To sign up for my newsletter, please email me at dan.huseman@legis.state.ia.us.

 

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January 26, 2012

From time to time, people ask me “How do you make decisions before you cast your votes?”  That is a great question.  The voting is easy – it is making that certain decision that sometimes gets tough.  Seriously, on most issues it boils down to using common sense; for example, when the Legislature formulates an annual budget, I try to follow a few simple principles.  For starters, do not spend more than you take in.  It is hard to get into trouble if this guideline is followed.  Secondly, don’t use one-time money to fund new or ongoing programs.  Thirdly, keep your promises.  Many times it is not possible to make an iron-clad promise, but if it happens, make sure you do everything you can to follow up with a positive outcome.  These principles are what Iowans generally follow in their family budgets, so government should follow suit.  Iowans expect and deserve a government that spends tax dollars wisely, and I am committed to making state government efficient and effective.

Another tool I use for decision making is the practice of asking a lobbyist for information.  Just about every group or profession you can think of has a registered representative here at the Capitol.  I use them a lot because they are focused and usually have the information and answers I need.  There are two sides to every issue, so I have to talk to both sides.  Many times, lobbyists are viewed as bad or dishonest people.  This is not true.  These folks have to be honest with us or they have no credibility here, and at the Capitol, your word is everything.  Basically, I gather as much data as I can, and then decide what is best for my people back home.

My best source of information is you, my constituent.  And I do emphasize the word ‘best’.  I try to make myself available to you by holding town-hall meetings, publishing a weekly newsletter, making my phone number available or maybe by simply having a cup of coffee with you.  If you would like to get on my newsletter list, please contact us at dan.huseman@legis.state.ia.us.  The rest of my contact information is at the end of this newsletter.

I offer the previous paragraphs to you because I am asking for your help and advice on a couple of issues which will be coming up in a couple of weeks.  Number one: Should the State of Iowa raise the gas tax $0.08 per gallon over the next two years?  And should the state ban the use of traffic enforcement cameras?­  These seem to be two very hot issues this year, and we will be voting on them soon.  Please let me know what you would like to see happen.

The House passed two bills Thursday and sent them to the Governor for his signature.

Senate File 2007 is a supplemental appropriations bill that provides an additional $4.3 million to the National Guard Educational Assistance Program.  This is in addition to the $3.186 million appropriated last year.  We needed to do this because there was an underestimation of how many soldiers would apply for the funds.  Iowa’s huge deployment is over and the soldiers are coming home and want to go to college.  This is a great program and I encourage any interested Guardsman to check it out.  I proudly supported the bill, which passed unanimously.

The second piece of legislation deals with $3 million the state appropriated last year to help with the restoration of the USS Iowa.  The battleship has been awarded to the Pacific Battleship Center in Los Angeles, California and with this legislation parameters will be set as to how the money will be spent.  Obviously, we want it used for repairs and painting as it will become museum.  If you are ever at the Capitol here in Des Moines, be sure to visit the replica of the USS Iowa on the west end of the first floor rotunda.  It is an amazing work of art.  The bill passed the House on a unanimous vote.

You may reach me at the Capitol during the week by phoning me at 515-281-3221, or at home on weekends at 712-434-5880.  You may write me at the State Capitol, Des Moines, Iowa 50319.  My home address is P.O. Box 398, Aurelia, Iowa 51005.  If you have email, please contact me at dan.huseman@legis.state.ia.us.

Representative Dan Huseman

 

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January 19, 2012

One of the primary functions of the legislature is to pass a balanced budget.  As you may recall, last year’s session lasted two months longer than normal because of a stalemate over how much money should be spent by state government.  As this current session unfolds, it is obvious the same problems exist – the Senate, House and Governor will all have different budget targets.  We have seen the Governor’s proposed budget, so we know where he is coming from.  House Republicans have not reached a target yet, but I know the number will be much lower than the Governor’s, and the Senate Democrat plan, as well.  The main sticking point for this year seems to be the ending FY balance.  What do we do with $250 million?  If we spend it, which is totally within the law, it means we would be using one-time money for ongoing programs.  In other words, we would be adding this money to future budget years.  This is the wrong path to travel.  We have done this before and only end up in trouble.

Another idea being tossed around is to spend the $250 million on one-time projects.  For example, the idea is being floated to use these dollars for transportation projects instead of raising fuel taxes.  Several years ago, the Legislature established the Veteran’s Trust Fund.  The problem is, no money was provided.  Proceeds from certain lottery tickets are now flowing into the fund, but not fast enough.  We could fill the trust fund up to $50 million; never have to worry about it again, and most importantly, begin using it for what it was intended – to assist our state’s veterans.

Some have suggested paying off the bonds for the Honey Creek Resort in southern Iowa.  This would then free up money for state infrastructure needs.  The list of possibilities goes on and on.  Finally, lawmakers could actually do something frugal, like saving the money!  As I look at the big picture, it would seem to be a good idea to be careful in what we do.  The federal government is obviously in serious financial condition.  That is, we, the citizens and taxpayers are in trouble.  If the feds decide to make spending cuts, which they should, states will see revenue streams from Uncle Sam begin to shrink.  States can manage money better than Washington, so cost shifting is not a problem.  The problem is states would need time to adjust, and it would be wise to have some cash in the bank to deal with the federal cuts.

I am also concerned about financial conditions in other parts of the world, and how an economic crisis might affect us.  We also need to remember the serious flooding that occurred in western Iowa this spring and summer, as the state may need to provide some financial assistance.  Right now, I come down on the side of being cautious.  For me, the bottom line is this – if we do not save the money or somehow get it off the table, it will be spent.  I have seen it before, and history has a way of repeating itself.

Finally, we will pass a balanced budget.  I do not believe it will take as long this year, but if it does, I am willing to stay as long as necessary to ensure tax dollars are spent wisely, and tax payers are protected.

Enrollment in HAWK-I continues to grow which is creating a situation where the state is using up its federal dollars and needs more.  HAWK-I is the children’s healthcare program.  The federal government has a procedure to handle situations like this, but you will never believe what happened next – well, maybe you will.  I am running out of room, but to make a long story short, Iowa applied for an additional $3.8 million so the feds sent us $25 million!  Apparently, the state can keep the money, so we will most likely use it to help with Medicaid costs and the new mental health reform proposal.  Only in America!

You may reach me at the Capitol during the week by phoning me at 515-281-3221, or at home on weekends at 712-434-5880.  You may write me at the State Capitol, Des Moines, Iowa 50319.  My home address is P.O. Box 398, Aurelia, Iowa 51005.  If you have email, please contact me at dan.huseman@legis.state.ia.us.

Representative Dan Huseman

 

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January 12, 2012

The second session of the 84^th General Assembly convened at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, January 9, 2012.  Following speeches by the Speaker of the House and leaders from both parties, regular housekeeping duties were completed and standing committees hit the ground running in the afternoon.

On Tuesday morning, Governor Terry Branstad delivered the Condition of the State address to the Legislature, and also released his budget suggestions.  Chief Justice Mark Cady presented the Condition of the Judiciary address on Wednesday, as the House and Senate once again met in a joint session.  Both of these speeches are important – especially the Governor’s – as the Legislature will use these numbers and policy suggestions to fashion the state budget.  Now the work begins.

After several years of reckless spending, our state finances are finally manageable.  Even though last year’s session took an extra two months to complete, the effort was worth the time.  The Speaker of the House has pledged that the Legislature will not spend more money than the state treasury receives.  This is an important statement, and I am with him all the way.  It is important for Iowans to know that their tax dollars are being managed properly, and that there will be a balanced budget.  No more deficit spending and we will end the practice of using one-time monies to fund on-going programs.  It is imperative that lawmakers remember that the government has no money except for what it takes from its citizens.  As the budget process begins, the agricultural economy is strong and the employment picture is slowly improving.  As always, there is no guarantee these trends will continue, and no one ever knows what the Federal government will throw at the states, so prudent fiscal management is a must.  I believe we are on the right track.

Every session is remembered for passing one or two major pieces of legislation.  This year, it appears that the Governor is focusing on three major issues.  I believe he will really push for property tax reform, especially in the commercial and industrial classes.  Governor Branstad is also pursuing education reform, although he has begun to pare back his original proposal, and seems to be willing to look at a more long-term approach.  A third priority of the Governor and the Department of Human Services is a complete re-write of the state’s mental health delivery system.  I believe this has a good chance of passing as there is quite a bit of agreement among Senators and Representatives.  Finally, there will be discussion and debate as to whether or not to raise the gasoline tax in Iowa.  These are very important issues.  Please share your thoughts and concerns with me.

My committee assignments are unchanged from last year.  I will serve on the Agriculture, Appropriations and Transportation committees, and will once again chair the Transportation, Infrastructure and Capitals appropriations sub-committee.  It is an honor and privilege to serve as your representative in Des Moines, and I welcome comments, suggestions and opinions.

You may reach me at the Capitol during the week by phoning me at 515-281-3221, or at home on weekends at 712-434-5880.  You may write me at the State Capitol, Des Moines, Iowa 50319.  My home address is P.O. Box 398, Aurelia, Iowa 51005.  If you have email, please contact me at dan.huseman@legis.state.ia.us.

Representative Dan Huseman