Statehouse News
March 31, 2010

The 2010 legislative session has adjourned for the year and I'm proud of our record listening to your ideas and acting on your priorities. We helped Iowa's children receive a quality education, created good paying jobs and helped Iowa's small businesses, all while balancing the state budget without raising taxes.

You will be receiving a newsletter from me during the interim every other week. I encourage you to contact me with your ideas and suggestions. If you have any friends who are not on the list encourage them to subscribe here.

I look forward to serving you.

Calendar of Events

Every Tuesday until April 15 & Saturday, March 27– AARP Free Tax Help, Marshalltown Public Library, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. March – Marshalltown Schools Art Exhibit; Fisher Community Center Auditorium; during Center hours; to celebrate Youth Art Month.

March 27 – WOW – Women of Wellness; Iowa Valley Continuing Education; 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.; keynote speaker – Dr. Christine Hegstad, Ph.D. For more information call 641-752-4645.

March 27 – 55th Annual Spring Concert; Marshalltown Men’s Chorus; MHS/Community Auditorium; 6:30 p.m. Tickets at the door - $10. For more information, please contact Larry Pfantz, Director at 641-753-7275.

April - July – 2010 Census Survey may be mailed in; for questions call 866-872-6868; 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Monday – Sunday; or visit online at http://2010.census.gov/2010census/how/questions.php

April 7 – Community Job Fair; MCC Student Activity Center; 3700 S. Center St., Marshalltown; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; 50 companies expected to be represented.

April 8 – Morning Optimists’ Citizen of the Year Roast/Banquet honoring Terry Briggs; Best Western Regency Inn; for tickets and more information call 641-753-6717.

April 17 – YMCA Healthy Kids Day; Marshalltown Community Y; 1-3 p.m.; free for everyone; jumbo inflatables, games, prizes, entertainment and food.

June 2-4 – Scripps National Spelling Bee, Washington, D.C.; Stefan Peng, Miller Middle School 7th grade student to participate.

Helpful Information

The Central Iowa Art Association offers classes, volunteer opportunities, and art shows every month. Please check their website for a detailed calendar: 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.

Balanced Budget & Jobs Focus of 2010 Session

When the 2010 session began, legislators promised to keep the focus on the priorities of Iowans -- balancing the budget, strengthening Iowa’s economy, and creating jobs.

As Iowa begins to emerge from the national recession, legislators approved a balanced state budget without raising taxes.

The fiscal year 2011 budget, which begins on July 1, spends less than the budget last year and even less than the budget approved four years ago.

As required by state law, the blueprint next year spends only 99% of state revenues and puts over $200 million in the state’s savings account. Read More

Government Reorganization Saves $265 Million

The General Assembly has approved two major pieces of legislation that will save taxpayer’s $265 million and result in a more efficient delivery of government services to Iowans.

Senate File 2088 contains over 50 different ideas, both large and small to reorganize state government. It eliminates 14 different boards and commissions, combines state purchasing, consolidates information technology within state government, and cuts down on middle management to keep front line workers in their jobs. Read More

Jobs & Small Business Assistance

To help Iowans through the national recession, the legislature worked to create good paying jobs and to help Iowans find work.

A new $5.2 million small business loan fund is created to help small businesses and entrepreneurs expand and create jobs. Another measure will allow more small businesses to qualify for low-interest loans through their bank. In addition, a website clearinghouse is created with information on all technical and financial assistance available for businesses in Iowa. 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)