Government : Kapucian Korner: Subcommittee work begins in Iowa Senate

Week 2 was a shortened week as we observed MLK Day on Monday. Committee work begins to get busy. Presentations from different Agencies and Departments take up some of our time and we are starting to see bills appear and subcommittee work begin.

The first major action in the Legislature this year is expected to be education reform. Our goal is to work it out early and address Allowable Growth at the same time. We try to set Allowable Growth early so school districts can finalize their budgets and certify them by the April 15th deadline. Iowa Code stipulates that we set Allowable Growth within the first 30 days of the Governor releasing his budget; however in the past we have had trouble meeting that obligation. I believe we need to work to achieve that deadline. This has been a problem schools have had to deal with and I continue to work to rectify the problem.

In the Senate Transportation Committee we heard from Director Trombino. We all are aware of the need to repair our roads and bridges across Iowa and the annual critical need shortfall of 215 million dollars identified by the Governor’s 20-20 Commission in 2011. Director Trombino also informed us that by 2015 there will be a 90% cut in Federal Highway Dollars returning to Iowa, (250 million dollars) less than we now receive.

I expect there will be proposals to find the capital for Iowa infrastructure. We need to explore all funding options and an increase of the fuel tax is one such proposal. I believe we cannot afford to kick this can down the road and I welcome your input on this subject as well as other issues affecting our lives here in Iowa.

See you out and about the district.

Please feel free to contact me: tim.kapucian@legis.iowa.gov.

SENATOR TIM KAPUCIAN DISTRICT 38

BENTON, IOWA, & POWESHIEK

COUNTIES