House Journal: Tuesday, January 15, 2002
JOURNAL OF THE HOUSE
Second Calendar Day - Second Session Day
Hall of the House of Representatives
Des Moines, Iowa, Tuesday, January 15, 2002
The House met pursuant to adjournment at 8:54 a.m., Speaker
Siegrist in the chair.
Prayer was offered by Reverend Art Zewert, pastor of Zion
Reformed Church, Sheffield. He was the guest of Representative
Steve Sukup of Franklin County.
The Journal of Monday, January 14, 2002 was approved.
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
House File 2035, by Grundberg, Hatch, Hahn, Dotzler, Tyrrell,
D. Taylor, Sievers, Bukta, Van Fossen, Larkin, Dix, Stevens,
Eichhorn, Atteberry, Boal, Winckler, Cormack, Osterhaus, Hoffman,
Frevert, Elgin, Smith, Jones, Millage, Warnstadt, Tymeson, May,
Baudler, Petersen, Broers, Ford, Boddicker, Fallon, Finch, Mascher,
Dolecheck, Foege, Metcalf, Richardson, Rayhons, Quirk, Jenkins,
Murphy, Jacobs, Connors, Johnson, Schrader, Heaton, and Myers, a
bill for an act relating to the state historic property rehabilitation tax
credit and including effective and retroactive applicability date
provisions.
Read first time and referred to committee on ways and means.
House File 2036, by Drake, a bill for an act establishing a nursing
shortage forgivable loan program and fund and making an
appropriation from the healthy Iowans tobacco trust.
Read first time and referred to committee on appropriations.
House File 2037, by Millage, a bill for an act relating to notarial
acts by judicial officers.
Read first time and referred to committee on judiciary.
House File 2038, by Hoversten, a bill for an act requiring seat
belts in truck beds and making existing penalties applicable.
Read first time and referred to committee on transportation.
House File 2039, by Frevert and Garman, a bill for an act
relating to body piercing including requiring a permit for practicing
body piercing and prohibiting body piercing of minors without prior
written consent of a parent, providing for injunctive relief, and
providing penalties.
Read first time and referred to committee on human resources.
House File 2040, by Fallon, a bill for an act lowering the blood
alcohol concentration limit for motor vehicle operating while
intoxicated offenses.
Read first time and referred to committee on judiciary.
House File 2041, by Fallon, a bill for an act allowing a county to
establish a transit system as a county enterprise and to levy a
property tax for the transit system.
Read first time and referred to committee on ways and means.
House File 2042, by Fallon, a bill for an act relating to the
duration of urban revitalization tax exemptions and providing a
retroactive applicability date.
Read first time and referred to committee on ways and means.
House File 2043, by Siegrist, a bill for an act relating to the
circumstances under which a United States reserve officer training
corps recruiter shall have access to the campus of a postsecondary
educational institution.
Read first time and referred to committee on education.
MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE
The following messages were received from the Senate:
Mr. Speaker: I am directed to inform your honorable body that the Senate has on
January 14, 2002, adopted the following resolution in which the concurrence of the
Senate was asked:
House Concurrent Resolution 101, a concurrent resolution designating a joint
convention on Tuesday, January 15, 2002, at 10:00 a.m. for Governor Vilsack to deliver
his budget message.
Also: That the Senate has on January 14, 2002, adopted the following resolution in
which the concurrence of the Senate was asked:
House Concurrent Resolution 102, a concurrent resolution designating a joint
convention on Wednesday, January 16, 2002, at 10:00 a.m. for Chief Justice Lavorato
to deliver his condition of the judicial branch message.
MICHAEL E. MARSHALL, Secretary
HOUSE FILES 24 and 668 WITHDRAWN
Hahn of Muscatine asked and received unanimous consent to
withdraw House Files 24 and 668 from further consideration by the
House.
HOUSE FILES 14 and 616 WITHDRAWN
Brunkhorst of Bremer asked and received unanimous consent to
withdraw House Files 14 and 616 from further consideration by the
House.
HOUSE FILE 565 WITHDRAWN
Arnold of Lucas asked and received unanimous consent to
withdraw House File 565 from further consideration by the House.
HOUSE FILE 433 WITHDRAWN
Klemme of Plymouth asked and received unanimous consent to
withdraw House File 433 from further consideration by the House.
HOUSE FILE 665 WITHDRAWN
Van Engelenhoven of Mahaska asked and received unanimous
consent to withdraw House File 665 from further consideration by the
House.
The House stood at ease at 9:01 a.m., until the fall of the gavel.
The House resumed session at 9:50 a.m., Speaker Siegrist in the
chair.
COMMITTEE TO NOTIFY THE SENATE
Kettering of Sac moved that a committee of three be appointed to
notify the Senate that the House was ready to receive it in joint
convention.
The motion prevailed and the Speaker appointed as such
committee Kettering of Sac, Boggess of Page and Smith of Marshall.
The House stood at ease at 9:51 a.m., until the fall of the gavel.
The House resumed session at 9:55 a.m., Speaker Siegrist in the
chair.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO NOTIFY THE SENATE
Kettering of Sac, Chair of the committee appointed to notify the
Senate that the House was ready to receive it in joint convention
reported that the committee had performed its duty.
The report was accepted and the committee discharged.
The Sergeant-at-Arms announced the arrival of the President of
the Senate, the Secretary of the Senate and the honorable body of the
Senate.
The President was escorted to the Speaker's station, the Secretary
to the Chief Clerk's desk and the members of the Senate were seated
in the House Chamber.
JOINT CONVENTION
In accordance with law and House Concurrent Resolution 101,
duly adopted, the joint convention was called to order at 9:57 a.m.,
President Kramer presiding.
Senator Iverson of Wright moved that the roll call be dispensed
with and that the President of the joint convention be authorized to
declare a quorum present.
The motion prevailed.
President Kramer announced a quorum present and the joint
convention duly organized.
Senator Iverson of Wright moved that a committee of six,
consisting of three members from the Senate and three members from
the House of Representatives, be appointed to notify Governor
Thomas J. Vilsack that the joint convention was ready to receive him.
The motion prevailed and the President appointed as such
committee Senators Sexton of Calhoun, Freeman of Buena Vista and
Shearer of Washington, on the part of the Senate, and Represen-
tatives Hoffman of Crawford, Jones of Mills and Petersen of Polk, on
the part of the House.
Secretary of State, Chester J. Culver; Treasurer of State, Michael
Fitzgerald; Secretary of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Patty
Judge; State Auditor, Dick Johnson and Attorney General, Tom
Miller were escorted into the House chamber.
The Supreme Court Justice, the Justices of the Supreme Court, the
Chief Judge and Judges of the Appellate Court were escorted into the
House chamber.
Lieutenant Governor Sally Pederson was escorted into the House
chamber.
Mrs. Christie Vilsack, wife of the Governor and Jess Vilsack, son of
the Governor were escorted into the House chamber.
The committee waited upon Governor Thomas J. Vilsack and
escorted him to the Speaker's station.
President Kramer presented Governor Thomas J. Vilsack who
delivered the following condition of the state message:
Thank you, Madame President. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, members of the General
Assembly and our Supreme Court, and distinguished guests and ladies and gentlemen.
We are assembled on this crisp winter morning in our great state just 126 days
after terrorists attacked our country, our freedom, and our way of life.
Today, we start together another legislative session-a reaffirmation of our
democratic process and a celebration of the blessings of our liberty.
In September of 1787, our founding fathers signed a document that began with
these words: "We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect
union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense,
promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our
posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
With this simple phrase, to "secure the Blessings of Liberty," they assured that all
the generations of Americans to follow would have certain inalienable rights. They
believed that no matter what circumstances the nation and its people would face, these
"Blessings of Liberty" would stand tall and remain strong.
Last September 11th, terrorists filled with hatred believed they could destroy the
blessings of our liberty. But though their heinous acts shook us, they could not break
our spirit. Indeed, those terrorists have made us again one nation under God, stronger
and more determined.
The terrorists tried to destroy the blessings of our liberties. Instead, they re-ignited
our sense of unity and purpose…powerful weapons we can wield in protecting our
values and our way of life.
Nowhere is that spirit-the spirit of unity and community-stronger than in Iowa.
And never have I been prouder to call myself an Iowan. Citizens across this great state
have demonstrated heartfelt generosity and extraordinary sacrifice in the aftermath of
the attacks.
Iowans are well represented among those making sacrifices for Operation Enduring
Freedom. This morning, I am honored to introduce to you Brandi Aspengren from
Boone. Her husband, Sergeant Tony Aspengren, is one of the more than 300 Iowa
National Guard members called to federal active duty by President Bush. With
Company D, 109th Aviation Company, Sergeant Aspengren has been deployed to join
the war against terrorism. Brandi is here with her two daughters, Grier, who is 4, and
Greta, just seven months old. Sergeant Aspengren’s entire family is proud of him and
his service to our country. We are all proud of him, and of all the Iowans serving in
Operation Enduring Freedom-and we are proud of their families who sacrifice here at
home.
I also want to introduce you to Peggy Peterson, a wife, a mother of 3 young
children, and a veteran of the Persian Gulf War. She works for the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and is a state employee. Peggy went to
Ground Zero on November 24, and helped train rescue workers to properly use their
personal protective equipment. "I wanted to do my part," Peggy says. "I’ll never forget
the experience. The helplessness and vulnerability we all felt as we entered or left the
site-it’s an innocence that’s been ripped away from America."
Peggy and Brandi, will you please stand?
Please join me in saluting these folks and the thousands of other Iowa heroes, now
and in the past, who have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice so much to protect the
blessings of our liberty.
The events of September 11th caused all Americans to reassess our own safety and
security. Here in Iowa, we responded immediately by sending members of our
National Guard to protect our airports and research labs. And we have undertaken a
longer-term response, as well, by surveying our state’s critical assets so we can provide
the security Iowans require.
There is nothing more important than protecting the security of our families and
our future - making sure that every Iowan has an opportunity to enjoy the blessings of
liberty promised in our Constitution.
But those blessings of liberty can be threatened by more than acts of violence; they
can be destroyed by ignorance, illness, and the inability to earn a decent living.
Providing hope-protecting family security, building a brighter future for Iowa’s
families-was a mission we embarked on well before September 11th. And with the help
and cooperation of the legislature, we have made important progress.
More than at any time in history, a world-class education is essential to both the
economic security of individual Iowans and the future economy of our state. For the
past three years, we have worked very hard to make education Iowa’s number one
priority.
For the first time, the State of Iowa has partnered with local school districts, to
invest in modernization, new construction, and other critical needs so that schools are
up to date and a safe place for kids to learn.
We have invested in recruiting and retaining quality teachers. We worked to pass
an important program to boost teacher pay in Iowa, while providing training and
mentoring to support our teachers.
We have invested in the smaller classes that are essential to ensure that children
get the attention they need to learn and excel. We are committed to reducing class
sizes. And as a result of that commitment, we have begun to see results. Last year,
after ten years of decline, Iowa’s elementary students’ reading comprehension test
scores showed improvement. Those same students were among the nation’s leaders in
progress in math and science. These numbers, though just a beginning, reflect the
wisdom of our investment, and point to a brighter future for our children and our state.
I want to congratulate the schoolchildren of Iowa, and their parents and teachers,
for this heartening improvement in performance. And I want to thank the members of
this legislature for making support for smaller class sizes a priority in Iowa. Your
actions have made a difference for our children - and for our state.
Yet, we know that children cannot learn or reach their full potential when their
health is threatened. Access to quality, affordable health care ought to be the right of
every Iowa child.
The HAWK-I, or Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa, program ensures that children of
working families who are struggling to make ends meet have health coverage. Over the
past three years, we have expanded HAWK-I and other healthcare coverage for
children. As a result, more than 30,000 previously uninsured Iowa children have
access to quality health care today.
That is far more than a mere statistic. Through insurance from standard Medicaid,
expanded Medicaid, and HAWK-I, 30,000 individual children in Iowa today have a
brighter future and better chance to fulfill their God-given potential. It means
thousands of parents across our state are free from the terrible fear that they may not
be able to help when their children are suffering - or that one illness or accident will
mean financial ruin for their family.
Expanding HAWK-I to those children has been a signal achievement of the past
three years. Again, I congratulate the members of the state legislature for making this
important investment in Iowa’s future.
We are also wholly committed to ensuring that every Iowa senior is secure in the
knowledge that he or she can live in good health and dignity. Those Iowans lived
through the Great Depression, won a World War, and built the United States into the
great country it is today. They should not have to choose between buying the
prescription drugs they need and eating - or heating their homes.
That is why Senator Harkin and I started the "Iowa Priority Prescription Savings
Program," which will help make prescription drugs more affordable and provide
greater health security for seniors.
Already, 15,000 Iowa seniors have signed up, in hopes of cutting their punishing
prescription costs. But even as we get this program up and running, we must continue
to add to its roster every Iowa senior who is eligible and interested in participating.
Independence and dignity are also the ideals behind the Senior Living Trust that
we established together two years ago. The Senior Living Trust provides more
comprehensive long term care to Iowa seniors and people with disabilities. Some funds
in this trust have been used to expand assisted living opportunities, develop home-
delivered meal programs, adult day centers and respite care sites, and create greater
access to needed care.
Today, nearly 12,000 Iowa seniors get the help they need while maintaining their
independence. We will continue working to provide this option to more seniors and
their families so that, eventually, every Iowan can live independently as long as they
are able. This will not only save tax dollars; it will lift spirits and improve lives.
While we ensure the dignity and independence of those whose hard work built
today’s Iowa, we must ensure opportunity for those who will build tomorrow’s Iowa.
For the sake of Iowa’s future, we must continue to promote good paying jobs and
business opportunities for Iowans.
I am proud of the work we have done together to build quality job opportunities in
Iowa. When I came into office three years ago, businesses that received state grants to
create new, high-skilled jobs paid their employees an average wage of $13.53 an hour.
Today, the businesses awarded these state grants pay their employees an average
wage of more than $18 an hour. Last year, 33 projects were funded with state grants,
helping to create nearly 3,000 new, good-paying jobs for Iowa workers. Today in Iowa,
there are 7,000 more Iowans working-in the depth of a recession-than there were in
January, 1999-at the height of prosperity.
More is on the way: With the passage of landmark electric generation legislation,
utilities are poised to invest $3 billion in new construction and generation capacity,
helping to create hundreds more quality jobs.
This is real progress. Lasting progress. Rather than squandering the rare oppor-
tunity good times afforded us, we made investments that will yield dividends to our
state for years to come. And we did it while delivering an unprecedented $800 million
in annual tax relief to Iowa citizens and businesses - and holding general fund growth
to little more than two-percent a year.
And that two percent-a-year represents the lowest rate of growth in spending by
Iowa state government in thirty years. That’s why the Wall Street credit agencies
recently awarded Iowa another superior financial rating, which means we continue to
enjoy lower borrowing costs than most other states. That’s why Governing Magazine
gave Iowa an A-minus grade for our fiscal stewardship - the second highest ranking out
of all the states. I take great pride in that grade, and so should you. Our standing as a
fiscal leader among the states reflects a fundamental Iowa value.
Today, we face a new challenge - the challenge of governing in hard times, when our
dilemma is not how to apportion great bounty, but how to manage scarce resources.
The national economic winds that propelled us to great heights for much of the last
decade have shifted. Across America, at least forty-four states are currently facing
sudden, deep, and unpredicted drops in revenues.
In neighboring Illinois, the state budget faces a $500 million shortfall. Wisconsin
faces a deficit of $300 million, with estimates climbing to $1.3 billion by the year 2004.
Lawmakers in Missouri have already cut $600 million in their budget, and may have to
cut another $500 million in Fiscal Year 2003. The governor of South Dakota has
recommended that his state use nearly $12 million in reserve funds this year, and
another $36 million next year. And our neighbor to the north, Minnesota, is short $2
billion.
A decade ago, two decades ago, when faced with similar challenges, past Iowa
governors and legislatures responded by raising taxes. We did not. Instead, we cut
taxes. We reorganized. We sacrificed - and we asked for sacrifice.
The prudent action that we took together in last November’s special session pared
$186 million from the budget and stabilized our state’s fiscal condition. We have also
undertaken important reforms in how Iowa government does business, to increase
efficiency and better serve families and communities across our state.
Improvements in the Department of Transportation and Department of Natural
Resources will push decision-making closer to people and communities - reducing
management and putting workers in the places they are most needed. And our reform
of the Department of Human Services will eliminate layers of bureaucracy while
preserving nearly all of the front-line workers dealing directly with those Iowans who
need their services and support.
These improvements were begun so that Iowans receive the best service at the best
possible price. Now that our resources are stretched, these changes are even more
essential.
I want to thank the business and community leaders who have worked with us on
the "Improving Government Initiative." With us today are: Dwayne McAninch,
Chairman and CEO of McAninch Corporation, and Joe Pierce, president of Mid-
America Group. They worked with Dave Vellinga, President and CEO of Mercy
Hospital; Dr. Willard Boyd, former President of the University of Iowa; Barbara
Lukavsky, owner of Merle Norman Cosmetics; and Martha Willits, President of United
Way of Central Iowa. They were joined in their efforts by state department directors.
Dwayne and Joe, will you please stand? Please join me in thanking all of these folks
for their efforts to improve state government.
I also want to extend a special thank you to Iowa’s state employees, who serve the
people of our state with dedication and distinction. Not only are they participating and
cooperating in implementing these needed changes in the way state government does
business, but they even voted to postpone a scheduled pay raise to help us through this
challenging time.
That unprecedented show of support and selflessness should earn every Iowan’s
gratitude and respect.
Thanks to the difficult but necessary decisions we made in response to the economic
downturn, Iowa has fared better than many of our neighbors. But the revenue picture
for next year is no brighter, and we will be called upon in the coming months to make
decisions even more challenging than the ones we faced last fall.
Our challenge this year is to do more with less, while protecting the progress we
have made. Even within the constraints of a recession-year budget, I believe we can
and we will meet the challenges.
Before I outline what we must do, let me tell you what we cannot-and what we will
not-do.
We cannot forget our commitment to make education Iowa priority number one-
starting with our effort to reduce class sizes and support our teachers. To do so would
break faith with our children and our future.
We cannot reverse our determination to provide quality health care to the children
of working Iowans who have no health insurance.
We cannot retreat from our pledge to assist senior citizens in the state of Iowa, by
helping them afford the prescription drugs they need and providing alternatives to
nursing homes for those who want to preserve their independence and dignity.
And we cannot back off our efforts to provide better economic opportunity for all
Iowans.
The actions we have taken these past three years have made Iowa a better,
stronger, and fairer place.
To abandon those commitments now will compromise our efforts to provide hope,
protect family security, and ensure a brighter future. This is too high a price to pay.
To continue making education priority number one in Iowa, we must maintain
levels of support for our class size reduction and teacher support programs, we must
add additional state support for our kindergarten through twelve system and our
community colleges, and we must add to the private college tuition grant programs,
and at the same time, fully fund regent salaries and bring back the work study
programs. This will not be easy, but it is necessary.
A recent debate has centered on the state’s reserve account, commonly referred to
as the surplus or Rainy Day Fund-both in terms of when and for what purpose we
should use the fund.
After listening to Iowans in all 99 counties, I know what most of them think it
should be used for-to protect the priorities of Iowa families during challenging times-
starting with education.
First, let me be clear:
The budget I submit to you will be balanced. At the end of the year our surplus will
exceed $400 million-or close to 8% of our general fund budget. This exceeds the
national average for states.
I do not propose that at the end of the year we reduce the fund from its present
level, but when we are faced with a steep national recession that threatens our ability
to fund our children’s education, I see no reason to significantly add to the fund at the
expense of our children.
Today, I propose this year we dedicate an amount equal to the year’s deposit
contributed to the surplus account to help keep education Iowa priority number one.
This fund would help pay for the additional support required at all levels to preserve
our progress in providing a world-class education for all of our children. If we fail to do
so, children in Iowa today will forever lose an opportunity they will be unable to
reclaim when prosperity returns.
A better future for Iowa also depends on our commitment to early childhood
learning and literacy. Research shows that children begin learning at birth. We need
to do an even better job than we have in early childhood learning and literacy. We
need to build upon the progress made to empower parents, teachers, and childcare
providers.
I am proud that our First Lady already is leading this fight for early literacy in
Iowa. Christie and her "Iowa Stories" communities and sponsors have raised enough
money to provide every child of kindergarten age in Iowa with a special gift this
Spring-a book of their very own. "I is for Iowa," written by an Iowan about Iowa, is an
alphabet book that will not only reinforce early learning but will also teach youngsters
about their state. Accompanying the book will be a map prepared by the Department
of Cultural Affairs for parents so they can plan long weekends or summer vacation
trips in Iowa to the places highlighted in the book. Christie deserves our thanks for
her volunteer efforts on behalf of literacy in our state.
Early childhood efforts require better coordination and advocacy within state
government. For that reason, I will be signing an executive order establishing a
"Children’s Cabinet" to better coordinate and advocate on behalf of our youngest
children.
But these private efforts and advocacy need matching support from the state, to
insure that our young people start school ready to learn and excel. It’s an investment
that will pay off many times in the future-and one that will greatly enhance the impact
of all our investments in K through 12 and beyond.
To that end, I propose the establishment of a permanent endowment for early
childhood education. Any funds remaining after fully funding the Rainy Day Fund
over the next five years will be transferred into the endowment when the books are
closed, where it will be invested. Income will be appropriated annually by the
legislature to promote early childhood learning and literacy.
All of these steps will build on the progress that has been made on our number one
priority.
Although we have made great progress in expanding access to quality healthcare,
we must remember that there is another group of Iowans that we cannot afford to leave
behind - those affected by mental illness. Mental illness directly affects one out of
every four Iowa families. It is a disease that can tear families apart, damage the bonds
of friendship and cause Iowa businesses lost time, and with it, productivity and profit.
Mental illness is a disease. It can be treated. It should be fully covered by health
insurance policies - the same as any other disease. The sad truth is that many
mentally ill people do not get help simply because their health insurance doesn’t cover
their illness. Without adequate coverage, they cannot afford the care they need. These
people need insurance parity.
Many studies have shown that the benefits of parity far outweigh the costs. Mental
health and substance abuse parity will provide more Iowans with the healthcare they
need to live healthy and productive lives.
I want to thank Lieutenant Governor Sally Pederson for leading the fight for parity
in Iowa. Her lifelong advocacy has done much to secure the blessings of liberty for our
children, for people with special needs, and other vulnerable Iowans.
She is working now in partnership with counties, providers, adults with disabilities,
and families to create a consumer-driven system of services for Iowans with mental
illness, mental retardation, and developmental disabilities.
With Lieutenant Governor Pederson’s leadership, and support from members of the
legislature, let us make this the year we achieve mental health and substance abuse
parity in Iowa. I know there are powerful interests who will work hard to block this
progress, as they have in the past. But let us make this the year that we take a giant
step that could help thousands of Iowans to be healthy participants in the growth of
our state.
Despite the progress that we have made in adding thousands of new jobs to the
workforce and increasing the wages of jobs created through state assistance, we must
do more.
Let me introduce you to two young people who represent Iowa’s future. I first met
Clint Holtz from Walnut on my walk across the state last year. Clint is an
entrepreneur. He owns and operates "Clint’s Crawlers"-a night crawler business. He’s
owned his business since 1995, and it has expanded every year.
And Megan Wettach is from my hometown. She is a senior at Mount Pleasant High
School. In addition to taking college courses at Iowa Wesleyan College, writing for the
Burlington Hawkeye, and fulfilling her duties as Miss Teen Iowa, Megan owns Premier
Prom & Pageantry, a formal dress shop that offers a wide array of prom dresses and
other formal wear. Clint and Megan, will you please stand?
We must recognize that we are in competition with other states for the talents of
Clint and Megan, and all the other Iowans of their generation. In order to make sure
entrepreneurs like them are part of Iowa’s future, we must be as aggressive as they
are, starting with the moment they graduate from college by offering a tax credit
against their income that will help offset all or part of their college tuition. A tax credit
sends a strong message of our interest in retaining these bright young people. It will
help to build a more promising future for Iowa by investing in those who commit their
futures to our state.
We must work to ensure the kinds of jobs that will keep college graduates in Iowa -
or provide those graduates with the means to create their own jobs and businesses
right here at home.
Today, businesses and entrepreneurs in Iowa struggle to find start-up funds.
In our universities and in our businesses and industries, Iowans are on the cutting
edge in new development in the life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and
information solutions. Iowa State University and the University of Iowa have not only
established research parks and programs to promote partnering with private sector
businesses, but their faculty members are also among the nation’s leaders in receiving
new patents for their innovative work.
But the availability of capital to aid new business ventures in Iowa is far too
limited. Too often, investors overlook our state’s promising ideas and entrepreneurs.
We must encourage greater private sector investment in Iowa.
There must be real business opportunity for those who want to live the American
dream of owning their own business. Despite being second in the nation in business
retention, and having the fifth lowest cost of doing business among states, more needs
to be done.
Iowa ranks at the bottom of states for venture capital. During this legislative
session, let us take Iowa to a leadership position in venture capital by creating a set of
incentives that helps fuel national Venture Capital investment in Iowa, that
encourages Iowa’s angel investors to make substantial investments in Iowa startups,
and that enables those who can invest only a small amount to do so for a brighter Iowa
future. These funds will help to create the next biotech business, converting our corn
and beans into cures for illnesses, like Kemin; the next high-tech manufacturing firm
like Rockwell-Collins; and the next information solutions business-which could develop
into the next Principal.
This year we celebrate the five-year anniversary of Iowa’s welfare reform program -
one of the models for national reform. Over 98% of families who signed up for Family
Investment Plan benefits five years ago have moved off the welfare rolls within the
five-year limit. We’re proud of their success. And we’re proud of Iowa’s success in
making work a priority, breaking the cycle of dependency, and helping families become
independent and self-sufficient.
While we take steps to encourage the development of new economy opportunities,
let us not forget those who have made the successful journey from welfare to work and
other hard-working Iowans currently working at minimum wage. Today, over 100,000
Iowans, many of them women, many of them raising families, earn at or near the
minimum wage. These Iowans work a full productive week but still struggle to meet
even the most basic of needs. As we consider millions of dollars of help for Iowan
entrepreneurs and well-educated Iowans, can we not also find the political will to raise
the minimum wage? Hard work’s reward should be the dignity of self-sufficiency.
We face another great challenge that we must address this year. It is a challenge
that threatens the quality-of-life in communities across our state.
During the last 12 months, I’ve traveled to all 99 counties, walked over 100 miles,
and talked with thousands of Iowans. I know Iowans care about their natural
resources-particularly the quality of our water and air. They appreciate our efforts
with the Clean Water Initiative, begun two years ago, to encourage private land
conservation.
However, I can tell you that no issue generates more discussion about the
environment than hog confinements. For three years, I’ve asked for your help to
reunite Iowans to solve this issue. I am heartened by early indication of the
legislature’s willingness to do so.
Today, I renew my commitment to work with you to find a solution, whatever it
may be-local control or tougher enforcement authority. We must work cooperatively to
balance the rights and liberties of livestock producers and their neighbors in order to
preserve Iowa’s quality of life.
Of course solving the confinement issue alone won’t assure the future of rural Iowa.
I am concerned about debates that seem to pit rural Iowa vs. urban Iowa. We cannot
afford to be two Iowa's. We are-and we must be-one Iowa. Our work should ensure
economic opportunity in every one of our 99 counties. I stand ready and willing to work
with the legislature to make sure that, no matter where you live or work in Iowa, you
can dream big dreams-and make them real.
Our vision for Iowa’s future is expansive, but not expensive:
We can make Iowa government work better and smarter. We can ask the private
sector to do its fair share through a decent minimum wage and mental health and
substance abuse parity.
We can make wise investments in early childhood education and community
development that will pay off many times down the line.
We can work within the realities of the budget challenges before us while protecting
Iowans’ priorities: a world-class education, quality health care, and good-paying jobs.
Our choice is clear: We can use the budget as an excuse to retreat, reversing our
progress and jeopardizing our future.
Or we can meet the challenge by making responsible decisions to cut where we can,
and to invest where we must.
In the end, Iowa’s future will be determined by the opportunity we provide for
Iowa’s families. Especially now, when times are tough, we must provide hope, protect
family security, and build a brighter future. This will secure the blessings of liberty for
us and for generations of Iowans yet to come.
That is our mission as a state - and my mission as your governor. And I pledge to
give everything I have, and to do everything that I can, until we have accomplished
this mission.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless Iowa.
Governor Thomas J. Vilsack was escorted from the House chamber
by the committee previously appointed.
On motion by Metcalf of Polk, the joint convention was dissolved at
11:06 a.m.
The House stood at ease at 11:07 a.m., until the fall of the gavel.
The House resumed session at 11:29 a.m., Speaker Siegrist in the
chair.
HOUSE FILES WITHDRAWN
The following House Files were withdrawn by unanimous consent:
House File 5 by Drake of Pottawattamie
House File 74 by Roberts of Carroll
House File 119 by Hoversten of Woodbury
House File 288 by Hoffman of Crawford
House File 342 by Hatch of Polk
House File 351 by Brauns of Muscatine
House File 386 by Jacobs of Polk
House File 523 by Carroll of Poweshiek
House File 545 by Hoffman of Crawford
House File 546 by Hoffman of Crawford
House File 551 by Mertz of Kossuth
House File 568 by Hansen of Pottawattamie
House File 573 by Drake of Pottawattamie
HOUSE FILE 2033 REREFERRED
The Speaker announced that House File 2033, previously referred
to committee on transportation was rereferred to committee on
natural resources.
COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVED
The following communications were received and filed in the office
of the Chief Clerk:
DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS
The 2001 Annual Report of the Office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman,
pursuant to Chapter 231, Code of Iowa.
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
The Annual Report on Personal Assistance and Family Support Services, pursuant
to Chapter 225C.48, Code of Iowa.
The Annual Report of Savings realized through use of the Iowa Communications
Network for Fiscal Year 2001, pursuant to Chapter 8D.10, Code of Iowa.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Scope of Practice Review Committee
The final report of the extended pilot project, pursuant to Chapter 1222.11, 2000
Acts of the Seventy-eighth General Assembly.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
A report annually on the development and adoption of classifications of railroad-
highway grade crossings on public highways, pursuant to Chapter 307.26(5)(c), Code of
Iowa.
The 2001 passenger rail service revolving fund, pursuant to Chapter 327J.3(1),
Code of Iowa.
UNIVERSITY OF IOWA HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
A report on the use of home telemedicine in the Indigent Patient Care Program,
pursuant to Chapter 181.8(2)(b), 2001 Acts of the Seventy-ninth General Assembly.
CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION
MR. SPEAKER: The Chief Clerk of the House respectfully reports
that certificates of recognition have been issued as follows.
MARGARET A. THOMSON
Chief Clerk of the House
2002\13 Don and Virginia Klobnock, Chariton - For celebrating their 50th
wedding anniversary.
2002\14 Craig Avery, Dubuque - For attaining the rank of Eagle Scout, the
highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America.
2002\15 Ted and Geri Lenocker, Dexter - For celebrating their 50th wedding
anniversary.
2002\16 Don and Joan Downing, Fontanelle - For celebrating their 50
wedding anniversary.
2002\17 Ethelyn Spencer, Winterset - For celebrating her 90th birthday.
2002\18 Wayne and Phyllis Brown, Bayard - For celebrating their 50th
wedding anniversary.
2002\19 Mildred Osburn, Bedford - For celebrating her 100th birthday.
2002\20 Darin Oater, Muscatine - For attaining the rank of Eagle Scout, the
highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America.
2002\21 Bryon Blackledge, Durant - For attaining the rank of Eagle Scout,
the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America.
2002\22 Chad Tieke, Muscatine - For attaining the rank of Eagle Scout, the
highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America.
2002\23 Robert Barr, Wilton - For attaining the rank of Eagle Scout, the
highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America.
2002\24 Tommy Morrison, Muscatine - For attaining the rank of Eagle
Scout, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America.
2002\25 Ricky Teed, Muscatine - For attaining the rank of Eagle Scout, the
highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America.
2002\26 Randy Teed, Muscatine - For attaining the rank of Eagle Scout, the
highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America.
2002\27 Jacob Bermel, Muscatine - For attaining the rank of Eagle Scout,
the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America.
2002\28 Conrad Stalheim, Muscatine - For attaining the rank of Eagle
Scout, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America.
2002\29 Stephen Berger, Muscatine - For attaining the rank of Eagle Scout,
the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America.
2002\30 Brad Hansen, Muscatine - For attaining the rank of Eagle Scout,
the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America.
SUBCOMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
House File 2007
Transportation: May, Chair; Rayhons and Rekow.
House File 2013
Education: Dolecheck, Chair; Broers and Wise.
House File 2016
Local Government: Weidman, Chair; Carroll and Petersen.
House File 2019
Appropriations: Gipp, Chair; Drake, Hatch, Horbach and Mascher.
House File 2020
Transportation: Weidman, Chair; Huser and Klemme.
House File 2023
Local Government: Eddie, Chair; Fallon and Van Engelenhoven.
House File 2024
Local Government: Weidman, Chair; Arnold and D. Taylor.
House File 2026
Transportation: Eddie, Chair; Bukta and Garman.
House File 2032
Commerce and Regulation: Jenkins, Chair; Johnson and Quirk.
House Concurrent Resolution 10
Appropriations: Millage, Chair; Brunkhorst and Hatch.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 14 Reassigned
Appropriations: Millage, Chair; Brunkhorst and Hatch.
HOUSE STUDY BILL SUBCOMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
House Study Bill 500
Appropriations: Brunkhorst, Chair; Jacobs and Murphy.
House Study Bill 503
Education: Sukup, Chair; Greimann and Tymeson.
HOUSE STUDY BILL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
H.S.B. 510 Commerce and Regulation
Relating to the reporting of the findings of health care facility
inspections.
H.S.B. 511 Judiciary
Relating to presentation of victim impact statements at criminal
sentencing hearings.
H.S.B. 512 Judiciary
Requiring motor vehicle operators to take certain precautions when
passing stationary authorized emergency, towing, recovery, and
highway maintenance vehicles and providing a penalty.
H.S.B. 513 Local Government
Relating to formatting standards for recording documents or
instruments by a county recorder, specifying a recording fee for
certain documents or instruments, and providing an effective date.
H.S.B. 514 Local Government
Prohibiting the inclusion of federal social security numbers in
documents prepared for recording in the office of county recorder.
H.S.B. 515 Appropriations
Requesting that the Revenue Estimating Conference meet on or
before March 7, 2002.
H.S.B. 516 Commerce and Regulation
Relating to the holder's recourse for dishonored checks.
H.S.B. 517 Commerce and Regulation
Relating to the transfer of certain deposit and investment accounts
upon the death of the decedent.
H.S.B. 518 Education
Eliminating teacher licensure of community college faculty; requiring
community colleges to develop, approve, and implement a quality
faculty and staff plan; and providing for related matters and an
effective date.
H.S.B. 519 Agriculture
Relating to changes in the Missouri river master manual of the
United States army corps of engineers.
On motion by Rants of Woodbury the House adjourned at 11:35
a.m., until 8:45 a.m., Wednesday, January 16, 2002.
© 2002 Cornell College and
League of Women Voters of Iowa
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