Strengthen Law on Child Sex Trafficking: Rep. Chris Hagenow’s Capitol Update

Apart from the high-profile bills on the budget and taxes we consider in the legislature, there are a lot more items that you rarely see in the news. In my role on the Judiciary and Public Safety Committees, I get the opportunity to work on many pieces of legislation related to the criminal code and public safety.

One bill I have in drafting right now aims to clarify and strengthen our laws on domestic minor sex trafficking.

What's the best way to curb child trafficking? Tell us in comments.

Sadly, this is not just something that happens in other parts of the world, but does happen here in Iowa. One of the key components of this bill will be to add new penalties for the use of the Internet lure, entice or purchase a minor in this appalling business.

Changes Possible in Laws on DUI, Domestic Violence, Synthetic Drugs
I have submitted another bill creating enhanced penalties for Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Several people in the community have relayed to me how they have been personally impacted by drunk driving, and feel that it is too easy for offenders to get their license back.  All too often, we hear stories of second or third time DUI offenders causing serious accidents.  

The House recently passed a bill adding specific penalties for strangulation under our domestic abuse statute. Data reveals that strangulation is a predictor of future, more violent acts against a domestic partner. By adding new penalties for strangulation, prosecutors and law enforcement will have another tool to help separate abuse victims from the abuser, and hopefully provide additional protection from further violence.  

There is also an effort this year to improve and strengthen the new ban on synthetic drugs we fought for in the House last year.  The problem is that there are always new synthetic compounds being invented, and prosecutors are finding it difficult to prosecute every case.  We will be working this year to make sure the Iowa code fully addresses a complete list of these dangerous drugs.   

Many of these bills are non-partisan and get broad support, but there is still a great deal of work that needs to be done at the subcommittee and committee level.  As always, if you have any suggestions or comments, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Fiscal Year 2013 Budget Targets
Last week, House Republicans announced targets for the Fiscal Year 2013 budget.  The goal was to set forth a budget that is honest, transparent, and sustainable.  The budget meets my own personal goals in that it does not spend more than the state takes in and provides for priority services in the areas of education, health and human services, and public safety.  Taxpayers should also appreciate that this budget does not use one-time money to balance the budget and does not purposefully underfund state commitments like the property tax credits.

The House Republican Budget proposal spends $6.059 billion or $313 million less than the total overall spending for FY 2011 and $59.9 million more than the FY 2012 budget.  The small increase is almost all due to $55 million of new expenditure to fully fund property tax credits.  If enacted, this will be the first time state property tax credits have been fully-funded since FY 2000.  

Despite the increase to fund the property tax credits, it is still only a 1 percent budget growth over FY 2012.

Another key component of the targets is $42.9 million for state employees, including legislators, to contribute to the cost of their health insurance.  This assumes that all state employees, including legislators, will pay at least $200 per month for their premiums

In comparing other budget targets in the legislature, it is important to understand how the available revenue number is used in each proposal.  Some budget proposals plan to spend all available dollars, even one-time surplus money carried over from the previous year.  The House Republican plan does not consider these one-time funds to be appropriate for spending toward ongoing projects.  Spending these one-time funds only grows government, and forces tax increases in future years.   

This budget will be another positive step toward aligning state spending with state revenue.  With a healthy balance sheet, the taxpayers of Iowa can have greater confidence that future legislatures will not resort to tax increases to solve budget problems.  This confidence will help individuals and families plan their own budgets and for employers to be able to predict future expenses.

Clive Chamber of Commerce Forum
The Clive Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the next legislative forum in our area.  The chamber has invited everyone to attend their “Legislators Coffee” event on Saturday, Feb.25, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Walnut Ridge Senior Campus,1701 Campus Drive, Clive. The forum will be held in the second-floor theater room.

Along with myself, invited legislators include Sen.Jerry Behn, Sen. Pat Ward, Rep. Ralph Watts and Rep. Peter Cownie.

The Chamber is expecting another big crowd.  If you have any questions, please let me know, or contact Kristy Greening at kgreening@clivechamber.org . Hope to see you there!

Contact Me
As always, I look forward to hearing your comments and ideas. Please feel free to contact me any time.
Rep,Chris Hagenow
State Capitol
East 9th and Grand Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 281-3221
www.chrishagenow.com
chris.hagenow@legis.state.ia.us