‘2011 Session Information’ Archives
Author: deanfiihr Published: December 9th, 2011
Iowans looking for work won a big victory today when a district court ruled Governor Terry Branstad’s veto closing down 36 workforce centers across Iowa was unconstitutional.
“After working together across party lines last session to make sure Iowans who need help finding a job could get it, I’m pleased the court overturned Governor Branstad’s veto which shut down 36 workforce centers, including the one in Iowa City,” said Rep. Dave Jacoby, D-Coralville, who was a plaintiff in the lawsuit challenging the veto.
“In tough economic times when too many Iowans are out of work, the Governor made the wrong decision to make it more difficult for them to find a job. Many Iowans need help learning new skills to land a good-paying job and small businesses in communities across Iowa rely on these centers to find Iowa workers,” added Rep. Kirsten Running-Marquardt, who also joined the lawsuit. “It’s time to work together to strengthen our economy and help the middle class.”
During the 2011 legislative session, Republicans and Democrats in the Legislature worked together to ensure Workforce Development field offices were adequately funded and language was included in Senate File 517 directing Iowa Workforce Development to keep their current offices open. Governor Branstad ignored the bi-partisan work of the Legislature and vetoed funding for the centers and requirements that they remain open. After a lawsuit was filed challenging the veto in Polk County District Court, a judge today overturned the Governor’s veto and ruled it unconstitutional. State Rep. Bruce Hunter, D-Des Moines, also joined the suit.
Tags: Bruce Hunter, Dave Jacoby, Iowa Workforce Centers, iowa workforce development, job seekers, Kirsten Running-Marquardt, unemployment, workforce office
Category 2011 Session Information, Featured, Jobs & Economy, Recent News |
Author: deanfiihr Published: July 12th, 2011
A number of new laws will go into effect on July 1, the start of the state’s fiscal year. Several changes were made during the 2011 legislative session that will affect Iowans, including the end of the one year warning grace period for texting while driving and tougher enforcement for driving a boat while under the influence. To see a full list of bills that go into effect July 1st go to http://coolice.legis.state.ia.us/Cool-ICE/default.asp?Category=BillInfo&Service=Enrolled&year=2011.
Tags: July 1st, New Laws
Category 2011 Session Information, Featured, Recent News |
Author: deanfiihr Published: June 30th, 2011
After Republicans finally agreed to compromise, the 2011 Iowa Legislature finally adjourned on the 172nd day of session. It was the third longest session in Iowa history.
Here’s the statement from House Democratic Leader Kevin McCarthy:
House Republicans spent too much time focusing on divisive social issues – which brought Iowa to the brink of a government shutdown — instead of working to help the middle class.
Republicans voted to end the state’s job creation efforts while Democrats fought to help small businesses and create good-paying jobs. Republicans wanted to raise property taxes on homeowners to pay for tax breaks for out of state corporations while Democrats reduced taxes for working families and supported a property tax relief plan that benefits small businesses. Republicans voted to kick 20,000 kids out of preschool and wanted to starve our schools for the next two years while Democrats worked to ensure our kids get a quality education.
Democrats focused on new jobs and opportunities for Iowa families and I’m proud of our work continuing the state’s job creation efforts, ensuring our k-12 schools weren’t starved for the next two years, and keeping kids in preschool next year.
Tags: Iowa Legislature, Kevin McCarthy
Category 2011 Session Information, Featured, Recent News |
Author: deanfiihr Published: June 6th, 2011
House Democrats called for a public hearing today to give Iowans time to read the 600 page Republican budget bill.
“This bill is the largest in Iowa history, spending over $25 billion, and Iowans deserve time to review it and give us input,” said State Representative Tyler Olson, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Spending $25 billion of Iowa taxpayer money with no time for public input is irresponsible and Iowans deserve better.”
After announcing plans just a few days ago to approve one giant budget bill without any input from Democrats, House Republicans want to pass the bill on Tuesday before Iowans have a chance to weigh in.
“Republicans haven’t even revealed their latest plan to give big tax breaks to corporations paid for by higher property taxes on homeowners,” added Olson. “Iowans should at least get to see all the facts before a vote on any spending plan and Democrats won’t settle for a budget that penalizes the middle class and starves our schools.”
Category 2011 Session Information, Budget, Featured, Recent News |
Author: deanfiihr Published: April 26th, 2011
Today the Iowa House is scheduled to debate whether Iowa should build a nuclear energy plant. House File 561 establishes the regulatory construct and regulatory certainty that is needed for Iowa to attract the significant capital required for a nuclear facility.
Read the Bill Summary here and the Amendment Summary here.
Tags: alternative energy, Mid American Energy, nuclear energy
Category 2011 Session Information, Environment, Featured, Recent News |
