IowaPolitics.com BlogWatch

No New Courthouse for Polk Co. ... A ballot measure that would have
raised property taxes in Polk County to get the $132 million needed
for a new Polk County Courthouse (and renovations to the old one)
failed by a wide margin yesterday. In order to be approved, the
measure needed to pass with 60% of the vote. Instead, it failed, with
the "no" votes taking 57%. I had mixed feelings about this. Tax
increases suck, but I can see the need for more space, and the idea of
keeping the criminal stuff separate also appeals to me. There's
nothing like going to pay a traffic ticket and having a guy in a
striped jumpsuit and cuffs sit next to you while you wait to be
helped.

Labels: Legislature, taxes

Roughly a week before the final primary filing period ended, the state
legislative races were number-crunched in relation to gender. At that
snapshot in time, it seemed that Iowa might, at best, maintain its
mediocre record in terms of percentage of women serving in Des Moines.
What a difference a week can make. While it's difficult to craft a
political crystal ball in the best circumstances, the primary filings,
based on their sheer numbers, are good news for women, and that's
something that has leadership in both political parties optimistic. A
total of 34 women currently serve in the Iowa Legislature. There are
28 women in the House and six in the Senate. Percentagewise, that
places Iowa at 23 percent -- roughly the national average.

Labels: Legislature

Last week was "funnel week" in the Iowa legislature. During funnel
week all bills that haven't been approved by the respective committee
considering them are dead for the year. Bills that have been approved
then proceed to the full House of Representatives or Senate to be
voted on. Among the survivors of this winnowing process is HF 2092,
the bill seeking to provide uniformity to Iowa's concealed weapons
permit system. [I wrote about this bill previously.] Passing the
committee by an impressive 18 to 3 majority, IowaCarry.org reports
that the bill will probably be voted on by the full membership of the
House within the next two weeks. Iowans who care about this issue are
encouraged to contact their state representative and urge them to
support House File 2092.

Labels: Legislature

Republican leaders in the legislature say they are worried that the Democrat-controlled state government will continue on its spending spree without any regard for the taxpayers of Iowa. Although lawmakers have a full-agenda of issues facing them this year, House Minority Leader Christopher Rants said he doesn't expect gay marriage to get much attention. Republicans have shone a spotlight on the issue since last August, when a district court judge ruled that a previously approved marriage law was unconstitutional.

Labels: Christopher Rants, Legislature

The first day of the reconvened Iowa Legislature is in the books, and
it being an election year, the party in power (Democratic) is left to
deflect questions that it will be a do-nothing year since a general
election looms in November. Within the first few hours, one could
assess how the fall campaign flyers of Republicans might look.
Possible inclusions: (1) Wedge issue of gay marriage. House Minority
Leader Christopher Rants of Sioux City called on Democrats to allow
debate on adopting a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.

Labels: Legislature

The 2007 legislative session, the first with Democratic control and a Democratic governor in 42 years, completed several major changes in election law. In the state's courthouses, 99 county auditors are looking at those changes and figuring out how to address them. Same-Day Registration: In the single-biggest change, Iowa joins neighbors Wisconsin and Minnesota in allowing Election Day voter registration. Same-day registration passed a Democratic-controlled Legislature in the 1980s, but was vetoed by the Republican governor at the time, Terry Branstad. Gov. Chet Culver signed House File 653 on April 4. Under Iowa's new system, voters registering after the old deadline (10 days for primary and general elections, 11 days for other elections) would have to show identification and proof of their address such as utility bills or leases. Democrat Jamie Fitzgerald is the new Polk County auditor. After serving as first deputy for 4 1/2 years, Fitzgerald took office in January when his predecessor, Mike Mauro, became secretary of state. "There have been numerous studies throughout the United States to ascertain why so few of our citizens participate in our election process," Fitzgerald said. "An often-cited factor for this dilemma includes making the voter registration and voting process seamless. Minnesota has had same-day registration for 30 years and has enjoyed higher participation rates amongst their citizens."

Labels: Legislature

It appears at least one issue is able to draw bipartisan support in Des Moines this legislative session: Brain Drain. ... Earlier this month, we told you about a bill seeking the formation of a Generation Iowa Commission. Now there is a similar bill in the Iowa House sponsored by Rep. Tami Wiencek (R-Black Hawk), Rep. Dawn Pettengill (D-Benton) and Rep. Jeff Kaufmann (R-Cedar) dubbed the "Iowa Advantage Fund." This new bill has duel aims: 1. Make Iowa employers more attractive to young graduates just starting out; 2. Help new graduates pay down college debt ... In addition to the three sponsors, the measure is also - surprisingly - being supported by Sen. Joe Bolkcom (D-Johnson) who anticipates introducing similar legislation on his side of the dome. The support is surprising because the measure is the original brain-child of University of Iowa professor Jay Christensen-Szalanski, a gentleman who ran against Bolkcom.

Labels: brain drain, Legislature