May 7, 2008

Help available for flooding victims

Successful bipartisan session reflects Iowans’ priorities

Help available for flooding victims

Low-income individuals affected by flooding in Louisa County are eligible for assistance as a result of the Governor’s recent disaster proclamation. 

Iowans with household incomes of up to 130 percent of federal poverty guidelines may apply for a grant of up to $3,300 to help recover from flood damage.  This is a reimbursement program, meaning that applicants must include receipts when applying for help.

The grant application and step-by-step instructions on how to fill it out can be found at www.dhs.iowa.gov. Look for the words "Storm Help”, or call toll-free (877) 937-3663 to find out more.

Successful bipartisan session reflects Iowans’ priorities

I’m proud of what the recently adjourned legislative session accomplished for Iowans. Bipartisan efforts gave us a productive year that honored our commitments on healthcare, education, jobs and the environment.  At the same time, we put together a fiscally responsible state budget.

One of the highlights of the 2008 session is the effort to make healthcare accessible to all Iowa kids within three years.  This will make Iowa the first state to bring affordable coverage to all of its youngsters and is one of the reasons Iowa has become a national leader in healthcare reform. 

This year’s successes are many.  Here are some at the top of my list:

• Completing a three-year effort to increase average teacher pay to 25th in the nation, up from 42nd

• Jump-starting Iowa’s energy economy by funding the second year of the four-year Iowa Power Fund initiative

• Legislation that kick-starts the rebuilding of Iowa’s roads and bridges

• Significant new investment in school buildings, infrastructure and property tax relief

• New consumer protections, including the state consumer insurance advocate, a mortgage scam crackdown and identity theft protection

• $67 million in income tax relief for working Iowans and seniors by exempting federal rebates from state taxes

• Ensuring veterans keep their jobs when returning from Iraq and Afghanistan

• Setting aside a record amount of money in the state’s “rainy day” accounts

• Restoring the Senior Living Trust Fund so that Iowa seniors can continue living in their own homes

A majority of all Senators approved these efforts because Republicans and Democrats worked together to craft initiatives important to all Iowans—education, jobs, health care, and renewable fuels. 

Citizens right here in our area also played a part in the process.  I appreciate the time many people in the district took to contact me during the session.  Your ideas, suggestions and priorities are reflected in many of the bills that made it to the Governor’s desk.

Throughout the interim, please stay in touch.  You can meet me at local listening posts and other events, or you can just contact me directly.  My home phone number is (319) 753-2684.  E-mail me at senate44@msn.com. 

Thank you for the opportunity to represent you in the Iowa Senate.