Des Moines, Iowa – State Representative Ro Foege of Mt. Vernon called the 2005 Legislative Session a success today after the Legislature adjourned for the year. Foege was pleased with a long-term commitment to new jobs, expanded access to early childhood education, and new health insurance options for Iowans.

“I am pleased that we made significant progress on the issues that my constituents told me were important to them,” said Foege. “We renewed the Iowa Values Fund, which is the best job creation tool our state has ever seen, with a ten year commitment that will bring thousands of good-paying jobs to our state. We also took steps to help small business provide health insurance for their employees and to encourage more investment in Iowa entrepreneurs.”

Foege also said Iowans will benefit from expanded health care options. Governor Vilsack signed a bill to require insurance companies to provide coverage for mental health illnesses. I was a member of the group of bi-partisan legislators who together with the Governor, crafted a plan to offer health insurance coverage to nearly 30,000 Iowans who don’t have any health coverage.

“After years of stagnant growth, we made great strides this year to improve education at all levels,” said Foege. “Schools will receive an extra $197 for each student and we also put an extra $24.3 million over last year to improve student achievement and attract good teachers. While I would like to have seen a bigger investment, we did make a significant commitment to early childhood education to prepare kids for school. We also provided new money for community colleges and our universities to keep higher education affordable for all Iowans. ”

The 2005 Legislature also took action to curb the number of meth labs in Iowa and crack down on sex offenders. The new meth law limits access to the key ingredient used to make meth, pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine, which is commonly found in cold medicines, will only be available at a pharmacy and citizens will be required to sign a log. Improvements were also made to Iowa’s sex offender laws to more closely monitor offenders by using ankle bracelets while they are on parole, create a new DNA database, and ensure the most dangerous re-offenders are never on the streets again.

“I supported the toughest meth law in the nation because meth labs are ravaging every corner of the state and are extremely dangerous,” added Foege. “Our children will also be safer with changes to our sex offender law that will keep the most dangerous offenders in prison longer and closely watch offenders on parole.”

“Even though the 2005 session has ended, I am always available to help constituents. I also welcome your thoughts and ideas for the 2006 legislative session,” concluded Foege. “I encourage you to contact me at home over the interim.”

# # #