Government : HELLO HOUSE DISTRICT 75 FROM THE STATE CAPITOL!

Hello everyone,

We just completed our first week of the first year of the 89th General Assembly, and we all have a lot of optimism to make this a great session. We look forward to doing as much as possible, hoping and praying the Covid-19 virus will not rear its ugly head and cause problems with the session or especially any of you. As of right now, to our knowledge, no legislator is testing positive for the virus - a wonderful thing!

Governor Reynolds Reveals Budget for FY 2022 & FY 2023

On Tuesday night, Governor Kim Reynolds revealed her plan for state spending in fiscal years 2022 and 2023. The Governor's plan proposes to spend $8.1141 billion from the General Fund in FY 2022, which would be an increase of 3.70 percent over her revised FY 2021 budget. Governor Reynolds's budget spends 98.31 percent of the on-going revenue in the General Fund ($8.2533 billion).

For Fiscal Year 2023, the Governor is proposing a General Fund budget of $8.2998 billion. This would be an increase of $185.7 million or 2.29 percent. The Governor's FY 2023 budget would spend 98.66 percent on what her office is forecasting for ongoing revenue in Fiscal Year 2023. There is no current projection for this year by the Revenue Estimating Conference.

Among the major items in the Governor's budget are:

Broadband - The major announcement in Governor Reynolds Condition of the State speech was a proposal to commit $450 million over the next three years (FY 2022, 2023, & 2024) to expand access to broadband throughout Iowa. The annual amount of $150 million would be ten times her budget request for this last year and thirty times the amount that was budgeted in Fiscal Year 2021.

Mental Health - Another major piece of Governor Reynolds's budget proposal is addressing mental health funding. Under her budget plan, the state would provide the mental health regions would receive $15 million from the state in Fiscal Year 2022 and $30 million in the Fiscal Year 2023 to expand access and implement the mental health reforms and service expansions that have been enacted over the past three years.

Medicaid - In Fiscal Year 2022, the state will spend $1.4815 billion from the General Fund on the regular Medicaid program and the Health and Wellness program. This amount would have been significantly higher, if not for the enhanced federal Medicaid match rate states are receiving in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The Governor's budget provides increases reimbursement rates for nursing homes ($10 million), home and community-based service providers ($8 million) and psychiatric medical institutes for children ($3.9 million).

In Fiscal Year 2023, the Medicaid budget is increased to $1.4915 billion with the $10 million increase going to nursing home reimbursement rates.

Supplemental State Aid for Schools - Governor Reynolds is proposing that Iowa's education system would receive $26.3 million in additional money during FY 2022. The majority of this amount - $20.8 million - would be provided to school districts through a 2.5 percent increase in Supplemental State Aid for Schools and school transportation funding. The Governor also is proposing an additional $2.5 million to implement provisions of last year's classroom behavior bill. Also included in her budget is $3 million to provide education savings accounts for students who are currently attending failing schools.

For Fiscal Year 2023, the Governor is providing $140.3 million to Iowa schools through Supplemental State Aid for Schools and school transportation funding.

Higher Education - State funding for state universities under the Board of Regents, Community Colleges, and the Iowa Tuition Grant program would also receive an increase in FY 2022. Funding to the three state universities would be increased by $15 million, with $8 million replacing the FY 21 reduction and another $7 million increasing state funding levels for each school. The Board of Regents would determine the distribution of the funds. Iowa's community colleges are recommended to receive an increase of $5.2 million. Students at the state's independent colleges would benefit from a $1.2 million increase to the Iowa Tuition Grant program.

Future Ready Iowa - Continuing momentum for one of the more successful efforts in recent years, the Future Ready Iowa program will receive additional funds in Fiscal Year 2022. Governor Reynolds's budget would provide an additional $10 million to the College Student Aid Commission to fund the Last-Dollar Scholarship program. This would mean that the state would be providing $23 million in financing to Iowans who are studying for degrees and certifications at Iowa's community colleges.

Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund - As part of her budget proposal, Governor Reynolds also released her recommendations for the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund (RIIF) for FY 2022. The Governor restores many recurring funding streams to their FY 2020 level, as gaming tax collections recover for their 2020 decline due to the pandemic. Among the new projects proposed to be funded are:

• $2 million increase for Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Fund
• $5.2 million for Dept. of Corrections projects including a new kitchen at Clarinda Treatment Complex
• $6.5 million for infrastructure projects at DHS facilities, including changes to the Stata Training School at Eldora
• $2.5 million to the Judicial Branch for equipping new and renovated county courthouses

One significant change in the Governor's budget is the proposal to move the funding of the Technology Reinvestment Fund to the General Fund. This would receive $35 million in FY 2022 and $25 million in FY 2023.

Fiscal Year 2021 adjustments - In addition to proposing budgets for the next two years, the Governor also brought forward some adjustments to the current year's budget. Governor Reynolds is asking for supplemental appropriations of $41 million. The funds would go to the following programs:

• Chief Information Officer (OCIO) - Funding the first year of a contract with Workday to replace the state's budget, accounting, and human resources computer systems - $21 million
• Dept. of Education - Funding for a supplemental grant program to Iowa schools for costs related to providing 100% in person learning during the 2020-2021 school year - $20 million.

The additional school funding has also been discussed by some House Republicans who would like to provide schools with additional funding for the costs associated with 100% in-person learning during the fall.

As always, the release of the Governor's budget proposal represents the firing of the starter's pistol on the annual budget process that dominates each legislative session. Budget subcommittees will begin next week, starting with a close examination of the details of Governor Reynolds' proposal.

December State Revenue Collections Continue to Grow

State revenue continued to grow in December, maintaining a pattern in Fiscal Year 2021 of tax collections exceeding expectations. According to the non-partisan Legislative Services Agency, the state took in $36.1 million more than what was collected in December 2019. This is a 5.1 percent increase over the previous year's figure. Through the first half of the fiscal year, state revenue has increased 3.4 percent over FY 2020. This puts revenue collected ahead of the Revenue Estimating Conferences projection from its December meeting of 0.6 percent growth for the Fiscal Year 2021.

Personal Income Tax receipts were down slightly, declining 2.4 percent when compared to December 2019's figures. For the first six months of the fiscal year, personal income tax payments are 11.3 percent higher than the previous year. The Revenue Estimating Conference is projecting personal income tax collections to increase by 9.6 percent. These numbers are somewhat inflated, as the figures include 2019 tax year payments which were received in July and August due to the filing deadline extension granted by the Governor in March.

Sales and Use Tax collections continued to grow above their FY 2020 levels. For December, collections saw an increase of 4.2 percent over last year. For the year, growth in sales and use tax is 3.9 percent which is ahead of the REC projection of 3.1 percent growth.

Corporate Income Tax collections were higher in December, with the state taking in 140.9 million. This was $27.2 million higher than what was collected in December 2019. For the year, corporate income tax is 37.3 percent higher than FY 2020. This continues to be ahead of the REC projection, which calls for a 25.2 percent increase in collections for Fiscal Year 2021.

Tax refund payments were down $18.8 million compared to December 2019. School infrastructure distributions to local districts for the month rose, with those payments rising by $10.4 million.

IDALS Secretary Naig Reminds Farmers and Landowners to Apply for Cover-Crop Crop Insurance Discounts

On Wednesday, January 6, 2021, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) issued a press release in which Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig reminded farmers and landowners who plant cover crops to apply for the state's cover-crop crop insurance discount program by January 15, 2021. Applicants may be eligible for a $5 per acre discount on their spring crop insurance premiums. Farmers can sign up now for the cover crop insurance premium reduction program at apply.cleanwateriowa.org. To qualify, the cover crop acres cannot be enrolled in other state or federal cost-share programs.

Cover crops, like rye and oats, prevent soil erosion and lock in nutrients, especially during extreme weather events. Cover crops are proven to reduce nitrogen loads by 28-31 percent and phosphorous loads by 29 percent, which helps improve water quality. They also offer weed control and livestock grazing benefits for producers.

Secretary Naig encourages farmers and landowners to speak with their agronomist or seed representative about cover crop varieties as they're finalizing their spring planting decisions.

Strong Job Demand for Graduates in Agricultural Programs

On Wednesday, December 9, 2020, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and Purdue University issued a joint press release that anticipates a strong job demand for new college graduates with degrees in agricultural programs. U.S. college graduates can expect approximately 59,400 job opportunities annually between 2020 and 2025. This reflects a 2.6 percent growth from the previous five years. Employer demand will exceed the supply of available graduates with a bachelor's degree or higher in agriculture-related fields. Parag Chitnis, acting director of USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture observed--"Future development of our complex global food system requires the brightest minds from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures and disciplines working together to solve the challenges before us. This report shows that students across America who are studying food, agriculture and related sciences to take on these challenges have made a sound career choice and will graduate into a strong and growing job market in the years ahead."

Other highlights of the report(link is external) include:

• Over the past two decades and across all levels of degree attainment, more females than males have graduated in food, agriculture, renewable natural resources and the environment.
• Some majors tend to attract a greater proportion of female students, including animal sciences, agricultural education, agricultural communication and veterinary medicine.
• Other majors tend to attract more male students, including agricultural engineering, forestry, agronomy and crop science.
• There will be a strong demand for graduates with expertise in data science across all disciplines.
• Expect to see strong employment for specialists in marketing, e-commerce, field technical service, water quality and environment, climate and invasive species, food technology, and environmental and rural policy.

The report, Employment Opportunities for College Graduates in Food, Agriculture, Renewable Natural Resources and the Environment, United States, 2020-2025(link is external) is ninth in a report series of five-year projections initiated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1980.

Commerce Committee Readies Agenda

It is the beginning of a new General Assembly and a new legislative session. The first week is focused on getting organized and drafting legislation. The Commerce committee focuses all types of insurance, energy (natural gas, electricity, solar, wind, etc.) issues, and others that impact business and commerce in our state.

In the coming weeks, Commerce will assign, consider, improve, and pass bills impacting business and commerce in our state. Once the legislation has passed the committee is it eligible for the entire House of Representatives to consider. The bulk of committee work is done before the first funnel deadline (this year - March 5th), which is one of the Legislature's self-imposed deadlines for bills to be considered by a committee. You can see all the legislation the House Commerce Committee is working on by visiting https://www.legis.iowa.gov/committees/committee?ga=89&groupID=696.

December IEDA Board Awards

Last month the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board approved awards for two companies, which will assist in the creation of 284 jobs and result in more than $85 million in new capital investment for the state. The projects are located in Cedar Rapids and Dubuque.

Eco Lips, Inc.-Cedar Rapids

Eco Lips, Inc. manufactures and distributes nationally recognized lip products under the Eco Lips label, which can be found in over 10,000 retail locations and through e-commerce platforms. The company also offers full-service manufacturing for private label and contract manufacturing customers with turn-key packaging and fulfillment solutions. With plans to purchase an existing facility in Cedar Rapids, Eco Lips will more than double the manufacturing and warehouse space to accommodate growth and expansion. The project will represent a capital investment of close to $5.6 million and will create 13 jobs incented at a qualifying wage of $23.20 per hour. The board awarded tax benefits through the High-Quality Jobs (HQJ) program.

Simmons Pet Food, Inc.-Dubuque

Simmons Pet Food, Inc. (Simmons) is the largest co-manufacturer and private label pet food maker in North America. Simmons manufactures wet and dry pet food for dogs and cats and pet treats for dogs. The company plans to increase its wet pet food production capacity with the purchase of a building and equipment for a new operation, followed by a second canning line and a 75,000 square foot expansion of the distribution center and warehouse. The project represents a $79.5 million capital investment. It was awarded tax benefits and a forgivable loan through the HQJ program. It is expected to create 271 jobs, of which 206 are incented at a qualifying wage of $20.49 per hour.

Open Enrollment Part of Parental Choice Agenda

Republican legislators are prioritizing parental choice in education. House Republicans and Governor Reynolds are moving to change open enrollment policies to benefit students and parents who are trapped within their districts. Right now, there are five districts in Iowa that have a board-adopted plan to keep the certain balance of students in the district. Each plan specifies the percentage of students that can open enroll in and out of the district with the goal to maintain balanced diversity factors. A district may deny an application that it determines would adversely impact their plan. The following districts have approved voluntary diversity plans: Davenport, Des Moines, Postville, Waterloo, and West Liberty. This means that during the 2020-21 school year a parent who lives in the Des Moines Public School District (DMPS) was not able to open enroll their kids out - even though DMPS was not following what the legislature passed in June, nor what the Governor stated in her proclamations. The Des Moines school board refused to comply with the law and parents had no recourse. This change in open enrollment policy gives parents that choice to get the best education for their child.

In the Condition of the State speech by the Governor, she said that a parent had told her that her administrator recommended she buy a house in the neighboring district if she wanted her son to go back to school in-person. Parents should never be placed in the position where they have to beg their local board to allow students to attend school. House Republicans heard from Iowans all fall how frustrated parents and students are. The decision to open enroll out of a school district should be the parent's decision. It should be available to all families and all students. The Governor went on to say that "school choice shouldn't be limited to those who have the financial means or are lucky to live in a district that's confident enough to allow open enrollment. So let's make choice an option for everyone." Voluntary diversity plans are hurting students and families by blocking parental choice in their child's education.

In-Person Learning Top Priority for House Republicans

The return to in-person learning is a top priority for House Republicans. Getting students back in the classroom is an essential piece in the return to normal.

Test scores are dropping across the nation with a lack of in-person learning. On Tuesday Governor Reynolds let Iowans know that some students have been in school for less than a week since last March. Many students only have classes for 60 to 90 minutes a day via a computer screen. There are students that haven't logged on to their classrooms for months and the teachers are unable to do anything about it. Older siblings are having to facilitate their brothers' or sisters' learning during the day and complete their own at night because their parents need to work. Parents feel as if they are failing their children and their employers.

That being said, the majority of schools across Iowa have found a way to be safe and responsible while opening their doors to their students. As a parent told the Governor, "If some parents get the option to go 100% online, why don't my kids get the option to be 100% in the classroom?"

In Governor Reynolds's Condition of the State speech she asked the legislature to immediately send a bill to her desk that gives parents the choice to send their child back to school full time. "We can't wait any longer. Our kids can't wait any longer."

House Republicans have been working on this very thing. During this fall's campaign, one thing became crystal clear Iowans are struggling to balance their children's education, their jobs and their other responsibilities. House Republicans will be offering a bill to leave the choice to the parent over what mode of instruction they want their child to receive. Instead of school boards dictating to parents and students, kids would be able to go back to school and get that face-to-face interaction with their teachers. House Republicans and the Governor will work together to make this happen as soon as possible.

Iowa Bottle Bill Backgrounder

In the last ten months, because of heightening concerns around COVID-19 disease, ongoing disagreements with Iowa's bottle bill have become more apparent. These concerns have persisted even after the Governor lifted temporary pandemic emergency order suspending the redemption of cans as some covered retailers have chosen to continue not to redeem beverage containers subject to the five-cent deposit requirement that these retailers sold to their customers. This ramped up the refusal of retailers to redeem beverage containers. This has made it difficult for households to redeem their containers and collect the 5-cent deposits. The contraction of retailers willing to redeem container deposits has been exacerbated by the growing dearth of redemption centers, whose numbers have drastically declined in the last several decades. The reduction in redemption centers has occurred because it is extraordinarily difficult to run such operations at a profit or even break-even because the law's existing 1-cent handling charge, set by legislative action 1978 is not sufficient to cover operating expenses. The penny handling charge enacted in 1978 now has a comparative value of less than one-quarter1 that it did due to consumer price index changes over the life of the law so-far.

The following information was accessed through the Iowa DNR webportal. Iowa's Beverage Container Control law was originally implemented in 1979 to fight litter, it also became a very successful pro-recycling measure. Under Iowa Code Chapter 455C and Iowa Administrative Code [567] Chapter 107, the system works such that:

* Beverage Distributors collect a 5¢ per container deposit from Retailers when they deliver the full product.

* Retailers charge Consumers the nickel, and Consumers get their nickels back when they return the empties to stores where those products are sold.

* When Distributors deliver more new full product, they pick up their empties that the Retailers have redeemed from Consumers.

* From the deposits that were collected at the beginning, the Distributors reimburse the Retailers for the refunds that have been paid out to Consumers.

* In addition, Distributors pay Retailers a 1¢ per container handling fee to help Retailers with the costs of collecting, sorting, and storing empties until the Distributors pick them up.

* The Law also allows for private small businesses called Redemption Centers. Instead of redeeming empties at Retailers, people can take their empties to a Redemption Center to get the refunds.

* Distributors go to Redemption Centers and deal with them just as they do with the Retailers; picking up their empties, reimbursing the refunds the Redemption Centers have paid out and paying the handling fees. Essentially the only income Redemption Centers make, the handling fee is set by statute and has remained unchanged since 1979.

* Distributors (and Retailers and Redemption Centers) are prohibited by the Law from disposing of redeemed empties in landfills, which typically means recycling. This also usually means that Distributors get the benefit of the scrap value of the aluminum, plastic, and glass.

* Nothing in Iowa Code Chapter 455C addresses "unclaimed deposits."

Iowa seems to be unique in that all of the exchanges of the full product, deposits, empties, refunds, and handling fees all take place entirely among the Distributors, Retailers, Consumers, and Redemption Centers. No money goes to or is paid out by the Dept. of Natural Resources.

Iowa Continues to Distribute COVID Vaccine Statewide

This week, the House Human Resources Committee had a presentation from the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) on the current and future status of COVID-19 vaccinations in Iowa.

Based on CDC guidance, Iowa has prioritized residents of long-term care and health care workers in Phase 1A distribution of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. As we know, residents of long-term care have been hit hardest by this virus and health care workers are essential to maintaining access to health care throughout this public health emergency. As of Monday, January 11, there have been 96,686 doses administered in Iowa. In her Condition of the State address on Tuesday, Governor Reynolds highlighted the expectation that all long-term residents and staff will be vaccinated before the end of January.

IDPH is planning to expand the number of populations eligible for the vaccine once 60 percent to 70 percent of the health care workforce has been vaccinated statewide. At the committee meeting, IDPH announced that they believe that expansion to Phase 1B populations will begin around February 1. Much of the expansion to additional populations will depend on how much vaccine is allocated to Iowa from the CDC. To keep track of Iowa's allocation, check CDC tracker.

According to IDPH and the Infectious Disease Advisory Council, Phase 1B will be distributed to those Iowans that are 75 years and older OR the following vulnerable populations:

• Individuals with disabilities living in home settings
• Correctional facility staff and individuals incarcerated
• Staff and residents of congregate settings (shelters, sober living homes, behavioral health treatment centers, detention centers. This does not include college dorms)
• Locations where public health data indicate outbreaks or clusters of disease among food, agriculture, distribution and manufacturing workers
• PK-12 school staff, early childhood education, and childcare workers
• First responders

The Phase 1B list has been expanded by the interim IDPH Director to include inspectors (of hospitals, long-term care settings, child care, and food production) and government officials and staff at the Iowa Capitol to be included in Phase 1B. When Phase 1B is complete, efforts will shift to Phase 1C, which includes persons 65-74 years and persons 16-64 with high-risk medical conditions.

Updates on Iowa's vaccine administration including county-specific information will be posted here every Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Information Technology Committee Focuses on Internet Access

One thing 2020 has shown us all, is the importance of broadband internet in our daily lives. Over the last year, many people have seen their work, school, shopping, doctor appointments and other things move online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ready or not, the increased use of broadband internet is here to stay.

Many Iowans, especially in rural areas, still do not have access to reliable broadband internet. Last year, House Republicans have worked on a number of ways to over the last year to close the gap of Iowans without access to broadband internet. In addition, the governor has proposed an aggressive funding package over the next three years to expand broadband internet to every part of the state. The newly created Information Technology committee will continue to focus on ensuring broadband access to all Iowans and looks forward to working with the governor on this common goal.

Iowa Workforce Development provides guidance on recently authorized federal benefits program

On Dec. 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) of 2021, reauthorizing and extending the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program, and the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program. The CAA also created the Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) program. IWD has received the implementing guidance from the United States Department of Labor (USDOL), and is now working on the extensive system programming needed to distribute payments to eligible claimants.

Under the CAA:

• PUA: Now available through March 13, 2021, or for up to 50 total weeks of eligibility, whichever comes first. The additional 11 weeks can only be paid as of Dec. 27, 2020, with the first eligible payments set for the week ending Jan. 2, 2021.
• PEUC: Now available through March 13, 2021, or for up to 24 total weeks of eligibility, whichever comes first. The additional 11 weeks can only be paid as of Dec. 27, 2020, with the first eligible payments set for the week ending Jan. 2, 2021.
• FPUC: Now provides $300 per week to supplement benefits for weeks of unemployment beginning after Dec. 26, 2020, through March 13, 2021. To receive FPUC benefits, you must be receiving UI, PEUC, EB, Trade Readjustment Allowance (TRA), Voluntary Shared Work (VSW), Disaster Unemployment (DUA), or PUA. FPUC benefits will not be paid from July 27 to Dec. 26, 2020, per federal guidelines. FPUC eligibility will begin on Dec. 27, 2020, with the first payments set for the week ending Jan. 2, 2021.
• MEUC: Now provides an additional $100 per week in supplemental benefits to individuals receiving certain unemployment insurance benefits who received at least $5,000 of self-employment income in the most recent taxable year ending prior to the individual's application for regular unemployment compensation. Authority to make MEUC payments continues through weeks of unemployment ending on or before March 14, 2021.

(Info from Iowa Workforce Development)

Volunteer EMS & Firefighters

Across Iowa, there is an increased need for volunteer emergency medical care providers and firefighters. Rural communities in Iowa have for years seen a rise in the need for volunteers. As Iowans have faced the challenges of the 2019 novel coronavirus that need is as apparent as ever.

As Governor Reynolds highlighted in her 2021 Condition of the State, Iowans showed up to work to make sure that fellow Iowans were taken care of as we battle this pandemic. Across Iowa volunteer emergency medical care providers, firefighters, and reserve peace officers worked to assist in delivering PPE, providing medical care and assisting in their communities wherever needed.

One way to commit to improving Emergency Medical Services throughout the state is to authorize municipalities, counties, townships, or agencies to implement length of service agreement awards as described in 457(e) (11) of the Internal Revenue Code for volunteer firefighters and emergency medical care providers.

Authorizing local governments to establish these programs if they chose to, can give control to local governments to provide incentives for volunteers in communities in need of emergency services.

Safety Tips for Paddling in Cold Weather

Winter paddling can provide solitude, exercise and an opportunity to see amazing winter beauty. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommends that paddlers wait for warmer weather to allow for warmer water and conditions.

"Many paddlers, especially those just starting out, don't realize that although temperatures may be above average during some of the winter, the water is still dangerously cold- and cold-water shock and hypothermia can set in quickly," said Todd Robertson, Iowa DNR River Programs Water Trails Coordinator.

"Dress for the water temperature, not the air and expect to go into the water," Robertson said. "A wet or dry suit and a life jacket are crucial to remaining safe."

Review these simple safety tips before you head out on the water this winter.

• Don't paddle alone. Especially in winter, use a buddy system.
• Make sure the entire water trail route you are paddling is open on a river. Ice jams can form and water freeze up as temperatures drop throughout the day.
• Stay away from wood/branch piles and debris, usually found on the outside of river bends, that can pull you underwater and hold you there with little chance of escape.
• Paddle with a group who is experienced in cold water paddling.
• Always wear a life jacket.
• Wear a dry suit or wet suit, along with layers, to help avoid hypothermia or cold-water shock. Do not wear cotton. Dress for the water temperature, not the air.
• Bring along a dry bag with a set of extra clothes you can change into if you get wet, a first-aid kit and a protected cell phone or weather radio.
• Let a friend or loved one know where you are going and when you are expected to return. It will be easier to find you if you need help.

The DNR reminds paddlers to abide by the physical distancing protocols recommended by the state to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Follow these recommendations to keep you and your family safe:

• Keep at least six feet of distance between you and other boaters and avoid popular areas where people may congregate.
• Stick with your immediate family, but keep groups to fewer than 10 people.
• Only touch your own gear. After the trip, wipe down gear to disinfect surfaces.
• Avoid sharing snacks/water.
• Bring along hand sanitizer.
• Plan your shuttle carefully. Stick with only your immediate family in your vehicle.

Explore the Iowa DNR's interactive paddling map at www.iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Canoeing-Kayaking/Where-to-Paddle to help you plan your first paddling trip this year.

Public Safety Committee - Supporting Law Enforcement

Iowa's peace officers are some of the best in the nation. Whether State Patrol, sheriffs, or local police officers, Iowans are protected by well-trained men and women. This summer, Iowa's officers faced severe violence and were regularly targeted by rioters. While some lawbreakers were arrested and charged, many escaped punishments. The Public Safety Committee will be reviewing Iowa's laws to ensure they provide strong protection to communities, businesses, officers and others if attacks like this ever occur again in our state.

Across the country, peace officers were physically and verbally assaulted this summer. Officers were hit with rocks, frozen water bottles, containers full of bodily fluids, and some were even shot. On the Capitol grounds, protesters put an officer in a chokehold, removed his radio, and attempted to remove his firearm. House Republicans refuse to stand by while the men and women of law enforcement are attacked.

The Public Safety Committee will be looking at multiple ways to increase penalties, ensure current laws are enforced, and where necessary, adding new criminal actions to the code. Here are a few of the ideas the committee is exploring

• Protecting Law Enforcement Budgets- While some in the country chanted "Defund the Police" House Republicans and the Governor believe in defending the police. Iowa will NOT defund the police and the committee is looking at ways to ensure local cities can't defund their police departments.
• Assault with a laser- under current law it is not clear if pointing a laser in a peace officer's eye is assault. Clarifying that this is an assault will help protect officers and allow county attorneys to properly prosecute those who would use a laser to intentionally damage the eye of an officer.
• Blocking roadways- Across the nation, rioters attempted to block roadways. Sometimes in town and other times on interstates. This is incredibly dangerous for anyone traveling, the rioters and those needing emergency assistance. Legislation is being considered to increase penalties for those who put others in danger.
• Peace Officer Bill of Rights- The committee is looking for ways to ensure due process is followed and officers are treated fairly if and when issues arise. While in a court of law, everyone is grated due process, peace officers are sometimes not afforded that right in other matters.

Iowa Continues to Break Records for Active Registered Voters

This past November, Iowans set a new record for voter turnout with 2,095,581 participating voters. 76% of all registered voters in Iowa participated in the 2020 general election surpassing the record set in the 2012 Presidential election cycle.

Predictions from House Democrats that election integrity and security measures adopted by House Republicans over the last few sessions would lead to voter suppression proved to be ridiculously inaccurate.

Frequently following a presidential election cycle, voter engagement trends downward resulting in lower levels of participation in local, state, and midterm elections. However, for the third month in a row Secretary of State Paul Pate has reported a record number of active registered voters in the state of Iowa.

On January 4, Secretary Pate announced that the current statewide active voter registration had climbed to 2,124,895 voters. Over 90 percent of Iowa's eligible population are now actively registered to vote. Below you can see a breakdown of the total registration.

Democratic: 700,430

Republican: 727,977

No Party: 678,188

Other: 18,300

TOTAL: 2,124,895

As Iowa continues to see such high levels of civic engagement from voters it is important that House Republicans continue to lead the way in ensuring that every Iowan's vote is treated fairly and counted accurately.

The Iowa Constitution is clear, all political power is inherent in the people. Iowans must have faith in the integrity of our elections. House Republicans will work with the Secretary of State and county auditors to maintain accessibility, eliminate fraud, and ensure the security of our elections.

Pandemic Exception Regarding Driver's Licenses is Over

Throughout the public health emergency, Governor Reynolds has allowed driver's licenses to expire without penalty through proclamations. That provision has been removed in the most recent proclamation, meaning drivers with licenses that have expired between January 16, 2020, and January 8, 2021, should look to schedule an appointment to renew their license.

Iowa law does allow for a 60-day grace period following the expiration of your license before a penalty is applied. Iowans can renew their licenses online or they can make an appointment on the DOT website to renew their license at a DOT service center.

Governor's State of the State - Removing Triggers

from 2018 Tax Reform Bill

This week the governor recommended eliminating the revenue triggers passed in Senate File 2417 back in the 2018 Tax Modifications Act. The legislation required that those triggers be met in order for contingent individual income tax cuts to be enacted in tax year 2023. Her recommendation to remove those triggers would automatically activate that new tax system in tax year 2023 without consideration of those triggers. The reduction in revenue is estimated at $157.2 million in fiscal year 2023.

So, what were those triggers and why were they put in place? Having specific revenue requirements (triggers) were written into the bill to ensure the state's budget was sound and its obligations were met before additional tax cuts were enacted.

The bill states that on January 1, 2023, the following things must happen in order for the new brackets and additional tax changes to take place. If they do not, the tax year 2023 will be under the same rules as tax year 2022 and the triggers would have to be looked at again the next tax year.

Trigger Components:

• Previous fiscal year net tax receipts equal or exceed $8,314,600,000.
• Previous fiscal year net tax receipts equal or exceed 104% of net tax receipts from fiscal year prior to that fiscal year - meaning FY 22 receipts need to have growth of at least 4% for trigger to be met.

If the components of the trigger are met, federal deductibility is eliminated and the reduction in tax rates reflected in the bill is implemented.

If the Legislature had to make the decision today on the best information available-would the triggers hit?

No.

The REC recently estimated FY 21 revenue at $7.9693 billion and FY 22 revenue to reach $8.2657 billion. This is short of the revenue needed to hit the revenue trigger. Additionally, the REC estimates revenue growth for FY 22 to be at 3.7 percent. This is also short of the growth requirement to hit the trigger.

The Department of Revenue and Department of Management will certify the net tax receipts by November 1, 2022, to determine if the $8,314,600,000 has been met (and the growth factor will be figured at that time). Of course, these were just estimations and things can change rapidly. However, uncertainty and the need for budget soundness were the reasons why the 2018 House Republican caucus put the triggers into the bill in the first place. House Republicans reexamined the data related to the triggers in 2019 and 2020 and will do the same in 2021.