Published: June 18, 2009 09:21 am      

Federal stimulus dollars go to local roads

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 could not have come at a more crucial time for Iowa’s aging transportation infrastructure, which is in desperate need of investment. By using federal stimulus money on our roads and bridges, we’ll create and support local jobs while making much-needed, long-term improvements that will help our economy rebound and thrive.

Our area will benefit from this investment in transportation infrastructure with a commitment of $524,593 for road improvements in Clinton County and $244,000 for road improvements in Jackson County. Learn more about how federal stimulus money is being used for transportation system improvements in Iowa at www.iowadot.gov/recovery.

July 1 means law changes

July 1 is the day when most legislation approved during the 2009 session and signed into law by Governor Culver goes into effect. Here are some of the most significant changes you’ll see:

n Health insurance for 30,000 previously uninsured Iowa children from working families [SF 389]

n Smarter, tougher, safer laws that ban sex offenders from working at schools and daycares and from loitering around areas where children gather [SF 340].

n More small wind energy projects thanks to expanded tax credits for locating these projects at farms, schools and hospitals [SF 456], and new “Wind Innovation Zones” that provide tax credits to individuals who launch small wind projects [HF 810].

n An extension of unemployment benefits for unemployed Iowans involved in training programs [SF 197].

n A boost for community revitalization through an increase in historic tax credits from $20 million to $50 million annually [SF 481].

n New "disaster revitalization areas" where property valuations are capped at pre-disaster levels for a period of five years [SF 457].

n A requirement that insurance companies cover prosthetic devices [HF 311].

n A stop to home foreclosures on Iowa’s active-duty servicemembers [HF 706].

n Stronger home foreclosure protections that help Iowa home owners get the accurate information they need when facing foreclosure [SF 364].

n New consumer protections for car buyers [SF 419], home buyers [SF 355], and those hiring a contractor for home improvements [HF 712].

You can learn more about these and other key 2009 legislation at www.iowasenatedemocrats.org/highlights_2009.pdf.

Recovering from the disasters of 2008

This year, the Legislature acted boldly and wisely to help our state rebuild, recover and emerge stronger than ever from the 2008 tornadoes and record-setting floods.

Highlights of our recovery efforts include

n $195 million for disaster prevention and recovery projects, including $46.5 million for Cedar Rapids.

n $56 million for forgivable loans for housing, and to assist small businesses, nonprofit organizations and public infrastructure projects.

n Approval of the I-JOBS initiative to recover from last year’s floods, create and retain thousands of jobs, and strengthen the economy. The I-JOBS Board is already meeting to develop rules for the program, review applications and make grant decisions.

The Legislature also took steps to speed up disaster recovery

n Giving local communities more tools and flexibility in their disaster recovery efforts. For example, cities and counties can now issue bonds over a 30-year period for disaster recovery purposes and can create "disaster revitalization areas" that encourage redevelopment by capping property valuations at pre-disaster levels for a period of five years.

n Making it easier for homeowners to secure forgivable loans for disaster repairs.

n Making it easier for communities to clean up certain properties abandoned after the 2008 flooding.

n Helping more Iowans afford flood insurance by requiring eligible local governments to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). When local governments participate, insurance costs are greatly reduced for eligible homeowners.

Preventing future flooding

Over the last year, Iowans put a great deal of effort into recovering from the 2008 floods. The experience has given us plenty of motivation to plan and protect ourselves from future disasters.

Strong flood prevention efforts will result in improved watersheds, increased protection for people and property, and a reduced tax burden for all Iowans in the long run.

This year’s efforts to enhance flood prevention include establishing the Iowa Flood Center. It will develop a statewide network to monitor the potential for flooding and give advance warnings.

To prevent flooding, we must slow down the passage of water through watersheds before it reaches our rivers and streams. That’s why we’ve added flood prevention responsibilities to the Water Resources Coordinating Council. This group of federal, state and local government agencies works with soil and water conservation programs. By working through existing programs, Iowa can better prevent flood damage while improving water quality and reducing soil loss.



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