2012 Legislative Agenda

Transcription

1 2012 Legislative Agenda

2 Page 1 Table of Contents 2012 Dubuque Area Chamber Executive Committee & Board of Directors.. 2 Letter From the President.. 3 Dubuque Area Chamber 2012 Policy Agenda Dubuque Area Chamber Legislative Agenda Transportation Infrastructure 5 Business Climate. 7 Health Care.. 10 Education and Workforce Development Sustainability 14 Tourism 15 Advocating 365 Days A Year Dubuque Chamber Guiding Principles.. 18 State of Iowa Executive Branch Senate Leadership House of Representatives Leadership Greater Dubuque Regional Representatives. 20 State of Iowa Congressional Delegation 21 How a Bill Becomes Law Legislative Time Table Index. 29

3 Page Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee and Board of Directors Executive Committee Bob Peacock Chair of the Board John Tallent First Vice Chair Jesus Aviles Second Vice Chair & CVB Division Chair Tom Wagner Treasurer Molly Grover President & CEO Nancy Dunkel Immediate Past Chair Amy Manternach Membership Division Chair Todd Moyer Government Division Chair Doug Warthan Community Development Chair American Trust & Savings Bank Medical Associates Clinic and Health Plans Mystique Casino & Dubuque Greyhound Park Wagner Accounting & Tax Service Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce Prudential Diamond Jo Casino Kruse Warthan Dubuque Auto Plaza Board of Directors Craig Beytien Roy Buol, Mayor Wayne Demmer Kirby Snitker Chad Chandlee David Brandon Tim Conlon Scott DeSousa Pati Gallogly Andy Hawkinson Nikki Kiefer Richard Launspach Amy Manternach Jeffrey Mozena Jim Normandin Byron Taylor Rich Whitty Ex Officio for the Dubuque Community Schools Ex Officio for City of Dubuque Ex Officio for Dubuque County Ex Officio for Westside Business Association Ex Officio for Greater Dubuque Development The Finley Hospital Conlon Construction The Friedman Group DBQ Fashions DuTrac Community Credit Union Sedona Staffing Kennedy Mall Merchants Association Prudential Premier Bank Telegraph Herald John Deere Dubuque Works O Connor & Thomas P.C.

4 Page 3 Letter from the President, The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization committed to a mission of business and community development. Together with the help of our members we work to make Dubuque the best place to live, work, play, visit, and do business. Representing over 1500 members from throughout the area, we are the advocates for a strong and prosperous business climate. The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce 2012 Legislative Agenda is a comprehensive overview of our pro growth policy. It is committed to advance legislation that enhances our business climate, creates jobs, protects free enterprise, and grows our economy. As a Chamber we will speak to our local, state and federal lawmakers with a resounding and united voice of leadership and influence. We encourage our members to get involved with our advocacy activities by becoming informed about our agenda. Members can also attend both standing and signature Chamber events that promote our goals of an economically thriving community and state, which include our regularly scheduled Government committee meetings, candidate forums, Annual DC Fly in, and Dubuque Night in Des Moines. For more information on how you can be directly involved contact the Chamber office today. The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce appreciates the opportunity to work with our elected local, state, and federal officials in advancing bi partisan legislative goals and objectives that make the Dubuque area and the entire state of Iowa the best place to live, work, play, visit and do business. Molly Grover, President & CEO

5 Page 4 Dubuque Area Chamber 2012 Policy Agenda The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce provides leadership on key issues and strategic policy recommendations for achieving an environment conducive to economic growth in Iowa. Growth is achieved with competitive taxes, responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, investment in infrastructure, forward looking programs that incentivize entrepreneurship and attract investment, and a stable regulatory environment rooted in science, from which, efficiency and cost effectiveness is then determined. The potential for Iowa to grow in 2012 and beyond is strong. Iowa s finances are improving. The economic development structure for Iowa has been updated. And, national attention has highlighted Iowa s workforce strengths and relative resilience during the national economic downturn. Further, there is broad agreement on the issues still requiring attention: Property taxes Education reform Transportation & infrastructure investment What remains to be seen is whether or not there will be broad agreement on how these issues will be addressed. These policy issues are priorities of the 2012 Legislative Policy Agenda for the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce.

6 Page 5 TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE & ACCESSIBILITY A modern infrastructure is essential for attracting new businesses and tourists to the area, and is vital for economic development. The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce supports the following policies in order to improve access by way of rail, road, and air. In 2011 the Chamber successfully partnered with American Airlines to expand service with a fourth flight to Dubuque Local The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce supports: Prioritizing funding of $112 million to complete the 6.1 mile Iowa Highway 32/ Southwest Arterial to connect the Dubuque Industrial Center West, near US Highway 20, to the Dubuque Technology Park, near US Highway 151/61 High speed passenger rail service from Chicago to Dubuque Assuring adequate funding is secured for the airport renovation Funding for the Heritage Trail (Dubuque to Dyersville) Necessitating Dubuque s applications to become a Bike and Pedestrian Friendly City State The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce supports: Funding for Hike & Bike trails Increase of funding dedicated toward Iowa s most traveled roads, which also drive commerce and economic growth for Iowa. Expansion of high speed passenger rail service throughout the state Federal The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce supports: Reauthorization of a multiyear Federal Airport Improvement Program (AIP) which provides funds to airports to help improve safety and efficiency Expansion of high speed passenger rail service to Iowa

7 Page 6 Multiyear extension or new bill for the Federal Highway Reauthorization Act SW Arterial Project Cost Based on current funding levels, an alternative, interim phase under consideration would provide for the grading of four lanes between Highway 151/61 to Highway 20, paved two lane highway between Highway 151/61 to Highway 20, with interchanges at Highway 151/61 and at Highway 20. Preliminary cost projection for the interim two lane highway is $98.3 million. Current available funding for the Southwest Arterial is $66.4 million and is summarized as follows: o At current funding levels, there is a $32 million shortfall for the Southwest Arterial to complete the interim 2 lane highway between Highway 20 and Highway 61/151 o The preliminary cost projection for the complete four lane freeway project is $125,000,000 The Southwest Arterial project remains the No. 1 surface transportation priority in the Dubuque area Other funding strategies are being evaluated to ensure that this project continues to move forward The critical component of Dubuque s Transportation Strategy is the construction of a vital missing link in the existing regional transportation network, a Southwest (SW) Arterial that connects U.S. 61/151 and U.S. 20. Total Funding Projection Summary Status Amount Total Federal Funds Commit $32,805,334 ted Total State Funds Commit $17,760,000 ted Total Local Funds Commit $15,808,967 ted Total Federal/State/Local Funding: $66,374,301

8 Page 7 BUSINESS CLIMATE The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce believes that the following positions will foster job creation and economic development by way of a positive economic environment. The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce supports the periodic review and cost benefit analysis of rules and regulations related to Iowa businesses. Rules and regulations should be evaluated for effectiveness, cost efficiency to enforce, as well as financial impact on the regulated business. Regulatory stability is also important to business. As such, the Alliance supports a review and an oversight process of automatic sunsets of rules and regulations. The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce strongly supports maintaining Iowa s Right to Work status and advocates for a level playing field with respect to employer employee relations. Tax Increment Financing is a method of reallocating property tax revenues which are produced as a result of an increase in taxable valuation above a "base valuation" figure within a tax increment area. Local The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce supports: Implementing various programs and funding methods to assist in the development of Dubuque s Warehouse District Continued investments in expanded parking accessibility and affordable workforce housing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) as a valuable and highly versatile economic development tool State The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce supports: Eliminating the State Historic Tax Credit (SHTC) cap, or, minimally, restore the SHTC to $50 million (currently set at $45 million) Iowa s Right to Work law Tax Increment Financing (TIF) as a valuable and highly versatile economic development tool Maintaining business tax credits that have proven returns on investment, such as research & development and commercialization tax credits.

9 Page 8 Reforming Iowa s commercial property tax system to provide relief for Iowa s commercial and industrial taxpayers A property tax relief that is substantive and permanent with the tax savings targeted to commercial and industrial classes of property. A push to move the four locally assessed classes of property taxpayers closer to equitable treatment. Consideration of the impact that a relief proposal may have on the budgets of local governments so that property tax relief is not pushed onto the budgets of local governments. Lowering of business property taxes as Iowa currently ranks in the top two states for the highest business property taxes. Efforts to simplify and reduce corporate income taxes as a means to better market Iowa s economic development efforts. Flattening and streamlining the personal income tax will help illustrate that Iowa is working to attract business and new jobs. The Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act: *Lowered the tax rate applied to dividends *Simplified rules relating to qualifying retirement plans *Increased the personal tax exemption amount of the alternative minimum tax The Heartland Disaster Tax Relief Act provides certain tax breaks to help victims of the severe storms, flooding and tornadoes that occurred in the Midwestern Disaster Area. Federal The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce supports: Historic Tax Credit program and full permanent funding for Historic Preservation Fund Continued Extension of Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 and Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 Elimination of federal tax liability on SHTC income The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce opposes: Proposed Cap and Trade legislation Employee Free Choice Act (Card Check), which takes away an employee s private ballot right when voting whether they want to join a union.

10 Page 9 Rollback Impact Property Tax 2007 Source: Data from Iowa Department of Revenue

11 Page 10 HEALTHCARE Health Care Reform The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes that most health care coverage is provided by employers. However, the continuing escalation and extreme cost increases for coverage are making the financial burden to employers unaffordable and often a business killing hardship. Businesses across the nation are choosing between keeping the doors open for business versus providing health insurance for their employees. Healthcare reform is a necessity, however, it must strike a balance between a system that enhances employer based coverage and improves the current system. Healthcare reform should empower consumers to take personal responsibility for healthcare services they want and need, provide appropriate incentives for providers to improve quality and efficiency, and require both public and private purchasers of care to reimburse providers adequately and equitably.

12 Page 11 HEALTHCARE REFORM POLICY The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce supports comprehensive healthcare reform that: Enhances the ability for employers to be able to provide health insurance coverage Expands access to health care insurance Encourages fair and open competition Makes healthcare more affordable for small businesses Provides greater accountability, enhances efficiency and improves the value of health care through enhanced healthcare information technology and provides continued information to consumers on cost and quality Reforms Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement payments to reward the value and quality of services provided Places an obligation on all Americans to have health insurance coverage that, at a minimum, offers catastrophic benefits Encourages all Americans to participate in employerand/or community based wellness, prevention, and chronic care programs Provides medical liability reform/tort reform The Chamber opposes healthcare reform that: mandates employer based paid health care coverage forcing businesses to play or pay creates new taxes on employers that include taxing employer sponsored health benefits or cutting the current tax exemption on these benefits Legislates or regulates an increase in the employerpaid cost of providing quality health care coverage Increases the risk of lawsuits against employers that provide a heath care plan for employees

13 Page 12 EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT A strong educational system in Iowa will keep companies competitive in a global economy. A vibrant, educated workforce is integral to economic development in the Dubuque area. The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce supports innovative ideas that will educate, attract, and retain a quality workforce. Local The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce supports: Focused classroom instruction and accountability measures that assures our students achieve and surpass local, state, and federal standards Improving and enhancing students access to education professionals through the use of paraprofessionals, a focus on reduced class sizes, and the use of technology Maintaining incentives that encourage the production of affordable workforce housing. Quality workforce housing is an integral part in growing businesses and the community Initiatives that assure a safe community and safe and accessible housing for businesses and workers In 2010 Forbes named Dubuque Best Small City to Raise a Family due in part to good educational prospects. Economy.com ranked Dubuque in the US Top 10 Cities for Job Growth for the periods State The Chamber believes a comprehensive education reform is critical for Iowa from three perspectives: Iowa must ready a globally prepared workforce to compete with the challenges of the 21st Century in advanced manufacturing, life sciences, agriculture, professional services, and other high paying quality job creating sectors. Iowa must ensure a high quality of life as a tenant of our economic development activities. Businesses should want to locate in Iowa because of our high quality of life and top performing schools are at the top of the list.

14 Page 13 Forbes also ranked Dubuque 15th in Best Small Places for Business and Careers As grandparents, parents, and future parents of children in Iowa, we have an obligation to provide the best and brightest opportunities for the youngest residents of Iowa. Federal The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce supports: Legislation that assists in the achievement of the five promises outlined in the Every Child, Every Promise Program (Caring Adults, Safe Places, Healthy Start, Effective Educations, Opportunity to Help Others) Legislation that improves affordability of higher education Forgivable loans for targeted occupations and industries in which businesses regularly have difficulty attracting a sufficient number of qualified applicants. Transparent and expeditious process for the development of K 12 national standards tied to a valid and reliable assessment Continued funding for Pell Grants Simplification of the process to award competitive grants to ease the administrative cost on school districts. Increasing the number of H1B Visas to meet workforce demand H1B Visas are work permits that allow a non resident to get a visa stamp and work in the USA for a particular employer Forgivable loans for targeted occupations and industries in which businesses regularly have difficulty attracting a sufficient number of qualified applicants Reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act or the authorization of a similar locally controlled workforce investment system that maintains or increased the level of funding that Dubuque received previously In 2012 Forbes named Dubuque #1 in Projected Job Growth based on three year annualized figures The Community Block Grant Program is a flexible program that provides communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs.

15 Page 14 SUSTAINABILITY As a community flush with historic buildings and architecture, the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce supports initiatives and tax credits that renovate, restore, and maintain our community s rich heritage in an environmentally responsible way. The Clean Water Act establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and regulating quality standards for surface waters. Local The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce supports: The City of Dubuque s initiatives towards a sustainable community, including incentive programs for environmentally responsible development practices Increasing the funding for programs such as Community Development Block Grant Program, the Clean Water Act, and the Drinking Water Act Transferring funds from the USDA Rural Development Utilities Program to existing programs that assist and improve water management Improvement of Dubuque s pedestrian and bicycling facilities State The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce supports: Incentive programs and tax credits for environmentally responsible development practices Funding the Iowa Grayfield and Brownfield Redevelopment Program at $3 million annually and increasing the cap on the tax credit program Eliminating the State Historic Tax Credit (SHTC) cap, or, minimally, restore the SHTC to $50 million Federal The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce supports: Incentive programs and tax credits for environmentally responsible development practices Extending the existing alternative fuels excise tax credit for 2020 The Drinking Water Act is the main federal law that ensures the quality of Americans' drinking water.

16 Page 15 In 2009 Dubuque County received the Tourism County of the Year award at the Iowa Tourism Conference Expanding federal loan and grant programs supporting biomass technologies and development of processes such as cellulosic bio ethanol and biomass gasification The Community Restoration and Revitalization Act (HR 3175/S 1743) which updates the Historic Tax Credit and encourages substantial energy savings in historic buildings while spurring greater investment in commercial projects Reauthorization of federal Superfund taxes on chemicals, petroleum, and corporations Creation of a federal funding mechanism to retrieve the Hazardous Substance Superfund cleanup program; eliminating the cost of cleanup from the general fund TOURISM With an annual 1.7 million visitors to the area, bringing in an estimated $254 million to the economy, tourism is a vital and growing sector of Dubuque s economy. The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce advocates for the following policies that will continue to make Dubuque, its attractions, museums, businesses and the Mississippi River a tourism hot spot. Local The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce supports: Cultural and entertainment districts established by the city, including the Millwork District, and the creation of an art incubator within the Millwork District Expansion of high speed passenger rail service throughout the state, as well as, a Chicago to Dubuque Route The 2011 Iowa Tourism Office awarded Dubuque the Outstanding Niche Marketing Campaign for Art Market

17 Page 16 State The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce supports: Increasing Iowa s state tourism marketing budget to the Midwest average of $10.2 million annually Enforcement of the current School Start Date law that maintains a traditional school year calendar that starts after Labor Day. This will help support Dubuque area businesses dependent upon seasonal travel revenue access to the necessary local workers Continued support of Vision Iowa, including the continued funding of tourism grants and the removal of caps on the Community Attraction Tourism (CAT) grant and the River Enhancement Community Attraction Tourism (RECAT) grant Continued funding of Great Places at current level Continued allocations of funds for Regional Sports Authority Districts in order to continue hosting sporting events in the Dubuque area. Expansion of high speed passenger rail service throughout the state Federal The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce supports: Funding for Hike & Bike trails Expansion of high speed passenger rail service throughout the state

18 Page 17 THE DUBUQUE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVOCATING 365 DAYS OF THE YEAR Securing funding for the Southwest Arterial Securing air service and enhancing hub destination opportunities Increasing local expenditures of goods and services Recruiting and retaining more talent Making Dubuque a world known city that is on the cutting edge of sustainability practices Creating a more diverse and inclusive community Conducting the next Community Visioning Process Alleviating burden to commercial & industrial property tax payers with property tax reform Advocating for a prosperous business climate Increasing annual visitor expenditures and convention delegates Supporting outcome based education that provides a trained, skilled, educated workforce for the 21st century

19 Page 18 THE DUBUQUE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GUIDING PRINCIPLES Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce believes that by working together we can create significant, positive changes that will prepare Iowa for the future and ensure quality of life for its citizens. Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce believe Iowa needs strategic, aggressive, forward thinking statewide policies and programs that stimulate strong economic growth, resulting in additional jobs and increased state and local revenues. The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce supports: Long term statewide policies and programs that provide reliable economic development tools for encouraging business relocation, expansion and entrepreneurship in Iowa communities. A regulatory and tax climate conducive to making Iowa the most competitive state in the nation for attracting business expansion opportunities and fostering the growth of new and existing businesses. An ongoing funding mechanism for building infrastructure and amenities that improve the quality of life in Iowa communities. Streamlined governments at all levels that are efficient, cost effective and responsive to business needs by finding ways to use tax dollars more wisely while improving their services. A long term marketing plan that promotes Iowa s positive distinguishing attributes to both internal and external audiences, positioning Iowa as the location of choice for operating a business, living and traveling

20 Page 19 State of Iowa Executive Branch Office of the Governor and Lt. Governor Terry E. Branstad Governor (R) and Kim Reynolds (R) Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Bill Northey (R) Office of the Auditor of the State David A. Vaudt (R) Department of Justice Tom Miller (D) Office of the Secretary of State Matt Schultz (R) Office of the Treasurer of State Michael L. Fitzgerald (D) 2012 Senate Leadership President Senator Jack Kibbie (D Emmetsburg) Majority Leader Senator Mike Gronstal (D Council Bluffs) Minority Leader Senator Jerry Behn (R Boone) Senate Switchboard (515)

21 Page House of Representatives Leadership Speaker Representative Kraig Paulsen (R Hiawatha) Majority Leader Representative Linda Upmeyer (R Garner) Minority Leader Representative Kevin McCarthy (D Des Moines) House Switchboard (515) To contact a Legislator during session Mailing Address: Name of Legislator State Capitol East 12 th & Grand Des Moines, Iowa Greater Dubuque Regional Representatives Iowa Senate District 13 Senator Tod Bowman (D) District 14 Senator Pam Jochum (D) District 16 Senator Tom Hancock (D) Iowa House District 25 Representative Brian Moore (R) District 27 Representative Chuck Isenhart (D) District 28 Representative Pat Murphy (D) District 31 Representative Lee Hein (R) District 32 Representative Steve Lukan (R)

22 Page 21 State of Iowa Congressional Delegation United States Senate Senator Chuck Grassley (R) Washington Office 135 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C PH: (202) Dubuque Area Office of Congressional Delegation st Avenue NE Suite 325 Cedar Rapids, IA PH: (319) Fax: (319) Senator Tom Harkin (D) Washington Office 731 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C PH: (202) United States Congress Iowa District 1 Congressman Bruce Braley (D) Washington Office 1019 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C PH: (202) Dubuque Office 350 W. 6 th St., Suite 222 Dubuque, IA PH: (563)

23 Page 22 How a Bill Becomes a Law Provided by Legislative Information Office Iowa State Capitol, Iowa General Assembly website: A bill is a proposal for a law. Ideas for bills come from many sources: a legislator s constituents, businesses, government agencies, professional associations, interest groups and other state legislatures. When a legislator recognizes or is made aware of a problem which could be pursued through legislation, that idea is put into the form of a bill. In Iowa, only legislators are able to introduce bills. Bills may be sponsored by a Senator or Representative, or by a Senate or House committee. All bills must be approved by both the Senate and the House before being sent to the Governor for final approval. To illustrate how a bill becomes a law, we will follow the path of a bill sponsored by a Senator, which must first be approved by the Senate before it can be sent to the House. If a bill is sponsored by a Representative, the process will be reversed, with the bill first being approved by the House and then sent to the Senate for consideration. Preparation Once a Senator decides to sponsor a bill, the Senator submits a request to the Legislative Service Bureau to write or draft the bill. Iowa law requires that all bills must be drafted by the Legislative Service Bureau, a nonpartisan agency staffed by attorneys and research analysts who put the bill into proper legal form. Introduction After the bill draft is completed; it is returned to the sponsor for review and filed with the Secretary of the Senate, who assigns the bill a number. The bill is reviewed by the Senate legal counsel s office for accuracy of format, and on the following day the bill s number, title and sponsor s name are read to the Senate. The President of the Senate, the presiding officer of the chamber, assigns the bill to a standing committee for review.

24 Page 23 Standing Committee Work A standing committee is a group of legislators chosen by the leadership of each chamber to examine all bills relating to a specific subject area. Once a bill is assigned to a committee, the committee chairperson, a member of the Senate s majority party, appoints a subcommittee. The subcommittee, usually composed of three members of the standing committee, reviews the bill in detail and reports it s conclusions to the full committee. The full committee then discusses the subcommittee s conclusions and makes recommendations to the entire Senate. The committee may recommend passing the bill, to pass the bill with amendment, to refer the bill to another committee for study, to postpone the bill indefinitely, or to send the bill to the floor for debate with no recommendation. Occasionally, committee members decide to hold a public hearing on the bill where anyone may testify in favor of or in opposition to the bill. Committee members decisions on the bill may be affected by testimony presented at a public hearing. In an emergency the committee may vote to eliminate the subcommittee process and review the bill immediately. The Calendar A report of the committee s recommendations is sent to the Secretary of the Senate, who will place the bill on the Senate s regular calendar, which lists bills that are eligible to be debated. Bills are arranged on the calendar in the order they are received from committees. A bill considered important may be brought up for consideration by the Senate ahead of the other bills listed before it on the calendar. The majority leader is responsible for deciding which bills on the calendar will be debated. Debate After the committee completes work on the bill; the subcommittee s chairperson usually becomes the bill s floor manager. The floor manager s job is to present the bill to the chamber and follow the bill s progress during debate, when Senators discuss and may propose amendments to the bill. Amendments are adopted by a simple majority of the Senators voting.

25 Page 24 When debate on a bill is finished, the bill s title is read aloud to the chamber for the last time. This tradition of reading the bill s number and title dates from the early days of the Legislature when bills were read in their entirety to the members because printed copies were not available for everyone. If a constitutional majority (at least 26 Senators) votes to pass the bill, it moves to the House. If fewer Senators than a constitutional majority vote to pass the bill, the bill fails and is dead. Votes on bills and amendments may be reconsidered on a motion by a member who voted on the prevailing side of the issue. If the motion to reconsider is approved, a new vote is taken on the bill or amendment. If the bill is them approved by a constitutional majority vote and all motions to reconsider are cleared, it is delivered to the House. Second Passage Amendments adopted by the Senate become part of the bill before it is sent to the House. As the bill follows its path through the Legislature, the procedure in the House is basically the same: filing with the Chief Clerk of the House, review by the House legal counsel s office, and referral by the Speaker of the House to a committee, subcommittee study, committee recommendation, debate, and amendment. A bill introduced in the Senate will retain its original Senate number as it travels through the House and a bill introduced in the House will retain its original House number as it travels through the Senate. To pass the House, a bill must be approved by a constitutional majority of 51 Representatives. If the Senate bill is amended by the House, the amendment is sent back to the Senate for approval. If the Senate concurs or agrees with the amendment, the bill has passed both chambers in identical form and will be sent to the Governor for review. If the Senate refuses to concur with the House amendment, the bill is returned to the House, which may recede from or insist upon the amendment. If the House recedes, the bill is sent to the Governor. If the House insists upon its amendment, a conference committee is appointed to work out the differences.

26 Page 25 Conference Committee Conference committees are composed of Senate and House members representing both the majority and minority parties and both sides of the issue in dispute. The 10 members of a conference committee are appointed by the Senate Majority Leader and the Speaker of the House to study the points of a disagreement between the chambers in an attempt to reach a compromise. If an agreement is reached, it is presented to both chambers in a report that contains the compromise version of the bill. The report cannot be amended by either chamber. If the report is rejected by either chamber, a second conference committee may be appointed. If no agreement is reached, the bill dies. If the conference committee report is adopted, the chambers again vote on the bill. If the bill is approved, it will be enrolled and sent to the Governor for review. Final preparation of a bill before it is sent to the Governor is called enrollment. When both chambers have passed the bill in the same form, it is prepared with all approved amendments incorporated. After the bill is enrolled, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House sign the enrolled version and the Secretary of the Senate or Chief Clerk of the House certifies that the bill originated in that chamber. The bill is then sent to the Governor for final action. Governor s Action Bills passed by the Legislature must be reviewed by the Governor. The Governor has three options: sign the bill, veto the bill and send it back to the Legislature, or take no action. In the case of a veto, the Legislature may override the veto with two thirds of the members of each chamber voting to pass the bill again. If, during the legislative session, the Governor does not sign or veto a bill, it becomes law after three days. Bills received by the Governor during or after the last three days of the session bust be signed or vetoed within 30 days. The Governor has the option to use three types of vetoes: the veto, item veto and pocket veto. The veto indicates the Governor s disapproval of an entire bill.

27 Page 26 The item veto may be used only for bills which appropriate funds, and strikes a specific item of a bill. A pocket veto occurs when the Governor fails to take action within 30 days on a bill received within or after the last three days of the session. The entire bill then fails to become law. Iowa Law After the bill is signed by the Governor or is passed by the Legislature over the Governor s veto, it is sent to the Secretary of State who is the custodian of original copies of all bills enacted into law. Bills normally go into effect July 1 following their approval, unless another date is specified in the bill. Bills passed by the Legislature before July but signed by the Governor after July 1 becomes effective August 15. The enacted bills are then printed in the Acts of the General Assembly, published after each legislative session. The portions of the enacted bills that are laws of a permanent nature are incorporated into the Code of Iowa, a compilation of Iowa laws published every other year. A supplement to the Code is published in the year in which the entire Code of Iowa is not published. These documents are published by the Iowa Code Division of the Legislative Service Bureau.

28 Page Iowa Legislative Session Timetable JANUARY 9 First day of session (Iowa Code Sec. 2.1) JANUARY 20 Final day for individual Senator and Representative requests for bill drafts to the (Friday of 2th week) Legislative Services Agency (Senate Rule 27 and House Rule 29) MARCH 2 Final date for Senate bills to be reported out of Senate committees (Friday of 8th week)** (and House bills out of House committees) (Joint Rule 20) MARCH 5 MARCH 9 Senate only considers Senate bills and unfinished business (9th week) (House considers only House bills and unfinished business) (Joint Rule 20) MARCH 12 MARCH 23 Debate not limited by rule (10th and 11th weeks) MARCH 23 Final date for Senate bills to be reported out of House committees (Friday of the 11th week)** (and House bills out of Senate committees) (Joint Rule 20) MARCH 26 MARCH 30 Senate considers only House bills and unfinished business (12th week) (House considers only Senate bills and unfinished business) (Joint Rule 20) APRIL 2 Amendments need not be filed on the day preceding floor debate (Beginning of the 13th week) (House Rule 31.8) APRIL 2 (Beginning of the 13th week) Only the following bills are eligible for consideration: (Joint Rule 20) Appropriations Bills Ways and Means Bills Government Oversight Bills Legalizing Acts Bills co sponsored by Majority and Minority Leaders of one House Companion Bills sponsored by Senate and House Majority Leaders Conference Committee Reports Concurrent or Simple Resolutions Bills passed by both Houses in different forms Bills on the Veto Calendar (Joint Rule 23)

29 Page 28 Administrative Rules Review Committee Bills Committee Bills related to delayed Administrative Rules [Iowa Code Sec. 17A.8 (9)] Joint Resolutions nullifying Administrative Rules Unfinished Business APRIL th calendar day of the session [Per diem expenses end Iowa Code Sec. 2.10(1)] **The March 2 and March 23 committee deadlines do not apply to Appropriations Bills, Ways and Means Bills, Government Oversight Bills, Bills cosponsored by Majority and Minority Leaders of one House, Companion Bills sponsored by the Majority Leaders of both Houses after consultation with the respective Minority Leaders, Conference Committee Reports, Concurrent or Simple Resolutions, Joint Resolutions nullifying Administrative Rules, Legalizing Acts, Administrative Rules Review Committee Bills, and Committee Bills related to delayed Administrative Rules [Iowa Code Sec. 17A.8(9)]. Legislative Information Office: 8/18/2011 **If you would like to know how you can become more involved with legislative discussions, please contact the Chamber for a list of upcoming events.

30 Page 29 Index Alternative fuels excise tax credit A tax incentive available for alternative fuel that is sold for use or used as a fuel to operate a motor vehicle. For an entity to be eligible to claim the credit they must be liable for reporting and paying the federal excise tax on the sale or use of the fuel in a motor vehicle. Cap and Trade A cap and trade system constrains the aggregate emissions of regulated sources by creating a limited number of tradable emission allowances, which emission sources must secure and surrender in number equal to their emissions. Community Attraction Tourism Grant (CAT) The Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Program supports projects that promote recreational, cultural, educational, or entertainment attractions that are available to the general public. Funding for the CAT program is through an appropriation by the Iowa legislature. Community Restoration and Revitalization Act (HR 3175/S 1743) A Bill that would make beneficial changes to the Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit and provide a greater incentive for the reuse of older and historic buildings. It would also encourage building owners to achieve substantial energy savings in building rehabilitations with graduated increases in the historic tax credit based on the level of efficiency achieved. Employee Free Choice Act (Card Check) This legislation would take away American workers right to a private election and instead replace it with the card check process on decisions regarding union representation.

31 Page 30 Every Child, Every Promise Program This program connects people to resources and assists service providers in delivering the Five Promises to youth. These Five Promises include: 1) Caring Adults, 2) Safe Places, 3) Healthy Start, 4) Effective Education, and 5) Opportunities to Help Others. Federal Airport Improvement Program (AIP) The AIP provides funds to airports to help improve safety and efficiency. Improvement projects relate to runways, taxiways, ramps, lighting, signage, weather stations, NAVAIDs, land acquisition, and some areas of planning. Federal Highway Reauthorization Act The highway authorization bill approves significant highway, transit, and rail projects across the country. At this time, Congress is taking steps to prepare for the next highway authorization bill, which will provide funding for and authorize projects for the years 2010 through Great Places Created in 2005, Iowa Great Places is a program designed to promote bold thought, innovation, and entrepreneurship at the local and regional level in Iowa. Places neighborhoods, cities, counties, or regions engage in an inclusive strategic planning process to assess their strengths and areas of opportunity, create a vision for augmenting their unique attributes and quality of life, and design a roadmap to turn that vision into reality. H1B Visas H1B Visas are work permits that allow a nonresident to get a visa stamp and work in the USA for a particular employer. Iowa Grayfield and Brownfield Redevelopment Program Qualifying projects can receive tax credits for qualifying costs of a Brownfield project and if the project meets green building requirements. Grayfield projects can get tax credits for qualifying costs and projects that meet green building requirements.

32 Page 31 Iowa s Right to Work law A law that states that no Iowa worker can be forced to join or financially support a union just to get or keep a job. Pell Grants The Federal Pell Grant Program provides needbased grants to low income undergraduate and certain post baccalaureate students to promote access to postsecondary education. River Enhancement Community Attraction Tourism Grant (RECAT) The River Enhancement Community Attraction and Tourism (RECAT) Program supports projects that promote and enhance recreational opportunities on and near rivers or lakes within cities. Road Use Tax Fund (RUTF) The RUTF has provided a source for investing in the state s primary, secondary and municipal roadway systems. State Historic Tax Credit (SHTC) This program provides a state income tax credit for the sensitive rehabilitation of historic buildings. It ensures character defining features and spaces of buildings are retained and helps revitalize surrounding neighborhoods. The program provides an income tax credit of 25% of qualified rehabilitation costs. Another 20% is available if the property is income producing and qualifies for the Federal Rehabilitation Investment Tax. Tax Increment Financing Public financing method which has been used as a subsidy for redevelopment and community improvement projects. TIME 21 Formula Based on a December 2008 report reevaluating needs and revenues, the updated annual shortfall in meeting Iowa s most critical public roadway needs is $267 million. This is an increase of $67 million over the annual shortfall identified in the 2006 Road Use Tax Fund study due to worsening system condition, caused by insufficient investment and the impacts of extremely severe weather, coupled with

33 Page 32 continuing cost escalation and flattening of state and federal revenues. Vision Iowa The Vision Iowa board s mission is to support projects that build on Iowa s unique assets and values and expand the recreational, cultural, educational, and entertainment opportunities in the state. Workforce Investment Act The Workforce Investment Act provides increased flexibility for state and local officials to establish broad based labor market systems using federal job training funds for adults, dislocated workers, and youth.

34 Page 33 NOTES