The action on the floor of the Iowa House of Representatives has been fast and furious this past week. Most of the action is now on the floor, since committees have completed most of their work at this point. Up to forty bills a day are eligible for debate, and we actually consider and vote on fifteen to twenty bills a day. Obviously, most of those bills are considered non-controversial, and many pass unanimously. You don’t hear much about those bills, because it is only newsworthy when they become contentious.

I will share a brief synopsis of some of last week’s legislative action. The House passed two bills last week designed to encourage development of the alternative and renewable fuel industry in Iowa. The bills (House File 2754 and House File 2759) are intended to provide incentives for higher consumption and use of renewable fuels, including both E-85 (a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% petroleum) and biodiesel. House Democrats believe that Iowa should be a world leader in renewable fuels to strengthen our economy, provide good jobs, help consumers, reduce the demand for foreign oil, and meet our obligations to future generations.

An interesting feature of the first bill is that it bans franchise agreements that prohibit Iowa station owners from installing E-85 pumps. Currently, some oil companies do not allow their dealers to sell E-85. The House also agreed to appropriate $2 million a year, for three years, from the Iowa Values Fund for conversion programs. Sixty-five percent of the money would go for E-85 conversions, and the remainder for biodiesel. Currently, there are 27 E-85 stations in Iowa, including one in Marion.

The House Education committee amended and approved Senate File 2272, which changes the school start date from the week in which the first of September falls to August 25th. Last fall, 292 of Iowa’s 365 school districts started before August 25th. The August 25th date is being pushed by tourism groups supporting state and county fairs. This provision is effective for the 2007-2008 school year. I voted no on the proposition as I believe this should be left up to the local school board.

The House Ways and Means Committee unanimously passed legislation to establish a $500 per year income tax credit for volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS) workers who are certified as first responders. In order to receive the full $500 credit, the person must volunteer for the entire year. If a person volunteers for a part of the year the credit is prorated. The Ways and Means Committee also unanimously voted to expand both the Child and Dependent Care Credit and the Early Childhood Development Credit. The bill raises the maximum income a family may have and still qualify for the child and dependent care credit.

Littering could soon cost you more money! The House Environmental Protection Committee approved a bill which increases the fines for littering and illegal dumping. The bill increases the scheduled fines for littering and placing debris on public highways from $35 to $70. The bill further increases the scheduled fine for littering in a state park or preserve from $15 to $30. It increased the maximum civil penalty for illegal discarding of solid waste from $500 to $1,000. The bill must receive approval from the full House of Representatives before going to the Governor for his signature.

We had some very good news from the federal government last week. After nine months negotiations between Iowa Medicaid officials and the federal government, Iowa’s request for a three percent reimbursement increase for doctors, dentists and other health care providers was finally approved by Washington, effective for the current fiscal year (FY 06). Federal approval is required because Medicaid, the health insurance program for low-income elderly, disabled and families with children, is funded with about two-thirds federal funds, with the remaining funds come from the state or, in some cases, county government. The increase will be retroactive to last July 1.

You can write me at the State Capitol, Des Moines, IA 50319; call me at 515/281-7328 or e-mail me at ro.foege@legis.state.ia.us.

Ro

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