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State Senator Matt McCoy's Newsletter

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Nov. 17, 2009

 

TOPICS

Town hall meeting on government savings & efficiencies

Tough decisions on education & state government can make Iowa stronger

Good news for Des Moines

Items of interest

 

 

TOMORROW: Town hall meeting on government savings & efficiencies
 

Wednesday, November 18
6:30 to 8 p.m.
Des Moines Public Central Library
1000 Grand Avenue
 

Please join me for a town hall meeting on making state government more efficient and lean. I'd like to hear your ideas, which could be considered during the 2010 legislative session.

Based on projections that the Legislature must cut an additional $750 million to $1 billion from the state budget, I'm looking for smart ways to create significant savings while protecting essential services.

A couple proposals I'm working on are reducing the number of public school superintendents and taking a more regional approach to providing local government services.

 

I look forward to getting your input on Wednesday!

 

 

Tough decisions on education & state government can make Iowa stronger

 

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.

 

As many of you know, I’m looking for ways to make Iowa’s school districts more cost-effective. Administration costs have risen sharply, despite student enrollment declining more than 30 percent since the mid-1970s.

 

When session starts up in January, I’ll propose legislation to reduce the number of school superintendents to one per county. Fewer superintendents—plus fewer central school district offices and staff—could save Iowa more than $60 million annually.

 

We can lead the way right here in Polk County by having one superintendent oversee the county’s 16 school districts.

 

I’ve been talking with a lot of folks from across the state about my proposal. I recently paid visits to several Iowa school districts, including Twin Cedars Community School District in rural Marion County where I met with Superintendent Brian VanderSluis. We discussed my consolidation proposal, his school district and a variety of ways to save money.

 

I want Iowa to maintain the best possible schools for our students, both rural and urban. By finding cost savings, we can limit the need for increased property taxes, maintain smaller class sizes and keep teachers working on the frontline with students.

 

The process of making our school districts—and all of state government—more cost-effective won't be painless, 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/.

 

 

Good news for Des Moines

 

Des Moines organizations receive environmental grants

On October 20, the Iowa Environmental Protection Commission approved funding for a two Des Moines projects to reduce diesel exhaust. The money comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

 

* TMC Transportation was awarded $680,500 to install auxiliary power units on 100 flatbed trucks to reduce idling.

* Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority will receive $210,728 to acquire rebuilt engines for nine buses and new engines for three other buses to meet more stringent emissions standards.

* Johnsrud Transport of Des Moines was approved for $4,875 to install direct fired heaters on five semi-tractors to reduce idling.

 

These organizations were selected for the grant based on projected emissions reductions, cost-effectiveness, percentage of match funding, and the location where emissions will be reduced. Learn more at www.iowadnr.gov/air/RIDE/index.html.

 

$2 million in disaster aid to Des Moines Water Works

More than $2 million in federal and state funds will go toward disaster recovery efforts at Des Moines Water Works. The State and FEMA have approved $2,096,940 for the Des Moines Water Works to cover repairs to Well number 5 near the Raccoon River. FEMA will pay 90 percent of the cost, and the State will pay the remaining 10 percent. This will save the utility the local match of $314,541.

 

 

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 20.

 

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.

 

www.IowaSenateDemocrats.org/McCoy


Contact me - E-mail: realmccoy@me.com
                     Phone: 515-274-0561
                     Mailing address: Senator Matt McCoy, 110 - 35th Street, Des Moines, IA 50312