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Nov. 19, 2009 |
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TOPICS Federal funding for Clinton highway project Good habits, new ideas can help Iowa recover from national recession I-JOBS is a great deal for investors & communities Dispose of medication properly Serve the state on a board or commission
Federal funding for Clinton highway project
A Clinton highway infrastructure project worth $815,052.79 has been let by the Iowa Department of Transportation. The money will be used for concrete pavement grading and replacement for 19th Avenue (Mill Creek Parkway to Springdale Drive, phase 1). The project is receiving funding through the federal Recovery Act.
Iowa will receive approximately $358 million for state and local roadway, bridge, trail, and freight rail projects through the Recovery Act. To learn more, go to recovery.iowa.gov. Project lists from previous letting results can be found at www.iowadot.gov/recovery/City-street-and-county-road-projects.htm.
Good habits, new ideas can help Iowa recover from national recession
The deepening national recession is hitting many Iowa families and businesses, and there is likely to be more distressing news in the coming weeks and months. That’s why I’m working to help Iowans recover in the short term while laying the foundation for long-term prosperity.
At the state level, we’ve expanded our commitment to creating good-paying jobs, making it easier for laid-off workers to get the training they need, and ensuring that more Iowans have access to affordable health care.
We’ve also put a premium on fiscal responsibility—and there are some good signs that those efforts are paying off. According to a new national study by the Pew Center for the States, Iowa is tied for second place nationally when it comes to fiscal strength.
The report—“Beyond California: States in Fiscal Peril”—rates Iowa and other states on foreclosure rates, joblessness, loss of state revenue, state budget gaps, balanced budgets, and money-management practices. Iowa scored high in these areas, behind only Wyoming. To read the entire report, go to www.pewcenteronthestates.org/report_detail.aspx?id=56044.
So we are making progress—but there’s still much to be done to ensure Iowa recovers from the national recession. That’s why I’m more committed than ever to listening to my constituents and others interested in building a strong future for our state, responsibly balancing the state budget, expanding job creation and improving our quality of life.
During these tough economic times, let’s keep working together to build a stronger future for all Iowans. If you have concerns or ideas you’d like share, call me at home at 563-689-4523 or e-mail me at rstjls@netins.net.
I-JOBS is a great deal for investors & communities
The state I-JOBS program is one of the country's top 10 best financing deals for 2009, according to Bond Buyer, the daily newspaper of public finance.
"This recognition is just one more example of how respected Iowa's financial decisions are viewed across the country," said State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald. "The work we do to secure good financing may not be exciting to most people, but it is vital to our economy and outlook. This shows that we are doing things right in Iowa."
Last summer, $601 million in I-JOBS bonds were sold and are being used to fix roads and bridges, invest in renewable energy, improve water quality and upgrade public facilities. For more information on the award, visit the Bond Buyer's web page www.sourcemediaconferences.com/BBDeal09/.
See how I-JOBS is helping local communitiesThrough a new online tool, you can find out exactly how state I-JOBS funds are being used to improve local communities.
Go to www.ijobsiowa.gov and click on “How I-JOBS Is Helping” in the lower right-hand corner. Information on each approved I-JOBS project includes the recipient, the name and location of the project, the dollar amount awarded, the total cost of the project and the expected completion date.
I-JOBS is an $830 million multi-year effort to strengthen Iowa's economy, help our state recover from last year’s disasters, and preserve and create thousands of jobs. The program is paid for with existing state gaming revenue, meaning no increase in taxes.
Dispose of medication properly
Iowans can now safely dispose of unused and expired medications free of charge at more than 300 Iowa pharmacies.
During the 2009 session, we passed legislation to create a pharmaceutical collection and disposal pilot program. The TakeAway program is administered by the Iowa Pharmacy Association with a grant from the DNR’s Solid Waste Alternatives Program.
Participating pharmacies have TakeAway drop-off boxes where Iowans can deposit unwanted medications, which will be disposed of in a safe and environmentally friendly way. Locate participating pharmacies and medications that will be accepted at www.iarx.org/takeaway.
Serve the state on a board or commission
Each year, the Governor makes appointments to state boards and commissions. He’s currently seeking applicants for terms beginning in spring 2010.
Board and commission members are responsible for guiding policy, setting professional standards and sharing their expertise with state agencies, the Legislature and the Governor’s office.
A list of openings and an application are available at http://iowasenatenews.com/you-can-serve-the-state-on-a-board-or-commission/. You’ll find a description of the position being filled, party affiliation and gender requirements, and geographic preferences for the new appointments. All boards and commissions must be balanced by gender and party affiliation.
Applications are due by December 18. For further information, contact Bo Berntsen at bo.berntsen@iowa.gov or 515-281-0215.
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