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.



---

House Unanimously Passes Government Reorganization

Another piece of a massive state government reorganization plan was approved by the Iowa House this week bringing the total savings for Iowa taxpayers to $272 million next year.

The bill, Senate File 2088, is the result of work by the Legislative interim committee charged with finding efficiencies in state government that will 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 Guard Continues to Serve

Currently, with less than 200 Soldiers and Airmen deployed overseas, the Iowa National Guard is at its lowest number of personnel deployed since the beginning of the Iraq war in 2001. However, the Iowa National Guard is preparing for the largest deployment, over 3,000 members, in the 170 year history of the Iowa National Guard.

This week, Adjutant General Timothy Orr presented his first Condition of the Guard Address to the Iowa Legislature. He has served as Adjutant General for the past ten months. Read More

---

Budget Targets Set to Balance Budget

Legislative leaders released budget targets for fiscal year 2011 that maintain essentially a status quo budget. The targets spend less than both the budget proposed by the Governor and the current year’s budget.

The budget targets act as a guide for the seven budget subcommittees to establish a fiscally responsible and balanced budget. The goal of this process is to maintain commitments to education, health care, and job creation without raising taxes on middle class families. The targets take into consideration the $126 million saved through the Government Reorganization legislation in Senate File 2088, $88 million in savings from the Governor’s Executive order, and $57 million in early retirement savings. Read More

Task Force Finds Workers Have Been Misclassified

Assistance in a Disaster Made Easier

Disaster Recovery Continues Throughout Iowa

Bill to Help Cancer Trial Participants Sent to Governor

Criminal Code Reorganization Bills Pass House

Funding for Natural Resources Trust Fund

Bill Guarantees Choice of Auto Glass Repair Shops

Iowa’s Wine and Beer Small Businesses Continue to Grow

Transportation Commission Announces Public Input Dates