Iowa State Capitol Legislative Update: Key Bills, Budget Cuts, and Advocacy Tips

1. At the Capitol

2. What’s happened so far this year Work Comp Fraud Prosecutor – KILLED Unemployment Insurance Law Rewrite – KILLED Limit Rulemaking by 1/3 by 2022 – KILLED Drug Testing for programs, limits on food assistance, etc. - KILLED IPERS and Retirement – Not touched, but be wary always Electronic Wage Statements amended to have a paper option “Marketplace Contractors” bill amended School Funding at 1% Mid Year Budget Cuts – 35.5 million cut Property Tax backfill for local governments – not likely. Billion dollar-plus tax cuts have passed Senate, House is still working on them.

3. HF 2253 – Lease/Purchase Agreements This is a poorly written bill with unintended consequences, such as there is a need for a flexible tool for local government to respond to upcoming federal infrastructure programs that would have early federal matching funds. This bill is based on the actions and statements of one elected official, yet all local governments will be penalized and have needs to utilize Lease/Purchase for infrastructure needs. All lease/purchases have an option for referendum by taxpayers. Present state law requires public hearings, published notice, and a time period for taxpayers to petition for election prior to finalization of the project. An alternative might be to establish a study committee on greater transparency with this tool for local governments.

4. SF 481 – Immigration Detention by local law enforcement The act of being in the United States illegally is not, by itself, a violation of criminal law. It’s a violation of federal administrative rules. This would hold a person beyond the resolution of the charges they were arrested for. We believe such an action to be illegal and a violation of that person’s rights. This allows scoundrels to be able to exploit, rape, and destroy lives and leaves the victim with no recourse – remember Postville.

5. SF 481 – Immigration Detention by local law enforcement Groups like ours opposing the pending anti-immigrant, so called anti-"sanctuary" cities bill, SF 481, are holding a protest rally -- a "Peoples' Hearing" -- in the Iowa Statehouse Rotunda, Wednesday, March 21 at 4 pm.   Come to the rally! Contact your legislators -- Republicans and Democrats!  The next few days are critical. 

6. SJR 8, HJR 12 -Re-Writing the US Constitution The stated reason for calling a constitutional convention would be to propose amendments to that impose fiscal restraints and limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government. The clear goal is to weaken civil rights, worker rights, environmental protections, and more. The Constitution is not the problem. The Constitution needs to be understood, defended and enforced — not rewritten. Proponents of SJR 8 are telling State Legislators they can control the delegates and limit the subject matter of a convention. The only power State Legislatures have under Article V of the Constitution is to ask Congress to call a convention. Nothing in Article V or the Constitution limits a convention to a single subject or amendment.

7. SF 2117 – 35.5 Million mid-year budget cut $10 million from the Iowa Economic Development Authority's High Quality Jobs Program $4.3 million from the Department of Human Services $3.4 million from the Department of Corrections $1.6 million from the judicial branch $500,000 from community colleges $11 million in cuts to Regents Universities

8. Next Years’ Budget The state does not seem as though it will backfill on property tax cuts from three years ago, pushing costs on to residential taxes and public services. The budget will still face serious cuts, but we don’t know where at this time. Higher education has been a big target this year. Massive tax cuts will not help the problem, only make it worse.

9. Lobbying at the Capitol State your position, be firm, but polite. Identify yourself as a voter and constituent of the legislator. Use personal stories to get your message across. If you cannot find your legislator, they might be in a committee meeting, check the chambers too. Thank them for their time and for listening. Let us know what happened!

10. Inside the Capitol Guns – Please leave them here. However, it is your legal right to carry in the capitol building. You must provide your permit if you plan to carry at the capitol. Remove all metal before going through the detectors. You will enter on the ground floor. The Chambers are on the second floor. You can take elevator or stairs. Please be prompt in getting back on the bus.

11. Who Is My Legislator? Go to: https://www.legis.iowa.gov Go to “Legislators” on the drop down menu under “Sections.” Click on “find your legislator.” Enter your address.

12. Check The Schedule! You can find out what’s going on for floor debate and with committees at: https://www.legis.iowa.gov The House and Senate schedules are on the home page.

13. Don’t miss the bus!When we leave, come back, and attend the reception! Depart Altoona at 1:45 PM We Leave the Capitol at 5:00 PM (Set the alarm on your phone for 4:45 PM) Reception is at 5:30 PM

14. Need Help? Call or Text Us? Ken: 515-508-9916 Charlie: 515-664-5197 Betty: 515-491-3529 Ben: 515-205-2595 Lance: 515-669-8046