Iowa
State Capitol News – Weekend Recap
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 eighth week of the
legislative session. The 2011 session is at the midpoint. 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
The first artillery barrage before the funnel is over and
now, a brief moment of silence before the ground attack when bills are
considered by the chambers. Organic Dairy farmer Francis Thicke's post
on Facebook after his raw milk bill made it out of the House Economic
Growth Committee sums up the sentiment, “We have been advised to take a
temporary break from emailing and calling legislators on the bill. Now
is the time for us to spread the word and rally more help from our
friends for the next round – the vote of the full Iowa House. Opponents
to this bill will also be gathering their troops to try to stop this
bill from becoming law. When time for the House vote approaches, we will
need to be ready in full force.” Yes Mr. Thicke, that's how many of us
feel in a session of divided government.
The legislature seemed to be winding down by Thursday as most of the bills legislators wanted to make it out of committee did so by then. Under the Iowa Senate Democrats “Plain Language Initiative,” you can review this week's committee action here. The Iowa House Democrats web site is not updated yet, but check it out here. Legislative junkies can always check out the details in the journals which are here. Quad City Times coverage here. KCRG TV-9 List of Funnel Survivors here.
Public Hearing on Public Employee Collective Bargaining: House Study Bill 117
A bill that would alter Iowa’s collective bargaining law will receive a public hearing at the State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday March 7, starting at 6:00 PM.
The bill would prevent government workers from being able to negotiate aspects of work life such as health care co-pays during union contract negotiations. It also would circumvent employee organizations, and allow privatization of Iowa’s public employees.
If you are interested in speaking, sign up at the Legislative Information Office (LIO), Room G16, located in the Iowa State Capitol, or call the LIO at 515-281-5129. If unable to attend, you may e-mail written testimony to the LIO: lioinfo@legis.state.ia.us Please type Testimony in the subject line. Read Iowa Independent Coverage here.
Iowa Sheriffs say No, House Committee Says Yes to Castle Doctrine Bill
Despite strong objections from Iowa’s law enforcement community, the House Public Safety Committee approved House File 7 that gives immunity to a person who uses reasonable judgment to shoot and kill another person. It was approved on a party line vote after law enforcement expressed concerns that it would make their jobs more difficult and escalate already volatile situations.
The Swarm of Branstad Appointees is Released
In a March 2 press release, Governor Branstad announced appointment of scores of appointees to boards and commissions. From barbers to elevators to the environment, some Branstad appointee is sure to be touching your life, so check out the list here. Needless to say, they will have a different point of view from Culver-Judge appointees.
Iowa House Adopts Social Media
In a surprise move, Representative Bruce Hunter (D-62) joined Facebook, posting photos and updating his profile like the rest of us. With Hunter's move, House Democrats appear to finally be embracing electronic social media, which is a good thing.
~Paul Deaton is a native Iowan living in rural Johnson County and weekend editor of Blog for Iowa. E-mail Paul Deaton
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