After serving in Iraq and missing the last two legislative sessions, State Representative Ray Zirkelbach of Monticello rejoined his colleagues in the Iowa House on Monday, the opening day of the 2008 legislative session.
Rep. Zirkelbach is Sergeant in the 133rd Infantry Division of the Army National Guard and was re-elected to the 31st House District in 2006 while serving in Iraq. He was wounded in combat and received the Order of the Purple Heart.
Opening remarks from Iowa House Speaker Pat Murphy of Dubuque:
Since I have mentioned this person by name during the past two sessions, and before I welcome you all back today, the first thing I would like to say is welcome back to a member who has served our country abroad for the last two years. Representative Zirkelbach, welcome back. (more…)
The Iowa Climate Change Advisory Council met yesterday in Davenport and made recommendations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% in 2050. The council was created as part of a larger package on greenhouse gases (SF 485) during the last session. State Representative Donovan Olson of Boone led the bill through the House and also serves on the Advisory Council.
The scoop from today’s Des Moines Register:
Panel aims to cut Iowa’s emissions in half
By PERRY BEEMAN • REGISTER STAFF WRITER • December 18, 2007Davenport, Ia. — A legislative panel on Monday agreed to lay out how Iowa could cut greenhouse gas emissions related to global warming either by 50 percent or by 90 percent by 2050. (more…)
Government Oversight
Monday, December 17, 2007 at 11:00AM
Rm 103, Supreme Court Chamber at State Capitol
Legislative Commission on Affordable Health Care Plans for Small Businesses and Families
Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at 9:00AM
Terrace Ballroom, Hotel Savery, 401 Locust, Des Moines, IA
TIME-21 Transportation Funding Study Committee
Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at 10:00AM
Rm 103, Supreme Court Chamber, State Capitol
The Revenue Estimating Conference met yesterday and provided a small boost to the fiscal year 2008 revenue estimate and maintained a modest revenue estimate for FY 2009. They increased their net revenue estimate for FY 2008, from 5.1% to 6.0%. This means the state is estimated to experience an increase in revenues of $337.1 million over FY 2007, which is $48.6 million higher than their previous estimate.
The REC did not changes the revenue estimate for FY 2009 over their October estimate, which projected net revenues will increase by another 2.6%, or $156.6 million above FY 2008. This 2.6% increase is the estimate that the Governor and Legislature must use when crafting the state budget during the 2008 legislative session, which begins on January 14th.