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Nov. 9 2009

TOPICS

Tough budgeting decisions will build a stronger Iowa

On Veterans Day, let’s remember the sacrifices of those who serve

Additional news for Iowa veterans

Items of interest

Tough budgeting decisions will build a stronger Iowa

In spite of the best revenue estimates of state budget experts, Iowa is being hit harder than expected by the national recession.

Many in our communities have lost their jobs. Families are struggling to make ends meet. Everybody is cutting back — and that goes for state government, too.

Plans for most state agencies and departments to implement the 10-percent across-the-board cuts have been approved.

In order to keep the current year’s state budget balanced, we’ll see furloughs and layoffs across state government, vacant positions left unfilled, and cuts to programs and services. At the same time, every effort will be made to protect public safety and services to children and vulnerable adults. For more details, go to www.governor.iowa.gov/index.php/static/budget/.

In the Legislature, we’ve cut 10 percent from our operating budget for the current fiscal year. We’re now turning our attention to preparing the budget for Fiscal Year 2011, which we’ll approve during the 2010 legislative session.

This won't be a painless, easy process, but it's what we have to do to continue to be fiscally responsible and make sure Iowa’s economy rebounds as quickly as possible.

Your continued input is needed as we move forward with tough budget decisions.

Please contact me with your ideas for improving state government. You can also submit your ideas online and read the suggestions of other Iowans at www.legis.state.ia.us/aspx/SurveyForm/Improving_StGvt/.

On Veterans Day, let’s remember the sacrifices of those who serve

In October, it was announced that 3,500 members of the Iowa National Guard are expected to be deployed to Afghanistan next year. This would be the largest call-up of an Iowa unit since World War II, affecting employers, families and communities throughout the state.

Among the units that may be deployed are these Council Bluffs-based units:

* 1st Brigade, 168th Infantry

* Detachment 1, Company B, 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry

* Detachment 1, Company F, (Forward Support Company) 334th Brigade Support Battalion

A mobilization of this size is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices so many Iowans make for our freedom. Let’s remember to honor and thank them for their service this Veterans Day.

In the Legislature, we’ve kept the needs of our veterans and servicemembers at the forefront, even in tough economic times. During the 2009 session, we approved measures to:   

** Expand eligibility for benefits: Iowa’s definition of “veteran” was broadened to include all Iowans who’ve served on active federal service. Previously, only those serving in certain wars or times of conflicts were considered veterans in Iowa (HF 503).

** Protect soldiers’ jobs while they are serving overseas: Employers who hold open a job for an active-duty servicemember won’t be billed for the unemployment claims of a temporary replacement worker (SF 197).

** Honor fallen soldiers: The Governor will present the family of a fallen soldier with the flag flown at half-staff over the Statehouse in honor of their loved one (SF 112).

** Improve the Iowa Veterans Home: The Iowa Veterans Home will receive $29 million in federal funds for the first phase of a comprehensive renovation as the result of a $16 million state investment.

** Help more veterans afford college: Active-duty soldiers, veterans and their families are now eligible for in-state tuition at Regents universities and community colleges if they served after 9/11 and live in Iowa (SF 451). In addition, funding for the National Guard Tuition Aid Program was increased to help more servicemembers get a college education (SF 470).

** Maximize veterans’ benefits: Assisted living programs that receive Medicaid reimbursements are required to help veterans determine all the benefits for which they are eligible (SF 203).

** Improve access to county Veterans Affairs services: County Veterans Affairs offices are required to be open at least four hours a day in every county. The money previously allocated for administrators can now be spent on services instead (HF 283).

** Increase accountability in Veterans Affairs: Each year, Veterans Affairs will report to the Governor and the Legislature on the number of hours that services are offered and the amount of benefits paid out (SF 254).

** Protect against mortgage foreclosure: It is now a serious misdemeanor to knowingly repossess or foreclose on property of active-duty members of the Iowa National Guard or their families, similar to the existing penalties for foreclosing on US Armed Forces (HF 706).

** Provide tax extensions: All active-duty soldiers on federal military service will receive a 90-day extension on their state taxes (SF 253).

** Help military families adjust after a move: Iowa will coordinate with other states to ensure timely enrollment in school and on-time graduation for children of military families (HF 214).

** Improve quality of life at the Veterans Home: It will be easier for those living at the Iowa Veterans Home to get off-campus because volunteer van drivers are now exempt from having a chauffeur’s driver license (HF 321).

** Protect Veterans Home residents from abuse: All volunteers at the Iowa Veterans Home are now required to have background checks (HF 505).

To learn more about state and federal benefits and services for veterans, military members and their families, go to www.iowava.org.

Additional news for Iowa veterans

In August, a statewide community covenant was signed in a special ceremony at the Iowa State Fair. The covenant signifies the commitment of Iowans to protecting our military families while soldiers are deployed, welcoming returning veterans and helping them reintegrate to civilian life.

The Iowa Veterans Cemetery recently completed its first year of operation. Located 10 miles west of Des Moines near Van Meter, it’s Iowa’s first state-owned and operated veterans cemetery constructed with federal funds. Nearly 400 Iowa veterans and family members have been laid to rest there, and more than 3,300 applications for burial have been processed. Learn more at www.iowava.org/vetcemetery.

If you know a volunteer who has gone above and beyond in service to Iowa veterans, consider nominating them for an Iowa Veteran Volunteer Certificate of Recognition. For more information, contact Jill Joseph at 515-242-1824 or jill.joseph@iowa.gov.

Items of interest

Housing assistance for Iowans in need

As part of the federal stimulus package, Iowa received $11 million to help struggling Iowans afford rental housing. Iowa Rental Help can assist with rent and utility payments for up to 18 months, moving expenses, security deposits, rental deposits and more. For further details, go to www.IowaRentalHelp.com or call toll-free 877-386-9104.

Deadline approaching for energy grants

During the 2009 session, the Legislature established a new community grant program as part of the Iowa Power Fund effort to make our state more energy independent. Cities, counties and non-profit organizations can apply for funding to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy locally, train for or create energy industry jobs, establish a community energy efficiency plan and more. For complete details and a grant application, go to www.energy.iowa.gov/Power_Fund/CommunityGrants.html. Applications are due by November 13.

Do you know an outstanding volunteer?

Do you know a fellow Iowan who has made their community, the state, the nation, or the world a better place through their volunteer service? Consider nominating them for the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame, the most prestigious state-level honor volunteers can receive. 

The nomination deadline is January 8. Materials are available at www.volunteeriowa.org/halloffame.html. For more information, call the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service at 1-800-308-5987 or e-mail them at icvs@iowalifechanging.com.

Tourism grows in Iowa

In spite of the downturn in the national economy, Iowa tourism spending grew 2.2 percent in 2008, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Tourism pumps about $6.4 billion a year into our communities, employing nearly 65,000 Iowans and generating more than $303 million in state taxes. And it’s not all happening in the big cities; in fact, 92 of Iowa’s 99 counties increased their tourism-generated expenditures in 2008.

www.IowaSenateDemocrats.org/Gronstal