From the Capitol to You:

I know most of you are very busy this time of year so my message will be short this week. Please note the article below. Great news for Iowa as our budget surplus continues to grow! As determined by a non-partisan group, Iowa’s surplus is $517 million and our savings has grown to $434 million, totaling over $950 million. Our economy is improving and, as stated below, our budget numbers are strong. Iowa is in a very good place to begin the new year.

Representative Helen Miller of Fort Dodge, Representative Andrew Wenthe of Hawkeye and I participated in a special committee this week to review Iowa's laws on levee and drainage districts. In this picture we were all finished and visiting about the upcoming session.

I would like to wish all of you a very pleasant and safe holiday.

Thank you,

State Budget Balanced, Surplus Grows

Non-partisan experts boosted state budget revenue projections on December 6th, pushing the state budget projected surplus for the current fiscal year to over $517 million with an additional $434 million in the state’s savings accounts. The strong budget numbers are another sign Iowa’s economy has begun to recover from the national recession that hit Iowa a year ago.

Last session, the Legislature made tough choices and reduced spending to keep the state budget balanced without raising taxes. Legislators also focused on growing Iowa’s economy through support for small businesses and renewable energy. Read More

Iowa Students Continue to Succeed

The 2010 edition of The Annual Condition of Education Report has been released by the Iowa Department of Education. Indicators continue to point to the academic success of Iowa students, who are second in the nation on ACT scores, lead the nation on SAT scores, and are well ahead of the national average on Advanced Placement exam scores.

Iowa’s average ACT composite score in 2010 was 22.4, which is higher than the national average of 21.1. Iowa has the second highest average composite score among states with more than half of seniors taking the ACT. Read More

First Public Hearing under New Law about Health Insurance Increases

After legislators approved a bill last year to give Iowans a voice before large health insurance rate increases take effect, the Iowa Insurance Commissioner will hold public hearings regarding a proposed health insurance rate increase by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield. The first hearing is set for this Saturday, December 18th, from 10:00 am to 1:00 PM, in room 102 at the State Capitol Building. Attendees should enter through the south door.

The Insurance Commissioner also scheduled a public hearing for Thursday, January 6th, from 9:00am to 11:00am in the Utilities Hearing room adjoining the Insurance Division’s offices at 300 Maple St., in Des Moines. The division phone number is 515-281-5705 or toll free 877-955-1212. Read More