Published: October 09, 2009 11:43 pm      

National recession hits Iowa families, businesses, budget

While Iowa is faring much better than most states, Iowa families, communities and businesses are still reeling from the economic earthquake caused by the biggest recession since the Great Depression.

It’s clearer than ever that the aftershocks of this deepening national recession will require quick action to balance the current state budget. I’m committed to doing that without raising taxes, while still maintaining services to schoolchildren, older Iowans, unemployed workers and others.

Maintaining our priorities

In the coming weeks and months, I will be listening to my constituents, working with Republican and Democrats, and laying the groundwork for another fiscally responsible state budget during the 2010 session that protects our progress on creating good-paying jobs, improving student achievement and teacher quality, and ensuring affordable health care.

At the same time, if we find old programs that don’t work or are no longer needed, we’ll shut them down. We’ll continue targeting our resources to get the biggest bang for the buck. And we’ll look for ways to save tax-payer dollars in all areas of state government.

Tough decisions lie ahead, but I’m committed to keeping Iowa a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Good news for Iowa workers

Do you qualify for an extension in unemployment benefits?

Iowa Workforce Development recently reported that the state’s unemployment rate for August was at 6.8 percent.

During this downturn in the economy, one of the best safety nets we can offer Iowa’s working families is good unemployment insurance. Unemployment benefits help families make ends meet and help communities get back on their feet.

That’s why Iowa has opted to extend unemployment benefits for many jobless Iowans. Nearly 5,000 Iowans are eligible for up to 13 additional weeks of unemployment insurance.

To find out if you qualify for extended benefits, contact your local Workforce Center. Their contact information can be found at www.iowaworkforce.org/ui/contacts.htm.

Preventing misclassification

Iowa Workforce Development has launched a new Web site to help Iowa workers and employers learn more about “employee misclassification.”

Employee misclassification occurs when employers wrongfully treat workers as “independent contractors,” rather than as employees. By classifying employees as independent contractors, employers avoid paying into Iowa’s unemployment insurance, worker’s compensation insurance, and temporary disability insurance while limiting employee rights.

This is a growing problem in Iowa that poses a significant threat to Iowa’s economy, its businesses and its workers. To learn more or to report instances of employee misclassification, go to www.iowaworkforce.org/misclassification.

Improving public safety

One of the lessons learned from the 2008 disasters is that Iowa’s public safety officials need to be able to communicate more easily with one another. That’s why I’m inviting local law enforcement officials, first responders and other public safety officials to participate in a conference call aimed at improving communication during emergencies.

The call is scheduled for Oct. 13 from 10 to 11 a.m. It’s part of an extended effort to improve “communications interoperability,” which will enable police, firefighters and other first responders to communicate with each other in real time with the proper technology.

If you are an Iowa public safety worker and would like to take part in the call, please register at www.iowasenatenews.com/interopconference.

Ensuring healthy pets

A legislative study committee examining the care of companion animals sold commercially met recently to determine if further state regulation is needed in the industry.

The Care of Animals in Commercial Enterprises Study Committee heard from representatives of the Animal Rescue League, Iowa Veterinary Medical Association, Iowa Pet Breeders Association, Iowa Department of Agriculture and U. S. Department of Agriculture.

It’s clear that there are serious problems with some commercial breeders, especially involving dogs. Dogs sold by some breeders are housed in unhealthy and harmful conditions. The animals are confined in small kennels and lack exercise, proper diet and, as a result, become sick.

The study committee made several recommendations to the Legislature, including:

• Giving state agriculture inspectors the power to investigate complaints at Iowa’s federally licensed facilities.

• Increasing penalties for unlicensed facilities.

• Requiring continuing education for breeders with flagrant violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act.

• Establishing a mandatory reporting requirement for veterinarians who witness animal neglect.

If these measures were adopted, it would be the first action taken in more than 20 years to regulate the $16 million-a-year pet breeding industry in Iowa.

The Legislature will consider these and other recommendations when it convenes in January. For more info, go to www.legis.state.ia.us/Current/Interim.



Roger Stewart, a Democrat from Preston, is a member of the Iowa Senate representing District 13.