Closer to the truth is that the bill would further dismantle the power of the union by creating a “free agent employee” status whereas a public employee would not have to join the union, as is currently the case. However, the union would also have no obligation to negotiate for or defend that employee in pay matters and in the event of a grievance. Unions used this argument in a failed attempt to pass a “fair share” bill that would levy a fee for services rendered to public employees who did not join the union. Republicans listened and seek to remedy the situation in a way that infringes on the rights of all government workers. The measure passed the House 58-38 along party lines and is now headed for the Senate cemetery.

Where are the Jobs?

One hoped that after the first funnel, the Republican House majority would turn their focus to creation of jobs and economic development in the state. No, they did not. Instead, for the third time this year, they passed a measure to dismantle Iowa's statewide preschool initiative for more than 20,000 four year old children. They also revived a bill that would would allow Iowans to carry a concealed weapon without a permit, something that is opposed by the law enforcement community. The concealed weapons measure would enable Iowans with mental health issues to carry a concealed weapon, something that even the pro-gun state of Alaska does not do. A source familiar with the daily action in the house reported that on the gun issue, opponents to the measure, outside law enforcement, do not seem engaged in the debate. That aside, where is the discussion of jobs for Iowans who need them? In divided government, House Republicans are expected to cast blame on the Senate and accomplish little with regard to jobs.

Senate Cranks Out the Legislation

On Thursday, the Iowa Senate passed 16 bills and sent them to the house. Many of them passed unanimously, and they covered subjects like child support, tourism, high school graduation requirements, prevention of sexual abuse of children, sewage disposal systems, the educational needs of children who are deaf or hard of hearing and more. There were a few where there was dispute and in those bills, the Senate divided mostly along party lines. Thus far during the session, the action in the Iowa Senate seems calm and rational compared to the House. To check out the Thursday action in more detail, see the Senate Journal for March 10 here. Controversy is sure to come to the Senate as the session grinds down to the finish, at least that is what Senate watchers like the author are hoping.

Governor Branstad Hits Media

The Branstad-Reynolds office announced that Governor Branstad will resume his monthly call in show on WHO Radio in Des Moines. His decision to support a station that is home to Rush Limbaugh and Michael Medved is not surprising, given that right wing ideology dominates the public air waves in Iowa and there are few alternatives. Because of the reach and demographics of the station, progressives also attempt to get air time on WHO. A source familiar with the 2010 Culver-Judge campaign indicated that when the former governor's policies would be dissected by a right wing talker on-air, his campaign commercials would immediately follow. Since the fairness doctrine is gone, WHO is under no obligation to offer equal time to views opposing Governor Branstad.

In other media news, the Governor's special assistant for Education, Linda Fandel started an education blog here. Progressives interested in education should consider following the blog as it is expected to reflect the broader ideology of the Branstad administration regarding education policy. Too, knowledge about the administration's views equates to power during the next election cycle.