A Summary of This Week

This is the weekly Republican press conference and it is a good summary of what's been going on at the Capitol this week.

Iowa Tea Party

The Business of the People

Iowans for Tax Relief once again rallied the troops today and had supporters of federal deductibility show up at the Capitol. No movement on the issue on the Senate side today so we're wondering if it will even be brought up. It doesn't look like the votes are there to pass it.

A bill that did pass today grants tax credits for movie stars and movie makers who make films or TV shows in Iowa. It's a great economic incentive to bring that type of business to the state, but not long ago, the Senate failed to pass tax credits for teachers who buy classroom supplies for their students. Something about that doesn't seem quite right.

The Senate also voted on a Governor appointed nominee (Sharon Elderkin) to the Iowa Environmental Protection Commission. The nominee didn't get enough votes to pass. Just so you know, the nominee is a registered Republican. Republicans voted against her due to her lack of knowledge on important commission matters. This is a truly important commission in the state and not being able to understand things like particulate matter and how run-off occurs is a deal breaker.

Let the Countdown Begin

Word around the Capitol is that this is the last week of the 2009 Legislative session. Realistically, it won't happen this week. There are just too many bills to get through. Today debate is taking place on drainage districts, fee increases for nursing homes and creating new community programs in Iowa that have a 'green' affect. The Senate is waiting to get bills from the House, including any bills that are bounce backs having first passed the Senate, then gone to the House are are back in the Senate. The Governor's bonding bill hasn't been seen either. So much for the Democrat's April 2nd deadline.