Iowa
State Capitol News – Weekend Recap

Iowa
State Capitol News – Weekend Recap

by Paul Deaton

[Editors'
Note: Following is a weekly recap of stories from Des Moines that
came through the Weekend Editor's in-box in the seventh week of the
legislative session. Check out the House Democrats page for a
different take on the week here.
Senate Democrats are here.
Watch for this feature every Saturday while the legislature is in
session.]

Funnel Madness

Legislators are waking up to the fact of the first funnel on March 4 and the decisions it will bring. One can imagine them looking in the closet and trying to decide what to wear to the next tent meeting, cocktail party, bike and bar crawl or committee meeting. “Should I take the Smith and Wesson for the debate on HF 7, the castle doctrine bill?” “Should I wear the Versace silk scarf or the JC Penney pashmina to the debate on HF 330, the ban of same sex marriage until a vote on an amendment to define marriage in the Iowa constitution takes place?” So many decisions, so little time. Although there was time on Friday for HR 15 which resolved that February 26 would be recognized as Iowa Bacon Day.

The Senate diligently and thoughtfully amended Kraig Paulsen's (R-35) signature savings bill HF 45, “The Taxpayers First Act” and messaged it back to the House of Representatives where the slash and burn Republican Majority, ready for battle on these important, landmark issues said…”never mind” and passed the Senate version on a voice vote. Now that's the big spending Republicans we know and love.

We Are One Rally

Labor and friends of labor rallied in support of Wisconsin public employees at the Iowa state capitol this week where HSB 117 was a subject of the rally speakers. The lone Democrat on the labor subcommittee working on the bill, Representative Nate Willems (D-29), was seen on the capitol with a 102 degree fever, looking a bit pale. Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Representative Willems. The full labor committee moved the bill on Friday, so a house debate will be coming up soon. Check out Iowa Independent's coverage here.

Branstad in Action

In separate press releases, Governor Branstad announced his nominations to fill the Iowa supreme court vacancies from the nine nominees. The Sioux City Journal reported that local favorite among the nominees, Sioux City attorney John Gray, was not selected. Apparently Gray contributed only $1,175 to the Branstad-Reynolds campaign, whereas Thomas Waterman contributed $7,500 and was given the nod.

In an “open for business” story, the Branstad administration released a copy of a letter from the governor to Defense Secretary Gates on February 1, lobbying the defense department to award Boeing Company a contract to refurbish the Air Force's fleet of aerial re-fueling tankers. Blog for Iowa determined that Governor Branstad fell short of the first rule of sales, which is “ask for the business.” The governor instead focused on his personal characteristic of “strong pursuit” of “opportunities in the best interest of the state.” He should ask for the jobs next time. Maybe he will eventually get the hang of this governor thing.

Does Iowa Want an Arizona-style Immigration Bill?

This is the question some Republican lawmakers will be taking back to their districts from Des Moines this week. One supposes that since there is little public interest on the topic this year, they had better check with constituents before wasting committee time on another silly bill during the last week before the funnel. Hopefully even the TEA partiers will realize we don't want a big government program to enforce federal immigration regulations in Iowa. Even the big spending Republicans realize it is getting on apple tree and grape vine pruning season and those are jobs most Iowans don't want unless it is in the backyard of their home. This, despite Iowa's high unemployment. Some landscaping entrepreneurs can't afford to pay a living wage, and immigrants are so willing to take the work. BFIA will be watching this one next week to see if there is traction for the measure.

~Paul
Deaton is a native Iowan living in rural Johnson County and weekend
editor of Blog for Iowa. E-mail
Paul Deaton