House Journal: Page 1927: Thursday, May 1, 2003
modifying the procedure for classification of area service "C" roads, and establishing a
street construction fund distribution advisory committee, and making appropriations.
GOVERNOR’S ITEM VETO MESSAGE
May 23, 2003
The Honorable Chester Culver
Secretary of State
State Capitol
L O C A L
Dear Mr. Secretary:
I hereby transmit House File 667, an Act relating to and making appropriations for
health and human services to the Department of Elder Affairs, the Iowa Department of
Public Health, the Department of Inspections and Appeals, the Department of Human
Services, and Commission of Veterans Affairs, and providing effective dates.
There were cooperative efforts to resolve issues in areas addressed by this bill that
will allow Iowa to continue to provide services to children and families, even in these
challenging times. The legislature was thoughtful and receptive and this bill reflects a
very collaborative process between the stakeholders. Strong efforts were made to
protect vulnerable Iowans; including seniors, the disabled, dependent children and
families. This bill reflects joint efforts to address Medicaid and child welfare issues.
However, this bill continues to demand more services and reporting requirements at
the same time funding levels have been reduced. With a goal of working to provide
needed services and reducing process requirements, this bill has several provisions
that I cannot support.
I am unable to approve the designated portions of Section 2, subsection 1. This
section would require the Department of Health to produce a report of all the
organizations that applied for substance abuse treatment funds, the amounts awarded,
and the basis for refusal to award funds to any of the organizations that applied. In
accordance with the Accountable Government Act all substance abuse treatment and
prevention grants are awarded on a competitive basis. This item is an un-funded
mandate that takes time away from customers and communities for unnecessary
reporting.
I am unable to approve the item designated as Section 7, subsection 15, paragraph a
through k in their entirety. This language creates a new Iowa marriage grant
initiative. The language involved adds new bureaucratic rules and regulations that
require extensive staff time that could otherwise be spent providing services to
families. Furthermore, language already exists in statute for this program.
I am unable to approve the item designated as Section 11, subsection 8 in its
entirety. This language directs the Department of Human Services to work with
counties to implement services to people with chronic mental illness. This effort has
already been accomplished and is, therefore, redundant.
I am unable to approve the item designated as Section 16, subsection 5 in its
entirety. This language requires additional notice to legislators if additional federal
© 2003 Cornell College and
League of Women Voters of Iowa
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Last update: Tue Aug 19 10:25:00 CDT 2003
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