Helland: 'Funnel Week' Kept Legislators Busy

From erikhelland.com

It has been another very busy week for the Iowa Legislature.  This week was  a “funnel week”, meaning that Friday is the set deadline for bills to be passed out of House and Senate committees.  If a piece of legislation does not receive support from the committee it is initially sent to, it is no longer eligible for discussion during this legislative session.  (Tax, appropriations and leadership bills are excepted from “the funnel”).  This process helps us to set priorities, focus on issues important to Iowans, and save taxpayer’s dollars.

Below, I have outlined some key pieces of legislation that have been established by House Republicans as top priorities.  A more comprehensive list will be posted on my blog at erik.helland@wordpress.com.

Growing the Economy: House Republicans are working to craft legislation that will stabilize the economy, create jobs and generate savings for all Iowans. Four major bills passed out of committees this week.

Cutting Government Waste: House Republicans have continued their efforts to streamline government and save taxpayers money.  The State Government committee cut waste by listening to Iowans and digging deep into the budgets, with a line-by-line review to cut out waste and find efficiencies.  Many of the suggestions came from taxpayers via the online suggestion tool.  The bill received broad support from both parties.

Reforming Education: The Governor’s Education Reform bill, House Study Bill 517, passed out of the House Education Committee Tuesday.  HSB 517 works to make sure that every classroom has a great teacher and every building has a great administrator.  It works to strengthen the requirements for our students to ensure they can compete globally.  It also looks at putting into place innovative learning models to keep up with the changing economy and world.

Providing Property Tax Relief: Iowans have earned the right to see a relief in their property tax bills.  Under House File 2274, all classes will see a significant relief, especially residential property taxpayers.  The Republican plan specifically protects homeowners by requiring the state be responsible for a larger portion of local education and is the only property tax bill to address government spending.

Keeping Jobs in Iowa: HF 2085 encourages Iowa companies to remain in Iowa and pass on income to their workers by incenting the creation of employee stock ownership plans.  This bill also provides some funding for small businesses to enter the employee stock ownership programs process; helping Iowa companies overcome the large burden of entering into ESOP’s.

I enjoyed the opportunity to speak to the Iowa Pharmacy Association’s Legislative Day and answer questions from Drake and University of Iowa pharmacy students.  I think it’s great that these young people are getting involved in the political process and staying updated on current health initiatives and issues.

Also, members of the Alzheimer’s Association visited the Capitol for “Day at the Hill” on Tuesday.  I always encourage visits from constituents and enjoyed hearing about their organization.