The legislation comes after Citizens United v. FEC, a U.S. Supreme Court decision that allowed corporate money in Iowa campaigns.  For the first time in modern campaigns, big corporations will be allowed to spend money from their vast corporate treasuries in connection with Iowa elections.  It will require any organization that makes independent expenditures to file a report with the board once their total expenditures reach $750.  Additionally, each organization’s filing will need to disclose whether or not the organization is advocating for or against a particular candidate or ballot issue.

Senate File 2357, which was requested by Iowa judges and law enforcement officials, puts federal law into the Iowa code to make it easier for Iowa officials to enforce the law.

“Just as families are forced to tighten their belts, state government and the Legislature are no different. We will do our part by cutting over 10% from the Legislature’s budget next year,” said House Speaker Pat Murphy of Dubuque, who noted that savings include a pay freeze for all legislative employees, reducing travel budgets, and cutting back next year’s legislative session by 10 days.

“We know we are faced with another difficult budget next year so we’ve approved a State Government Reorganization Commission to improve efficiency, eliminate duplication, reduce costs and modernize how government works,” said House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Des Moines. “We look forward to working with Governor Culver and the executive branch to find ideas that will not only save money for taxpayers, but also improve service to Iowans.”

“Last session, we approved a fiscally responsible, balanced state budget that met the priorities of Iowans in health care, jobs and education. Our efforts to reduce costs, find efficiencies, and continue to provide support for middle class families will continue over the interim and I look forward to seeing recommendations for the 2010 legislative session,” said Senate Majority Leader Gronstal of Council Bluffs.

In addition to the State Government Reorganization Commission, the Legislative Council approved interim study committees on the following topics: Criminal Code Reorganization, Health Care Coverage, Job Training, School Finance Formula, Government Oversight, Care of Animals in Commercial Enterprises, and Prescription Medication Usage.

The 2010 Legislative Session begins on Monday, January 11.

Governor Culver convened a task force to report back to him by April 1, but the task force has already suggested quick action on two bills under consideration by the Legislature.  Senate File 96 would give subpoena power to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission to investigate unfair or discriminatory practices in housing and unemployment.  Senate File 137 makes wage discrimination against any employee, including those with disabilities, an unfair employment practice.

Other recommendations presented by the task force today include:

• Annual registration and occupancy reporting with the Department of Inspections and Appeals for all types of boarding homes in the State;
• All agencies to use a uniform assessment tool in determining dependent adult abuse;
• Lengthen the time rejected intakes and unfounded assessments are kept on file;
• Joint interagency coordination in the investigation of all allegations against unlicensed health care facilities;
• Databases of persons employed under special certificates as provided in the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.

Photo by Des Moines Register

Members of the House Oversight Committee questioned state agencies regarding the deplorable conditions at an Atalissa “bunkhouse” for employees at a West Liberty turkey processing plant.  State Representative Kurt Swaim of Bloomfield is pictured at the left.  The story by the Des Moines Register can be found here.