Statehouse News
March 5, 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.

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

March 6 - March 30 - Marshalltown Schools Art Exhibit at Fisher Community Center; reception is Saturday, March 6 from 1-3 p.m. at Fisher Community Center.

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

March 25 - Films @ the Library: Join other area adults in viewing and discussing a classic film in the Marshalltown library's Community Meeting Room. All films will start at 6:30p.m. Tom LaVille will lead our discussions.

Thursday, March 25: Singin' in the Rain (1952)
Films have been selected for an adult audience -- these programs are not suitable for children.

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

March 5 - 6: 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.

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.

Government Reorganization To Save $265 Million

The Iowa House of Representatives gave final approval to another piece of the government reorganization effort that will save taxpayers $265 million next year. The reorganization savings will help balance the state budget while maintaining key priorities in education and job creation.

Senate File 2088 is a result of the work of the Legislative interim committee charged with finding efficiencies in state government that would deliver services to Iowans in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. The bill also incorporates some of the Governor’s cost saving and efficiency recommendations. Read More

Iowa to Regulate Corporate Money in Politics

After a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that opened the door to unlimited corporate money in elections, Iowa is on the road to becoming one of the first states to regulate corporate political activity.

In Citizens United v FEC, the Court ruled that corporations are persons and, as such, have a right to participate financially in the election process. Read More

Two Surveys Show Iowa’s Economy Improving

Two surveys were released this week that showed Iowa’s economy is improving. One was from Creighton University and the other from the Iowa Business Council.

For the second month in a row, Creighton’s February regional job index rose above growth neutral. It hit 58.2% in February. It was at 52.1% in January. 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)