SF 2007 signed into law

House Speaker Kraig Paulsen (R-Hiawatha) issued the following statement in regards to Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Matt Strawn’s departure:

“I want to thank Chairman Strawn for his work on behalf of Iowa Republicans. His dedication to advancing conservative principles is to be commended.

“Iowa Republicans are energized and committed to expanding our House Majority and electing conservatives who work to get the economy moving forward, put Iowans back to work and give taxpayers a seat at the table.”

Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Matt Strawn today announced he will be stepping down as the state’s top Iowa GOP party official, effective Friday, February 10. Strawn has served as chairman of the Iowa GOP since January 2009. The Republican Party of Iowa State Central Committee will be charged with setting the date to elect Strawn’s successor.

The prepared text of Strawn’s message to Iowa Republicans follows below:
January 31, 2012
Dear Iowa Republican:

In December 2008, when I campaigned to serve as your Chairman, my top goal was to make the Iowa GOP a relevant force again in Iowa politics by ushering in an era where the Republican Party returned to winning elections without betraying our conservative principles.
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Gov. Terry E. Branstad announced today that he will sign Senate File 2007, the first bill of the 2012 legislative session, into law tomorrow at 10 a.m. in the governor’s formal office. Joining the governor will be Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Major Gen. Timothy Orr, head of the Iowa National Guard.

SF 2007 provides $1.3 million in additional resources for the National Guard Education Assistance Program, which covers tuition costs for returning service members at Iowa’s higher education institutions.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

10 a.m. Gov. Branstad signs Senate File 2007 into law
Governor’s formal office
Iowa State Capitol
Des Moines, IA

• Educators raise questions about focus on new tests: RADIO IOWA
• More credits sought for Iowa startups: REGISTER
• Iowa Bicycle Coalition survey shows cycling contributes millions to economy: RADIO IOWA
• Occupy protestors return to state capitol: REGISTER
• Bill would create board for open government disputes: QC TIMES
• It’s time to stop efforts to ban traffic cameras: REGISTER
• Legislature to ponder traffic camera bill, nuclear reactor bill: QC TIMES
• Don’t kill tax tool that’s key to growth: REGISTER
• 60K Iowa residents get concealed weapon permits: QC TIMES
• Iowans favor providing more access: GAZETTE
• State officials say mental health overhaul likely: GAZETTE
• State transportation officials find other saving options: WCF COURIER
• Bottle bill needs an update: WCF COURIER
• Voter ID plan had bipartisan input, not necessarily bipartisan support: GAZETTE
• How caucus system could be improved: GLOBEGAZETTE
• Pressure mounts for online poker in Iowa: GAZETTE
• Iowa, Nebraska target hidden-camera farm videos: GLOBEGAZETTE
• Strengthen, don’t ban traffic cameras: SCJOURNAL

Earlier this week Governor Branstad formally filed his objection to a 2008 rule that requires farmers to have an inspection done on most electrical work. In his letter to Department of Public Safety Commissioner Larry Noble the governor stated that the rule was a “power-grab” by the Electrical Examining Board (board) and that it was “unreasonable, arbitrary, and capricious.”
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Coralville City Administrator Kelly Hayworth was brought before the House Government Oversight committee last Thursday. The committee members raised questions regarding the way the city is using tax increment financing in its Iowa River Landing commercial development.
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In a report issued this week, Department of Transportation Director Paul Trombino identifies 13 efficiencies with total savings projected at $50 million. The money-saving efforts and subsequent report came at the request of Governor Branstad. He directed the department to find efficiencies in order to free up more money in the Road Use Tax Fund for the improvement of the public roadway system. According to the DOT, the fund has a $220 million critical needs shortfall. The report separates the efficiencies into two categories: Program Efficiencies and Partnership Efficiencies.
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This week in the House we approved the first bill of the 2012 Legislative session, House File 2042, legislation to require all administrative rules created by state agencies to be accompanied by a ‘Jobs Impact Statement’. During these difficult economic times, we must not let cumbersome bureaucratic rules create uncertainty and add unnecessary expenses on Iowa’s employers.

HF 2042 is just one of many pro-job, pro-growth bills that the House is working on this year. We are committed to creating policies that put Iowans back to work. The best way to put Iowans back to work is to advance policies that create an environment that encourages employers to keep and create jobs right here in Iowa.

We are also making progress on the state budget as the budget subcommittees have begun the process of going through each budget, line by line. House Republicans are committed to making sure state government is efficient and effective. As we continue our work on the budget, there are a few important guidelines House Republicans will follow.
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A new January 2012 newsletter is available for viewing. Click the link below to see a PDF version:

Caucus Newslettter 1.25.12

• Budget Timeline
• ESOPs on the Move
• Governor Objects to Electrical Work Rule
• DOT Director has Plan to Save $50 Million