caregiver but you are not alone. All are welcome; meets every 3rd Monday at Villa Del Sol in Marshalltown in the 200 Hall Lounge.

NEW Group- Grief Share an informal meet & eat group. Meets the last Monday of each month. Feb. 22nd 5:30 – 6:30pm @ Iowa River Hospice Home-502 Plaza Heights Rd Marshalltown Enter through the bottom entrance (staff entrance). *Dinner to be provided. **This group is intended for those dealing with the recent loss of a loved one. There are hosts of agencies to assist with a number of issues that you and your family may be facing. These agencies are often a member of the Marshalltown Area United Way. For a list of agencies, go to www.marshalltownunitedway.org.

Compassionate Friends a support group created to help people following the death of a child meets the first Tuesday of every month. The Marshalltown Group meets at the First Friends Church, at 2409 South 6 Street, Marshalltown, Iowa at 7:30 p.m.

The first Tuesday night of every month, the Marshalltown Cancer Support Group meets at the Congregational Church, 312-west Main. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. Enter through the west door.

Texting While Driving Ban Passes House

In an effort to improve safety on Iowa’s roadways and save lives, the House approved a ban on text messaging, instant messaging, and e-mailing while driving this week.

Numerous studies have shown that texting is one of the more serious distractions, even showing that a person who is texting is 23 times more likely to be in an accident. Read More

Care of Animals Legislation Passes to Governor

In an effort to protect pets and pet owners, the state will be authorized to inspect federally licensed commercial establishments which breed and care for cats and dogs. The inspection cannot take place unless a complaint has been filed with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

This was one of the recommendations from a ten member interim committee that met last fall. Livestock is exempt from these requirements. Read More

Study Increases Iowa’s Wind Power Potential

In another boost to Iowa’s renewable energy efforts, a new study by the American Wind Energy Association has increased Iowa’s potential for generating wind energy.

Iowa now has wind generation of about 3,670 megawatts, and the study has increased Iowa’s potential to 370,000 megawatts, about four times greater than previously estimated. This places Iowa 7th in the country in potential. Read More

Contact Mark:
mark.smith@legis.state.ia.us
www.marksmithiahouse.com

816 Roberts Terrace
Marshalltown, IA 50158
641-750-9278 (Home) 515-281-3221 (Capitol)