Banner Gif

[Dome]Interim Calendar and Briefing

October 25, 1995

Contents:
CALENDAR OF SCHEDULED MEETINGS
AGENDA INFORMATION REGARDING SCHEDULED MEETINGS
BRIEFINGS - INFORMATION REGARDING RECENT MEETINGS

Calendar of Scheduled Meetings

Friday, November 3, 1995
Nonbusiness Taxation Study Committee
10:00 a.m., Room 22
Monday, November 6, 1995
Alternative Energy Production Committee
9:00 a.m., Room 116
Tuesday, November 7, 1995
Alternative Energy Production Committee
9:00 a.m., Room 116
Wednesday, November 8, 1995
Blueprint for Iowa's Young Children Committee
10:00 a.m., Room 22
Thursday, November 9, 1995
Housing Development Study Committee
9:30 a.m., Room 22
Monday, November 13, 1995
Administrative Rules Review Committee
10:00 a.m., Room 22
Tuesday, November 14, 1995
Administrative Rules Review Committee
9:00 a.m., Room 22
Wednesday, November 15, 1995
One-Call Statewide Underground Facility Notification Study Committee - Tentative
10:00 a.m., Room 22
Tuesday, November 21, 1995
Fiscal Committee of the Legislative Council - Tentative
10:00 a.m., Des Moines, Exact Location to be Announced
Wednesday, November 29, 1995
Legislative Council and Council Committees - Tentative
Times to be Announced, Room 2
Wednesday, December 6, 1995
Senate File 13 (Parental Notification) Conference Committee
10:00 a.m., Room 22

Agenda Information Regarding Scheduled Meetings

Nonbusiness Taxation Study Committee

Co-chairperson: Senator William Palmer

Co-chairperson: Representative Roger Halvorson

Alternative Energy Production Committee

Temporary Co-chairperson: Senator Bill Fink

Temporary Co-chairperson: Representative Ronald Nutt

Blueprint for Iowa's Young Children Study Committee

Co-chairperson: Senator Elaine Szymoniak

Co-chairperson: Representative Danny Carroll

Housing Development Study Committee

Co-chairperson: Senator Michael Gronstal

Co-chairperson: Representative Libby Jacobs

Administrative Rules Review Committee

Co-chairperson: Senator Berl E. Priebe

Co-chairperson: Representative Janet Metcalf

One-Call Statewide Underground Facility Notification Study Committee - TENTATIVE

Temporary Co-chairperson: Senator Dennis Black

Temporary Co-chairperson: Representative James Van Fossen

Fiscal Committee of the Legislative Council - TENTATIVE

Co-chairperson: Senator Larry Murphy

Co-chairperson: Representative David Millage

Legislative Council and Council Committees - TENTATIVE

Chairperson: Speaker Ron Corbett

Vice Chairperson: Senator Wally Horn

BRIEFINGS - Information Regarding Recent Meetings

STATE COUNTY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

October 17, 1995

Background.
The State-County Management Committee has continued to meet at least monthly through the legislative session and the interim. The Committee was created in the 1994 Session in H.F. 2430 to make recommendations for joint state and county planning, implementing, and funding of mental health, mental retardation, and developmental disabilities (MH/MR/DD) services. The Committee includes state, county, and Governor's appointees, as well as legislative members. It is jointly staffed by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC).
Managed Systems Work Group.
The Committee has utilized various work groups and subcommittees in fulfilling its responsibilities. The managed systems work group included the following recommendations in its final report:
Next Meeting.
The Committee's next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 8 at 9:00 a.m. at a location to be determined.

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TRUANCY STUDY PANEL

October 17, 1995

Background.
Senate File 266 contained a provision requiring the Department of Education to conduct a study of Iowa Code Chapter 299, the compulsory education law of this state, in cooperation with interested individuals from throughout the state. The department is also to submit a report of the study findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by January 1, 1996. The department conducted the meeting of the Truancy Study Panel created by the department. Panelists were provided with a handout containing information about truancy prevention programs in other states, attendance and truancy policies from several Iowa school districts, and articles submitted by panelists.
Discussion.
The panelists discussed whether local districts should be allowed to continue to define truancy, identified factors that contribute to delinquency, and described successful efforts taking place in their regions and the functions and responsibilities of their truancy officers or liaisons, if they have such an office. Many indicated that the state has tools in place to fight the problem of truancy, but suggested that the Department of Human Services, county attorneys, and the courts do not aggressively address the problem due to the often larger issues with which they are involved. The majority of panelists indicated that truancy should be addressed sooner, beginning at preschool and elementary school levels.
Recommendations.
The panelists discussed a number of recommendations. Moderator Ann Molis noted that the Panel's recommendations would not need the support of the majority present. She collected panelists' suggestions for recommendations and told panelists she would send each a draft list of recommendations by mid-November. The panelists are to return the draft with their comments to Ms. Molis, who will compile them into a report to the General Assembly.

BLUEPRINT FOR IOWA'S YOUNG CHILDREN STUDY COMMITTEE

October 19-20, 1995, First and Second of Three Meetings

Background.
The charge of the Committee is "Review the Blueprint for Iowa's Young Children, existing state prevention program and spending, and other major state reform initiatives that promote innovative approaches to build the capacity of communities to meet the needs of children and families. Consult with persons knowledgeable in the area of the needs of children and families."
Blueprint Overview.
Mr. Charles Bruner, Director, Child and Family Policy Center, presented an overview of the Blueprint For Iowa's Young Children. He noted that the Blueprint is based upon the twin goals of school readiness and family self-sufficiency and accomplishes these goals through local coordination of community-based services and programs.
Council on Human Investment.
Mr. Marv Weidner, Director, Policy and Strategic Planning Division, Department of Management, provided an overview of the Council on Human Investment (CHI). Mr. Weidner explained that the mission of CHI is to develop and implement a system of performance management for state government through the establishment of benchmarks, outcome-based performance measures for programs, an outcome-based performance budget, an investment budget model, and a methodology for determining the return on investment.
Department of Human Services -- Programs for Children and Families.
• Mr. Charles Palmer, Director, Department of Human Services, reviewed the impact of federal changes on services to children and families.
• Mr. Federico Brid, Division Director, Adult, Children and Family Services, reviewed family and children's services and expenditures dedicated to these services.
• Ms. Linda Winston, Executive Director, Jane Boyd Community House, Cedar Rapids and Mr. Marc Baty, DHS area administrator for Jones and Linn Counties, provided information regarding funding decategorization and the provision of services to children and families. Ms. Winston and Mr. Baty noted the need for an overall plan and structure for provision of services but recognized the necessity of local implementation and involvement.
The Public Health Perspective:
• Health Trends. Dr. Edward Schor, Medical Director, Family and Community Health Division (FCHD), Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) provided an overview of the goals of IDPH and of the most recent public health trends including teen pregnancy, drug abuse, violence, infant mortality, and low birthweight babies.
• Prevention Programs. Ms. Mary Weaver, Director, FCHD, described the various programs implemented through IDPH for children and families including the Healthy Foundations and Health Families programs. Ms. Weaver introduced Ms. Bridget Fogel, who described her participation in the Healthy Families Program.
• Public Private Partnership. Mr. John Holtkamp, Iowa Chapter, National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse, described the participation of the Iowa Chapter in the Healthy Opportunities for Parents to Experience Success (HOPES) program which is funded through matching state and Chapter funding under the Healthy Families Program. Mr. Holtkamp provided information regarding the success of the program in addressing risk factors for child abuse, recommended collaboration of efforts to reduce duplication, and noted the need for local investment and involvement in the provision of child and family services.
• School-based Program. Ms. Pearl Scherrman, Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, Western Dubuque County Community School District, provided information from her perspective as a school nurse and as a participant in the School-based Youth Services Program.
The Education perspective:
• Community Program. Ms. Linda Nelson, Guidance Counselor and Co-Administrator and Ms. Susan Frauenholtz, Co-Administrator, Hills Family Resource Center, described the collaborative effort of the Center and the coordination of funding and resources that have resulted in the provision of an array of services which are specific to the needs of the Hills community.
• Department of Education. Ms. Sue Donielson, Administrator, Office of Educational services for Children, Families and Communities, Department of Education, noted that although collaborative efforts exist in the provision of services to children and families, access to these services is not yet equitable. She recommended the combining of resources, increased collaboration of efforts, and the development of a comprehensive plan and leadership in providing support to children and families.
Urban Ministry.
Mr. Andy Bales, Executive Director, Good Samaritan Urban Ministries (GSUM), Des Moines, described the GSUM program, which is supported by a coalition of more than 40 churches. Good Samaritan Urban Ministries services include transitional housing to assist low income and homeless mothers and children, affordable housing, access to medical services through the Iowa Methodist Medical Center, and counseling services.
Next Meeting.
The Committee requested that the next meeting include receiving child and family service funding information from the Legislative Fiscal Bureau and that the majority of the meeting time be devoted to Committee discussion and development of recommendations. The final meeting of the Committee is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, November 8, 1995.

COUNTY FINANCE COMMITTEE

October 20, 1995

Background.
The County Finance Committee is a permanent committee created in chapter 333A, Code of Iowa, with duties associated with county finance reporting and practices. The Committee is authorized to adopt administrative rules which have the force and effect of law.
Secretary Elected.
The Committee elected Mr. Mike Albers, Supervisor of County Budgets for the Department of Management (DOM), as secretary to the Committee, replacing Mr. Ron Amosson, DOM.
Budget Reforms.
The Committee reviewed the remaining county budget forms and instructions for fiscal year 1996-1997, which had not been available at the previous meeting, and approved minor changes to the forms and instructions.
MH/DD Base Year.
The Committee held lengthy discussion on the feasibility and impact of changing the base amount for computation of the amount of property taxes that may be levied for a county's MH/DD fund from the current fiscal year 1993-1994 expenditures to the fiscal year 1995-1996 levy for those services. The current base amount was established in Senate File 69. The Committee received input from officials of the Department of Human Services and from Mr. Lynn Ferrell of Polk County on this matter.
MH/DD Expenditure Reports.
The Committee agreed to issue a request to counties to provide budgeted and actual expenditure amounts for the 1993-1994 and the 1994-1995 fiscal years and budgeted expenditures for the 1995-1996 fiscal year.
Next Meeting.
The County Finance Committee will hold its next two meetings on November 10, 1995, at 1:00 p.m., and December 1, 1995, at 1:00 p.m.

INTERMEDIATE CRIMINAL SANCTIONS TASK FORCE

October 20, 1995

Background.
The Intermediate Criminal Sanctions Task Force was established in 1993 by Senate File 267. The Task Force was charged with developing a plan which includes the use of intermediate criminal sanctions (criminal sanctions used as an alternative to prison or against noncompliant persons on probation or parole) as sentencing options, ways to reduce prison overcrowding and unwarranted disparities in sentences, and whether a boot camp program should be established in Iowa.
1995 Charge.
The Task Force presented its final report in 1994 and was inactive until reconvened by Senate File 459 during the 1995 session. Senate File 459 requires the Task Force to review the progress of the two intermediate criminal sanctions pilot programs in the Second and Sixth Judicial Districts and submit a final report to the legislature by January 15, 1996.
Community Corrections Vision Plan.
The Task Force heard a presentation by Jeannette Bucklew, Department of Corrections, regarding the development of an Iowa Community Corrections Vision for guiding the development of community based corrections programs in Iowa. The Vision Plan for community based corrections includes the following:
Sixth Judicial District Pilot Project.
Gary Hinzman, Director of the Sixth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services presented the Task Force with a report from the Intermediate Sanctions Policy Group from the Sixth Judicial District. Mr. Hinzman discussed the goals of the group which include collaboration to achieve efficiency and a fair, swift, and sure process, structuring swift and sure sanctions, and educating the public on intermediate sanctions. Mr. Hinzman also described the implementation of the "rocket docket" for handling driving under suspension cases in a more efficient manner, the need for a mechanism through which a person who has had the person's driving privileges revoked can earn them back, and the direct community punishment option proposal considered by the group. The direct community punishment option would involve the use of a secure community-based residential facility and extensive programmatic services to divert property offenders from prison, thus allowing violent offenders to remain incarcerated longer. Implementation of this proposal would require changes in Iowa's sentencing provisions.
Second Judicial District Pilot Project.
Linda Murkin, Director of the Second Judicial District Department of Correctional Services, spoke to the Task Force regarding the Intermediate Sanctions Policy Group for the Second Judicial District. The group represents Boone, Story, Marshall, and Hardin counties and has the goal of developing written recommendations for the use of the proposed sanctions continuum developed by the Task Force to reduce prison commitments without jeopardizing public safety or system accountability.
Task Force Action.
The Task Force discussed the contents of the final report which is due January 15, 1996, and agreed to include a summary of the recommendations from the first final report, the reports from the two pilot projects, and to attempt to develop specific statutory changes regarding the use of intermediate criminal sanctions.
Next Meeting.
The Task Force agreed that a second meeting would be necessary in December.

LEAD POISONING COALITION

October 24, 1995

Background.
Following many prior years of proposed legislation on expansion of the lead abatement program through the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), the 1995 General Assembly passed House File 530 in which IDPH is directed to organize a coalition of interest group representatives to meet and make recommendations to the General Assembly by January 1, 1996 for proposed legislation regarding lead-poisoned persons.
Overview.
The second meeting of the Lead Poisoning Coalition was held in the Iowa Communications (ICN) studio at the Department of Economic Development and was broadcast via the ICN to sites in Dubuque, Mason City, Iowa City, Cedar Falls and Bettendorf. Due to technical difficulties, the site in Sioux City was not able to access the meeting via the ICN. The meeting focused upon the health implications of lead poisoning, information regarding local lead programs, testimony by parents of lead-affected children, and federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs for lead abatement.
Next meeting.
Following discussion, the Coalition members scheduled a tentative third meeting for Monday, November 6, 1995, beginning at 8:30 a.m., through use of the ICN. The tentative agenda for the third meeting will be discussion of issues related to a review of the materials and information presented to the Coalition to date, a discussion of funding for any future lead poisoning program, and a discussion of recommendations to be presented to the General Assembly.

FISCAL COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

October 24, 1995

The Legislative Fiscal Committee of the Legislative Council met on October 24, 1995, and discussed the following:

Revenue Update.
Mr. Dennis Prouty, Director, Legislative Fiscal Bureau, informed the Committee that the Revenue Estimating Conference met on October 4, 1995, and released Fiscal Year 1995-1996 total receipt estimates of $4.347 billion, an increase of 4.7 percent compared to Fiscal Year 1994-1995.
ICN Update.
Ms. Mary Shipman, Legislative Fiscal Bureau presented information relating to the 461 Task Force Draft Report, Iowa Communications Network financial statements, star schools grant funds distribution, a memorandum of agreement between the State Public Policy Group and the Iowa Communications Network and the Iowa Telecommunications and Technology Commission's Fiscal Year 1997 budget request.
Lease-Purchase Notifications.
Mr. Dave Reynolds, Legislative Fiscal Bureau presented a memorandum from Mr. Sandy Scharf, Director of the Computer Support Bureau regarding the lease-purchase of a Unisys Mainframe 2200/500 to upgrade the existing computer hardware and renew the software lease contract.
Federal Update.
Mr. Jon Neiderbach, Legislative Fiscal Bureau, provided the Committee with a memorandum updating, as of October 23, Congressional action taken on federal appropriations bills. He discussed the fact that the next few weeks will be critical for the appropriations process, that a temporary extension of the statutory limit on the amount of federal borrowing may be needed as of October 31st, and that a second continuing resolution will be needed after the current resolution expires at midnight on November 13th. Mr. Phil Smith, from the Iowa Office of State/Federal Relations in Washington D.C. updated the Committee via telephone conference call. Mr. Smith discussed proposals for welfare reform, workforce development, Medicaid, taxes, Medicare and the farm bill.
Iowa Inheritance Tax.
Mr. Jon Muller, Legislative Fiscal Bureau presented information on the state inheritance tax using data compiled by the Department of Revenue and Finance and based upon actual returns filed. Mr. Muller discussed the incidence of the tax in relation to the amount of the estate and the relationship of the beneficiary to the decedent; and the expected consequences of the repeal of the state inheritance tax, particularly as it would affect federal estate tax liability.
Welfare Reform Update.
Larry Sigel, LFB, and Doug Howard, Administrator, Division of Economic Assistance, Department of Human Services, provided information concerning the budgetary impacts of Iowa's welfare reform program and the status of federal efforts for welfare reform. Iowa's program is known as the Family Investment Program or FIP and replaced the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program. Mr. Sigel noted that the federal waivers for the Iowa program require cost neutrality and that the budget for the current fiscal year (1995-1996) provides for $5.8 million less in state funding for cash assistance and training than in the previous year. It was noted that a waiting list is in effect for post-secondary education funding.
Federal Welfare Changes.
Both Mr. Sigel and Mr. Howard discussed potential federal changes in welfare and the potential effect upon Iowa. Important questions include possible effects of various federal funding distribution formulas on the state; whether Iowa's control group of FIP participants which operates under the regular AFDC requirements should be maintained if the federal government no longer requires it; and whether increased federal flexibility will eliminate the cost neutrality originally required by the federal waivers.
Medicaid Update.
Mr. Sigel and Don Herman, Administrator, Division of Medical Services, Department of Human Services, discussed the financial status of the state's Medical Assistance (Medicaid) program. The state appropriation for this program for FY 1995-1996 is more than $350 million which is matched by federal funding for a total budget of more than $1 billion. It was noted that the program is running $6.7 million over budget but fiscal year 1994-1995 ended with a surplus of nearly $16 million of which more than $13 million was realized in the last half of the year.
Federal Medicaid Changes.
Mr. Herman discussed federal proposals to change the Medicaid program from an entitlement program to a block grant to the states. Again, the differing distribution formulas in the proposals can have a variety of impacts on Iowa. Mr. Herman expressed concern that due to the pace of federal reforms in Congress that there may only be a short time to implement funding reductions during the 1995-1996 fiscal year. He discussed options for revising coverages, co-payments, and reimbursements to achieve budget savings.
Medicaid Managed Mental Health and Substance Abuse Care.
Since March 1995, Iowa's Medicaid mental health services have been managed by Medco Behavioral Care Corporation (MBC) under contract to the state. In addition, another contract began recently for managed care of Medicaid and nonMedicaid substance abuse services. Questions have been raised to legislators and in the press concerning a variety of issues. The committee spent several hours hearing testimony from the following groups concerning the administration of the two programs. Most of the attention in this meeting focused upon the managed mental health care component. Jon Neiderbach, LFB, framed the major issues which were covered in detail by other presenters. The issues include:
Presentations.
Sixteen presenters came before the committee representing MBC, state departments, Iowa State Association of Counties, Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Association of Iowa Hospitals and Health Systems, service providers, Iowa Nurses Association, Iowa Psychiatric Association/Iowa Medical Society, Coalition for Family and Children's Services in Iowa, and LFB. In addition to the general issues identified by Mr. Neiderbach, the following issues were identified in the presentations:
  • Concerns about shifting of costs to counties.
  • A recommendation that legislative evaluation of oversight measures for managed care programs is needed.
  • A concern that the management practices seem to assume providers will misuse the system.
  • Support for MBC's initial efforts to finance alternative community-based services.
  • Concerns that MBC's documentation requirements have forced providers to increase staff.
  • Concerns regarding the lack of alternative placements for children.
  • Concern that MBC contract requirements for providers leaves psychiatrists with an ethical and legal responsibility for patients without the authority to decide the medical necessity for placements.
  • Emphasis that evaluators of managed care should focus on its impact upon improving access, assuring quality, and reducing costs.
MBC Response.
Representatives of MBC (recently renamed as Merit Behavioral Corporation) explained MBC's efforts to address the issues raised by the various parties, underscored their strong commitment to a long relationship with Iowa, and addressed specific concerns raised during the meeting.
Next Meeting.
The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, November 21, 1995.

Back to top of Interim Information

Return To HomeIowa General Assembly

Site index Index

Comments? webmaster@legis.iowa.gov

Last update: Sun Dec 24 22:52:03 CST 1995
URL: /DOCS/GA/76GA/Interim/1995/calendar/951025.htm
sw