Senate makes progress for middle class
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Disaster Assistance for Muscatine County
The Governor has declared Muscatine County a disaster area in the wake of recent storms and flooding. As a result, the Iowa Individual Disaster Assistance Grant Program is now available to impacted residents. This program provides grants up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or a maximum annual income of $39,060 for a family of three. Disaster counseling is also available through the Iowa Concern Hotline (800-447-1985).
Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and for the expense of temporary housing. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. The grant application and instructions are available at the “Disaster Assistance” link on the Iowa Department of Human Services website: http://www.dhs.iowa.gov.
Flood & Storm Victims: Beware of Scams
Iowans in counties proclaimed disasters should beware of the potential for scams. “Storm chasers” head to these areas to convince flood and storm victims to hire them on the spot for cleanup and repair work, so be on the lookout for contractors who show up at the door or call.
Go to the Iowa Attorney General’s Web site for tips on avoiding scams and information on hiring contractors and price gouging at http://tinyurl.com/2013scams. A consumer advisory, “Don’t Let a Contractor ‘Put the Fix in’ on Your Home Repairs & Improvements,” offers tips for consumers who must repair or rebuild because of flood or storm damage.
If you think someone has broken the law, contact local law enforcement. To file complaints or to ask questions, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 888-777-4590 or consumer@iowa.gov.
Columbus Junction receives community attraction incentives
The Vision Iowa Board has approved $37,000 in Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) funding for the Louisa County Fair Youth Center in Columbus Junction. This project includes the construction of a Youth Learning Center on the Louisa County Fairgrounds. The 7,680-square-foot facility will feature a 3,000-square-foot congregate room with a kitchen, a 2,800-square-foot covered patio area for outdoor activities and restrooms with shower facilities that will be available for use when the building is not available. Learn more about CAT funding at www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/CommunityDevelopment/VisionIowa.
Grant helps local communities fix derelict buildings
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has awarded the City of Middletown $1,500 to start deconstructing the old school building. This funding will be used for asbestos inspection of the premises. Louisa County was awarded $3,400 to start renovations on the old jail, transforming it into an office building that will house county staff. The grant will cover an asbestos inspection and structural engineering analysis.
Funding comes from the DNR Derelict Building Grant Program, which helps rural communities with populations of 5,000 or less. Funding is awarded annually on a competitive basis with cash matches required. Learn more at http://tinyurl.com/DerelictBldg.
HELPING SMALL BUSINESS WITH HEALTH CARE COSTS FOR EMPLOYEES
Small businesses want to expand Iowa’s middle class by attracting and retaining the best workers. Providing good health care benefits is one way to do that.
Unfortunately, health care is the fastest-growing expense for small business owners. On average, small businesses pay 18 percent more than large businesses for the same coverage, and health insurance premiums have gone up three times faster than wages in the last 10 years.
To ease this financial burden on our small businesses, the Senate passed Senate File 449 with bipartisan support. This bill builds on a federal tax credit through the Affordable Care Act for businesses with fewer than 25 full-time employees. The federal tax credit equals 35 percent of the cost of providing health care to employees through 2013 and 50 percent starting in 2014.
Senate File 449 would benefit more than 73,000 Iowa businesses by providing a state tax credit worth 25 percent of the federal credit. For example, a company that spends $50,000 a year providing health care benefits would receive a 35 percent federal credit of $17,500. The proposed Iowa state credit would add an extra $4,375. The net cost of providing $50,000 in employee health insurance would be reduced by $21,875.
This tax credit is another step in our efforts to reduce health care costs and make affordable health care available to all Iowans.
AFFORDABLE TUITION ENSURES IOWA STUDENTS CAN ATTEND COLLEGE
Iowa has a reputation for investing in great local schools, outstanding colleges and top-notch universities. But recent trends prove that we must do more to ensure that all of our bright, young people have a real opportunity to get an affordable, quality college education.
For example, the average student graduating from one of Iowa’s public universities has almost $27,000 in debt, an increase of 57 percent in the last decade. That’s why I support a $28.5 million increase in funding for our public universities.
Iowa also has some of the nation’s best private colleges and universities. Many students take advantage of the Iowa Tuition Grant, which provides $4,000 to residents enrolled at one of Iowa’s eligible private colleges and universities. Applicants with the greatest financial need receive top priority for these grants.
As part of the Senate Education Budget proposal, I support increasing funding for the Iowa Tuition Grant by $2 million. The House increase is only half that.
These decisions will be worked out by the Education Budget Conference Committee, which is tasked with finding a compromise between the House and Senate on this important bill.
NEWS YOU CAN USE
Deadline approaching for arts grants
Through May 1, the Iowa Arts Council is accepting applications for its Project Grant and Job Creation Grant programs.
The Project Grant Program offers grants from $1,000 to $10,000 to individual artists, non-profit organizations, schools, tribal councils, and local, county and state government agencies.
The Job Creation Grant Program offers grants from $1,000 to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations in Iowa, local and county government agencies, and tribal councils. Applicants may request $5,000-$10,000 toward one new, full-time position or $1,000-$5000 toward one or more new, part-time or contract positions.
Visit www.iowaartscouncil.org for guidelines and application forms or call 515-281-5111.
Grants Help Iowans Preserve Historical Resources
Through May 15, the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs is accepting grant applications for the Historical Resource Development Program, which provides grants to preserve, conserve, interpret and educate the public about Iowa’s history. Funded through Iowa’s popular Resource Enhancement and Protection Act (REAP), local governments, organizations and private individuals may apply. More information is available at www.iowahistory.org or by calling 515-281-4228.
Two Opportunities for Youth to Make Statewide Impact
The State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council (SIYAC) and the Iowa Youth Congress (IYC) are accepting applications for their 2013-2014 terms.
SIYAC is the state’s youth-led council, comprised of 21 members ages 14 to 21 from across Iowa. Its members forge partnerships with state-level agencies, lobby for legislation at the Capitol, and develop statewide service initiatives. They meet quarterly at the Statehouse and have biweekly conference calls.
Iowa Youth Congress participants hold elections, propose mock legislation, debate solutions and pass youth-centered bills on the floor of the Iowa House during their annual three-day program. Its members also present their bills to state legislators, who may turn them into official legislation.
For additional information and an application for SIYAC, go to www.icyd.iowa.gov/SIYAC. For details on the Iowa Youth Congress, visit http://iyc.latinoaffairs.iowa.gov. Applications submitted by May 1 will receive priority consideration. All applications must be submitted by June 15.
Tuition Assistance for Service Members, Veterans
Both the U.S. Army and Air Force have restored their federal Tuition Assistance programs effective April 10.
Iowa National Guard Soldiers and Airmen also continue to be eligible for state education benefits under the Iowa National Guard Education Assistance Program, which is funded with state dollars. Iowa National Guard Soldiers and Airmen may also continue to pursue their educational goals with Veterans Administration education benefits, if applicable.
Iowa National Guard Soldiers and Airmen should contact their local education centers for questions and updates. Updated information will also be posted to www.goarmyed.com and www.iowanationalguard.com.
Contact Tom
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