The 2007 version of the Iowa Legislature has been in session for five weeks, and we are off to a great start! We have a good blend of veteran lawmakers, along with a new group of energetic and enthusiastic newcomers, several still in their twenties. Each legislator brings experiences and educational backgrounds that are unique and useful to the legislative process. It is good to renew old friendships with my colleagues, and it is a delight to get acquainted with the new legislators.

If the first month of the session is any indication, the 2007 session is destined for good, bi-partisan work that will make Iowans proud. The first bill we passed this year raised the state’s minimum wage to $7.25 per hour. It passed by an overwhelming 79-19 vote. Another significant bill, which limits the interest rates on car title loans to 21%, passed by another large margin, 84-12.

Despite intense lobbying efforts to derail the bill, the House approved House File 5, which limits the interest rates charged on loans secured by a vehicle title. These “car title loan” companies currently charge over 300% interest and prey on those who can least afford it. HF 5 prohibits any loan secured by a car title from charging higher than 21% interest, the same limitation that state law already places on other types of consumer loans. Last weekend a Mt. Vernon constituent showed me a contract in which a young mother of two was charged 302% interest on a $1,200 car title loan. We are working with banks and credit unions to help vulnerable people like this young mother establish a relationship with reputable financial institutions where financial education is available to borrowers.

Last week the Iowa Legislature also passed the safe schools bill with a bi-partisan majority. By giving our teachers the tools they need to enforce discipline in our schools, we are ensuring a safe, civil learning environment for every Iowa child. Iowa legislators have high expectations that our schools will protect all children in all school activities, and that all students will be treated with dignity and respect.

Iowans have high expectations that we legislators work together across party lines and build consensus on important issues like good jobs, access to affordable health care and the continued improvement of our educational systems. I am pleased that the National Conference of State Legislatures recognized Rep. Dave Heaton (R-Mount Pleasant) and me for our bi-partisan work. Although Rep. Heaton and I have reversed roles this year as the Chair and Ranking Member of the Health and Human Services Appropriations Sub-committee, our working relationship has not changed. As the new Chair, I sincerely appreciate the support and the expertise that Rep. Heaton brings to this important committee. When we work together, Iowans win.

In our Health and Human Services Sub-committee we have had intense and valuable discussions about how we can provide accessible and affordable health care to every Iowan. We are very aware that Iowa families, small businesses and not-for-profit service agencies need our help with health care. We are building the foundation that will address this crucial issue.

Some of you may not know that the Health and Human Services Appropriations Sub-committee is responsible for about 20% of the state’s budget. My committee is responsible for child protection services; services for frail elderly; children in foster care and those moving into adoptive families; medical services such as IowaCare, hawk-i, and the entire Medicaid program; services to people with mental illness and mental disabilities, developmental disabilities and brain injury; the state’s public health programs, including cancer prevention and tobacco cessation; veterans programs such as the Injured Veterans Grant Program and the Veteran’s Home in Marshalltown. That is a small sampling of the purview of this committee.

It is a challenge and a privilege to be able to express both the compassion and the pragmatism that are so important to Iowans. We must assure that our state’s resources are used wisely and efficiently as we address the needs of these vulnerable and valuable Iowa citizens.

Thanks to all the folks who have contacted me so far this year. I encourage anyone with ideas for legislation or comments on specific legislation to contact me at the Capitol. 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.

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