Senate Journal: Tuesday, January 15, 2002
JOURNAL OF THE SENATE
__________
SECOND CALENDAR DAY
SECOND SESSION DAY
Senate Chamber
Des Moines, Iowa, Tuesday, January 15, 2002
The Senate met in regular session at 9:04 a.m., President Kramer
presiding.
Prayer was offered by Paul Thompson, pastor of both First and
Vernon Lutheran Churches of Dows, Iowa. He was the guest of
Senator Iverson.
The Journal of Monday, January 14, 2002, was approved.
LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Leaves of absence were granted as follows:
Senator Rittmer, until he arrives, on request of Senator McKean; and Senator
Schuerer, until he arrives, on request of Senator Redwine.
The Senate stood at ease at 9:40 a.m. until the fall of the gavel for
the purpose of a Democratic caucus.
The Senate resumed session at 9:52 a.m., President Kramer
presiding.
COMMITTEE FROM THE HOUSE
A committee from the House appeared and announced that the
House was ready to receive the Senate in joint convention.
In accordance with House Concurrent Resolution 101, duly
adopted, the Senate proceeded to the House chamber under the
direction of the Secretary of the Senate and the Sergeant-at-Arms.
JOINT CONVENTION
The joint convention convened at 9:57 a.m., President Kramer
presiding.
Senator Iverson moved that the roll call be dispensed with and
that the President of the joint convention be authorized to declare a
quorum present, which motion prevailed by a voice vote.
President Kramer declared a quorum present and the joint
convention duly organized.
Senator Iverson moved that a committee of six, three members
from the Senate and three members from the House, be appointed to
notify Governor Vilsack that the joint convention was ready to receive
him.
The motion prevailed by a voice vote and the Chair announced the
appointment of Senators Freeman, Sexton, and Shearer on the part of
the Senate, and Representatives Hoffman, Jones, and Petersen on the
part of the House.
The following guests were escorted into the House chamber:
Secretary of State Chet Culver
Treasurer of State Michael L. Fitzgerald
Secretary of Agriculture Patty Judge
Auditor of State Richard D. Johnson
Attorney General Tom Miller
Chief Justice Lavorato and the Justices of the Supreme Court
Chief Judge Sackett and Judges of the Court Appeals
Lieutenant Governor Sally J. Pederson
Mrs. Christie Vilsack and son Jess Vilsack
The committee waited upon Governor Vilsack and escorted him to
the Speaker’s station.
President Kramer presented Governor Vilsack, who delivered the
following Condition of the State Address:
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 11, 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, Sgt. 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, Sgt. 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. Sgt. 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 three 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 11 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 11. 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
opportunity 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 2 percent a year.
And that 2 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 12 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 Lt. 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 Lt. 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 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 Iowas. 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 Vilsack was escorted from the House chamber by the
committee previously appointed.
Representative Metcalf moved that the joint convention be
dissolved, which motion prevailed by a voice vote.
The Senate returned to the Senate chamber.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion of Senator Iverson, the Senate adjourned at 11:06 a.m.
until 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 16, 2002.
APPENDIX
COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVED
The following communications were received in the office of the
Secretary of the Senate and placed on file in the Legislative Service
Bureau:
January 14, 2002
UNIVERSITY OF IOWA HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Report to the Legislature—An Overview of the Use of Home Telemedicine in the
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics' Indigent Patient Care Program, pursuant to
2001 Acts, Senate File 535.
AGENCY ICN REPORT
January 15, 2002
IOWA VETERANS HOME
Iowa Communications Network (ICN) Usage for FY 2001, pursuant to Iowa Code
section 8D.10—notification that the report in electronic form is available online.
PETITIONS
The following petitions were presented and placed on file:
From 400 residents of Taylor County favoring legislation
requesting that the Taylor County Department of Human Services
offices continue to be fully staffed with all services remaining the
same. Senator Angelo.
From 42 residents of Union and Taylor counties favoring
legislation to return agricultural regulatory control to local
governments. Senator Angelo.
From 31 residents of Union County favoring legislation opposing
construction of a commercial hog facility in Grant Township, Union
County. Senator Angelo.
From 121 residents of Adair, Taylor, and Union counties favoring
legislation opposing construction of a commercial hog facility in
Union County. Senator Angelo.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS
RULES AND ADMINISTRATION
Convened: January 10, 2002, 9:40 a.m.
Members Present: Iverson, Chair; Gronstal, Ranking Member; Boettger, Gaskill,
Harper, and Johnson.
Members Absent: Kramer, Vice Chair; Dvorsky, Fink, McKean, and Rittmer (all
excused).
Committee Business: Approved SCR 101 and SR 101.
Adjourned: 9:48 a.m.
HUMAN RESOURCES
Convened: January 14, 2002, 2:04 p.m.
Members Present: Redwine, Chair; Tinsman, Vice Chair; Hammond, Ranking
Member; Behn, Boettger, Dvorsky, Harper, Holveck, Miller, Schuerer, Shearer, and
Veenstra.
Members Absent: Bartz (excused).
Committee Business: Organizational meeting.
Adjourned: 3:36 p.m.
JUDICIARY
Convened: January 14, 2002, 3:35 p.m.
Members Present: Maddox, Chair; Redfern, Vice Chair; Holveck, Ranking Member;
Angelo, Fiegen, Fraise, Hammond, Hansen, Horn, King, Lamberti, Miller, and
Tinsman.
Members Absent: Boettger and McKean (both excused).
Committee Business: Organizational meeting and review of bills.
Adjourned: 3:45 p.m.
TRANSPORTATION
Convened: January 14, 2002, 2:07 p.m.
Members Present: Rittmer, Chair; Drake, Vice Chair; McCoy, Ranking Member;
Dearden, Fink, Freeman, Houser, Jensen, McKinley, and Zieman.
Members Absent: Fraise, Kibbie, and Sexton (all excused).
Committee Business: Organizational meeting.
Adjourned: 2:35 p.m.
EDUCATION
Convened: January 15, 2002, 1:08 p.m.
Members Present: Boettger, Chair; Rehberg, Vice Chair; Connolly, Ranking
Member; Angelo, Dvorsky, Fink, Harper, McKinley, Redwine, Shearer, Soukup,
Tinsman, and Veenstra.
Members Absent: Kramer and Redfern (both excused).
Committee Business: Recognition of 2001 Teacher of the Year Gail Wortmann.
Adjourned: 2:05 p.m.
RULES AND ADMINISTRATION
Convened: January 15, 2002, 2:10 p.m.
Members Present: Iverson, Chair; Kramer, Vice Chair; Gronstal, Ranking Member;
Boettger, Dvorsky, Fink, Gaskill, Harper, and Rittmer.
Members Absent: Johnson and McKean (excused).
Committee Business: Discussion on salary resolution, 90 days per diem, and REC
meeting.
Adjourned: 2:15 p.m.
INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS
Senate Concurrent Resolution 102, by committee on Rules and
Administration, a concurrent resolution requesting that the Revenue
Estimating Conference meet on or before March 7, 2002.
Read first time under Rule 28 and placed on calendar.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 103, by committee on Rules and
Administration, a concurrent resolution to amend Senate Concurrent
Resolution 5, adopted in 2001.
Read first time under Rule 28 and placed on calendar.
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
Senate File 2006, by Dvorsky, a bill for an act providing for a
change in the special education enrollment determination and
certification date.
Read first time under Rule 28 and referred to committee on
Education.
Senate File 2007, by McKibben, a bill for an act reducing the
number of days of payment for the expenses of office for members of
the general assembly during a regular legislative session.
Read first time under Rule 28 and referred to committee on State
Government.
Senate File 2008, by Tinsman, a bill for an act relating to the
revocation or suspension of a health-related professional license
based upon noncompliance with the requirements of a loan or
scholarship program.
Read first time under Rule 28 and referred to committee on
Human Resources.
Senate File 2009, by Veenstra, a bill for an act prohibiting the
imposition of a local option sales and services tax and including an
effective date.
Read first time under Rule 28 and referred to committee on Ways
and Means.
Senate File 2010, by Deluhery, a bill for an act relating to
campaign disclosure reports filed in special elections and making a
penalty applicable.
Read first time under Rule 28 and referred to committee on State
Government.
Senate File 2011, by Freeman, a bill for an act concerning bona
fide retirement for nurses under the Iowa public employees'
retirement system.
Read first time under Rule 28 and referred to committee on State
Government.
Senate File 2012, by Lamberti, a bill for an act relating to
resident license fees for hunting, fishing, trapping and related
activities for members of the armed forces of the United States.
Read first time under Rule 28 and referred to committee on
Natural Resources and Environment.
Senate File 2013, by Iverson, McKibben, Miller, Lamberti, Behn,
Boettger, Kramer, McKean, Jensen, Veenstra, Zieman, McKinley,
Rehberg, King, Angelo, Redwine, Tinsman, Freeman, Drake, Maddox,
Houser, Schuerer, Redfern, Greiner, Gaskill, and Sexton, a bill for an
act prohibiting disbursements of money from the vision Iowa fund to
entities entering into certain labor agreements, and providing an
effective date.
Read first time under Rule 28 and referred to committee on
Business and Labor Relations.
Senate File 2014, by Iverson, McKibben, Miller, Lamberti, Behn,
Boettger, Kramer, McKean, Jensen, Veenstra, King, Zieman,
McKinley, Rehberg, Angelo, Redwine, Freeman, Drake, Houser,
Schuerer, Redfern, Greiner, Gaskill, and Sexton, a bill for an act
prohibiting public contracting entities from entering into certain
labor agreements for public works projects, and providing an effective
date.
Read first time under Rule 28 and referred to committee on
Business and Labor Relations.
Senate File 2015, by Connolly, a bill for an act expanding the
student achievement and teacher quality program to include
prekindergarten classroom teachers.
Read first time under Rule 28 and referred to committee on
Education.
Senate File 2016, by Connolly, a bill for an act establishing an
Iowa cultural trust, an endowment, and an Iowa cultural trust fund,
making appropriations, and providing for related matters.
Read first time under Rule 28 and referred to committee on
Education.
Senate File 2017, by Lundby, a bill for an act relating to the
membership of the commission of veterans affairs.
Read first time under Rule 28 and referred to committee on State
Government.
Senate File 2018, by committee on Rules and Administration, a
bill for an act relating to the number of days of payment for expenses
of office for members of the general assembly for the 2002 Regular
Session of the Seventy-ninth General Assembly.
Read first time under Rule 28 and placed on calendar.
STUDY BILL RECEIVED
SSB 3001 Education
Eliminating specified expenditure thresholds relating to utilization
of physical plant and equipment levy revenue by school districts.
SUBCOMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Senate File 2001
EDUCATION: Veenstra, Chair; Connolly and Rehberg
Senate File 2002
JUDICIARY: Maddox, Chair; Fraise and McKean
Senate File 2003
EDUCATION: Angelo, Chair; McKinley and Shearer
SSB 3001
EDUCATION: Boettger, Chair; Connolly and Rehberg
COMMITTEE REPORTS
RULES AND ADMINISTRATION
Final Bill Action: SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 102, a concurrent
resolution requesting that the Revenue Estimating Conference meet on or before
March 7, 2002.
Recommendation: APPROVED COMMITTEE BILL.
Final Vote: Ayes, 8: Iverson, Kramer, Gronstal, Boettger, Dvorsky, Gaskill, Harper,
and Rittmer. Nays, none. Absent or not voting, 3: Fink, Johnson, and McKean.
Fiscal Note: NOT REQUIRED UNDER JOINT RULE 17.
ALSO:
Final Bill Action: SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 103, a concurrent
resolution to amend Senate Concurrent Resolution 5, adopted in 2001.
Recommendation: APPROVED COMMITTEE BILL.
Final Vote: Ayes, 8: Iverson, Kramer, Gronstal, Boettger, Dvorsky, Gaskill, Harper,
and Rittmer. Nays, none. Absent or not voting, 3: Fink, Johnson, and McKean.
Fiscal Note: NOT REQUIRED UNDER JOINT RULE 17.
ALSO:
Final Bill Action: SENATE FILE 2018 (LSB 5582sv), a bill for an act relating to the
number of days of payment for expenses of office for members of the general assembly
for the 2002 Regular Session of the Seventy-ninth General Assembly.
Recommendation: APPROVED COMMITTEE BILL.
Final Vote: Ayes, 8: Iverson, Kramer, Gronstal, Boettger, Dvorsky, Gaskill, Harper,
and Rittmer. Nays, none. Absent or not voting, 3: Fink, Johnson, and McKean.
Fiscal Note: REQUIRED UNDER JOINT RULE 17.
© 2002 Cornell College and
League of Women Voters of Iowa
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