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Attention liberals! The Iowa Democratic Party is Now Accepting Applications for Statewide Stooges

The Iowa Democrat Party is going into full steam misinformation mode leading up to the 2012 elections. If you’re interested in helping other liberals misinform the general public on the issues, they have a great opportunity for you! The Iowa Democrat Party is now accepting applications for the position of Statewide Canvasser of Propaganda. 

To learn more about the position and how to apply, click here...  http://www.iowademocrats.org/2012/05/the-iowa-democratic-party-is-now-accepting-applications-for-statewide-canvassers/

The dishonor of the Democrat Party in Iowa is a direct result of the dedication of so many ignorant people who don't do any real homework on the issues and/or don't care about the truth.  They need people who will ignorantly give their time and energy to create a slate of misinformation so they can take the state in the wrong direction.  They are thrilled to have demonstrated year after year that they are very organized, but wrong.  They are highly energetic, but wrong.  And, most of all, intolerant to common sense ideas.

They're looking forward to another unsuccessful election year in Iowa, and they hope you will consider being a part of it.

Coralville Courier seeking volunteer writers

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Submit a sample article, 400 - 500 words on a topic of your choice to:  sickofspin@yahoo.com.

 

Iowa Double Murder: Man Confesses Three Decades Later

The grisly murder and robbery of an elderly couple in Waterloo, Iowa, stunned the community three decades ago. But the case remained unsolved until a 66-year-old man walked into a police station and confessed on Wednesday.

Jack Wendell Pursel was in court today for an initial appearance, where a judge raised Pursel's bail from $500,000 to $2 million for shooting Richard Huntbach, 85, and wife Goldie, 77.

Read on....  http://gma.yahoo.com/iowa-double-murder-man-confesses-three-decades-later-180521144--abc-news-topstories.html

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Senate Republican Leader Jerry Behn Offers Closing Remarks of 2012 Session

DES MOINES, IA. -- Senate Republican Leader Jerry Behn (R-Boone) today offered closing remarks on the second session of the 84^th Iowa General Assembly. His remarks are as follows: 

Thank you Mr. President.

Colleagues, friends, family and all Iowans:

On the first day of this session, now many weeks ago, I started my opening day speech with a famous Winston Churchill quote that goes as follows, “Courage is the first of human qualities because it is the quality that guarantees all the others.” 

I asked all of us to have the courage to put aside our differences and work in a spirit of true bi-partisanship on the enormous challenges that face our great state.  I asked us to provide the measurable results that the hardworking Iowa taxpayers deserve. 

I said we must listen  not only to what our colleagues have to say - but most especially to those 60,000 bosses that are back home in each of our districts, counting on us to always do what is right for their families, neighborhoods, communities and schools. 

Did we provide the measurable results that Iowa taxpayers deserve this session?  

In most cases, we did not.

When it comes to job creation, property tax relief, world-class education and government rule and regulation reform,  this Legislature failed to make the necessary strides that hardworking Iowans deserved.

As Senate Republicans, we maintained a laser-like focus on job creation and career development this session, but it is disappointing that our colleagues across the aisle opted against a full debate on all of the issues that would lead to more job and career development in our great state. 

This should not have been the session to say “No” to good job creation ideas like authentic, aggressive and permanent property tax relief or comprehensive rule and regulatory reform, just because they were ideas that originated from the other side of the aisle. 

Instead, Iowans were treated to more of the same.  Over the past few years, this has become a pattern that we cannot afford to continue to repeat in the years ahead. 

So what did we accomplish? 

We did pass a state budget for the upcoming year – and thankfully it was done much earlier than last session. 

However, this new budget continues to spend far too much and we missed an opportunity to put into place more government reforms and efficiencies that would lead to systemic change and long-term savings. 

As we look to the future, Senate Republicans pledge that we will continue to stand by sound budgeting principles like not spending more than we take in and not raising taxes in order to balance the budget. Just as hardworking Iowa taxpayers tighten their belts, so too should government.

We must continue to wean ourselves off the practice of using one-time dollars for ongoing expenses and continue to provide transparency and accountability.  Our budgeting decisions should not just be about this year – we must think about the next decade and the next generation. 

The reason I ran for the Senate is because of my four children and now my five grandchildren. I want them to be able to grow up in Iowa - in safe communities with good schools and as they get older - be able to find good jobs and build rewarding careers right here if they so choose. 

That is why it is such a tragedy that we missed a golden opportunity to fully revamp and upgrade our property tax system. 

The Iowa House, time after time, passed aggressive, authentic and permanent property tax relief with broad bi-partisan support.  They should be commended.  This body should be disappointed. 

So now we have work to do in the future, because Senate Republicans know we cannot afford to have property tax rates that rival that of downtown New York City. A property tax system, like the one offered by Senate Democrats this year, that simply shifts around the tax burden, picks winners and losers, relies on state revenue triggers and onerous applications will not work and is not acceptable. 

This Senate Democrat plan proved to be so unappealing that even their own Democrat members could not stomach it.  

Since property tax relief did not happen this session, next year Senate Republicans look forward to working closely with Governor Branstad, our colleagues in the House of Representatives and those Senate Democrats willing to be guided by something other than the party line to make it happen.

We will provide genuine, aggressive and permanent property tax relief to hardworking Iowa taxpayers. 

Along with property tax reform and responsible budgeting comes removing some of the barriers to growth by getting a handle on our increasingly burdensome government rules and regulations.

Last session, Senate Republicans spearheaded an effort to go across the state to hear directly from Iowans about how government red tape is holding back their success. We then put together a series of ten proposals aimed at re-opening Iowa for business. 

In nearly all cases this session, our colleagues across the aisle missed ample opportunities to make it easier for more Iowans to realize their dreams and pursue their ambitions. 

Instead of allowing a fair hearing and a rigorous debate on the merits of these common sense proposals, Senate Democrats mostly turned a blind eye and a deaf ear to the job creators, entrepreneurs and small business owners across this state who have been ardently clamoring for some common sense and for some relief.  

We also failed to muster the courage to tackle challenges that exist in education. While one education reform bill will go to the governor’s desk, it is a far cry from what is truly needed. We could and should have done more for our children – the future of our state. 

Education should be about preparing our students to achieve success and be productive citizens. Senate Republicans believe education should be about achievement and teaching our children the necessary skills they need to successfully compete in the global marketplace.  

As such, let’s get back to setting high standards and expectations for our students and challenge them to reach their fullest potential. We believe students will rise to the challenge if we provide them with world-class standards, ambitious benchmarks and a rigorous curriculum grounded in the fundamentals of reading, writing, math, science, history and civics. 

Like property tax relief, rule and regulatory reform and finding more ways to make government more efficient and effective, true education reform will apparently have to wait until next year. 

This Senate also missed opportunities to shield Iowans from nearly all aspects of Obamacare, failed to increase our base load energy supply, failed to take major steps to protect life and failed to give Iowans a vote on the very basic definition of marriage. 

In the cause of promoting freedom, liberty and opportunity, we could and should have done more.

So clearly, there are significant challenges awaiting next year’s Legislature. 

The 85^th General Assembly will have its hands full because the 84^th failed to act in so many ways. 

This November is likely to provide this body a lot of new Senators and with that a lot of new energy and new ideas. 

We should welcome that. 

Why? 

Because this state’s greatest asset is our people and the work they do for their communities, schools, churches and most importantly – each other. 

Their independence, self-reliance, honesty, resilience, work ethic, volunteerism and concern and care for others serves as an inspiration.

We have incredible, hardworking people in all 947 communities doing extraordinary things to renew the promise that exists in all 99 counties. These Iowans just want to make a good living and raise their families, and they deserve a government that respects, appreciates and encourages them to do so. 

It is a blessing that this is a part-time citizen Legislature as it keeps our public servants closer  to “We The People”. 

Mr. President, before I conclude, I wish to again say farewell to eight of our retiring citizen-legislators. To my good friends Senators McKinley, Kettering, Seymour and Bacon and to Senators Hancock, Rielly, Fraise and Kibbie, I wish you continued good health and many years of happiness. 

I also want to thank all of the clerks, mail room workers, phone message takers, doormen and clerks. Thank you to our hardworking and dedicated Senate Republican Caucus staff: John, Kirsten, Tom, Josh, Pam, Jim, Gannon, Eric and Russ and our interns Matt and Josh. I wish to also thank my tireless staff – Nicole and Don and Marce for their continued hard work. 

Thank you as well to Secretary Marshall’s staff, the LSA staff and all the other great folks who make this place function. 

Mr. President, in closing, I just want to again reiterate how honored I am to represent my central Iowa constituents and to serve as the Senate Republican Leader. 

I can say with the utmost assurance that in my 16 years here, this is the most talented caucus I have ever been a part of and we have had some great ones. We truly have an entrepreneurial caucus of individuals – many of whom are current or former employers with the expertise, knowledge and experience needed make Iowa the envy of the world.

So as we all depart today, may you all go back home to your districts and enjoy your families. 

Please continue to celebrate what makes this state so special and unique. 

I wish there was more we had done this year, but I pray that next year’s legislature will have the courage to do what this year’s didn’t. 

Thank you very much, may God bless our great state and may God bless America.

Legislature Limps Toward the Finish Line

State Senator James Hahn

Negotiations slow dramatically as big issues remain on the table for discussion 

You might describe an Iowa legislative session as one giant foot race and as this year’s runner is rounding the corner on the final lap, it seems to be limping toward the finish. 

But there is some good news!  That runner can still be a winner.  Here’s why:  There is still time to enact legislation that can bring about true reform, measurable results and real progress for hardworking Iowa taxpayers.  It starts with three big issues: the budget, property tax relief and education reform. 

The Budget

Senate Republicans made it clear from the start of the session that Iowa’s budget should: 

·       Not spend more dollars than our state takes in

·       Be balanced without raising taxes

·       Be free of the use of one-time dollars for ongoing expenses

·       Be transparent and should have money set aside for future needs

As negotiations continue on these important budget bills, expected to total over $6.2 billion dollars, Senate Republicans remain committed to standing up for the hardworking taxpayers of Iowa. 

Property Tax Relief

Iowa has some of the highest property taxes in the nation. 

Without significant, authentic and aggressive property tax relief for all classes of property, Iowans will only continue to see substantial job-killing property tax increases over the next decade. Passing authentic property tax reform will send a distinct message to our current and prospective job creators that Iowa is the place to do business and invest in our people. 

·       We need property tax reform for all classes of property

·       We need relief that limits the shift from one class of property to another 

In order to create more jobs in Iowa, we need property tax relief and Senate Republicans stand ready to help pass authentic reform. 

Education Reform

Governor Branstad and Senate Republicans have made it a top priority to get Iowa education back on the right track.  

Over the past decade, Iowa’s standing in education has stagnated significantly compared to the rest of the country. Simultaneously, we have spent billions of dollars on an annual basis and yet have not achieved the results our students deserve and parents and taxpayers expect.

 

• Education should be about preparing our students to achieve success and be productive citizens.
• Education should be about achievement and teaching our children the necessary skills they need to successfully compete in the global marketplace. 
• Let’s get back to setting high standards and expectations for our students and challenge them to reach their fullest potential.
• Students will rise to the challenge if we provide them with world-class standards, ambitious benchmarks and a rigorous curriculum grounded in the fundamentals of reading, writing, math, science, history and civics.  

Senate Republicans remain hopeful that we will have meaningful education reform this session but a lot of work remains. 

There are two outcomes that can happen in the days or weeks that lie ahead. That runner can stumble and fall and not bring about the measurable results Iowans deserve or he can run through the tape with a victory.

EDUCATION REFORM CONFERENCE COMMITTEE UPDATE

This week, it appears there are now only two highly publicized pieces of education legislation remaining.  Last week, there were three.  The bills and their new statuses are:

·       Education Reform (SF 2284) – in conference committee

·       Education Appropriations (SF 2321) – in conference committee

·       School Start Date (HF 2462) – likely dead

While all three bills are technically alive, the school start date bill has shown no signs of life since making its way to the Senate and it is likely done for this session.  The education appropriations bill is currently in conference committee, but as of publication, there have been no discussions about how this bill will be resolved.  Lastly, education reform is in conference committee and has met regularly since being assigned.  As a result, there have been a number of points on the progress that has been made, but the bill still faces an uphill battle.

So far, there have been a number of pieces of SF 2284 and amendment S-5216 that have been agreed upon.  Under the rules of the conference committee, any language that is the same in both the bill and the amendment is agreed upon and is not up for discussion during the conference committee.  Some of these previously approved issues include:

·       National Board Certification for teachers

·       Expanding Project Lead the Way

·       Expanding competency based learning

·       Expanding the Department of Education’s Iowa Learning Online Initiative

There are some other issues that have also been agreed upon during the conference committee discussions.  While these are only tentative agreements and are subject to a final vote of the conference committee, they do indicate progress.  At this point, some of these agreed to issues include:

·       Allowing the governor to appoint and the Senate to confirm the Director of the Board of Educational Examiners

·       Expanding student teaching from 12 to 14 weeks

·       Extending the Early Intervention Block Grant, K-3 class size reduction money - until 2016; this program is currently set to expire on June 30^th

·       Striking unnecessary language in several portions of SF 2284 that was not included in S-5216

·       Partial expansion of the Iowa Core, in principle

It is important to point out that despite the agreements that were previously passed in both the House and Senate versions of the bill and the agreements that have been reached on portions in conference committee, there are several aspects that are not agreed to.  These will be the sticking points for the remainder of the conference committee.  These issues may be so substantial that the conference committee fails to reach an agreement.  Some of these issues are:

·       Establishing alternative licensure for teachers

·       Establishing a religious exemption for portions of the Iowa Core that violate the bona fide tenants of faith for religious schools

·       Establishing a student growth model to evaluate student and teacher performance

·       Implementing greater regulations for online learning

·       Determining what assessments will be required of students

There is always a possibility that all of the disagreements will be worked out, the conference committee will approve the report, and both chambers will move forward.  However, if the bill moves forward, it is much more likely that the points of disagreement will be left out of the bill and only the agreed upon portion will pass into law.  The other option that remains is that the bill could die in conference committee, despite the months of planning, discussion, and debate that have already occurred.  Hopefully, some compromise can be reached, and education reform, while not the bold initiative originally proposed by Governor Branstad, can become law to improve education in Iowa.

I always appreciate hearing from constituents.  You may contact me at james.hahn@legis.iowa.gov or by calling my home phone at 1-563-263-1208.

The Paulsen Perspective: Overtime

Rep. Kraig Paulsen
Speaker Of The House

This year the Legislature was scheduled to meet for 100 days.  As you may have heard, the 100^th day of the 2012 session was Tuesday, April 17^th.  The reason for the overtime?  Simply put, Democrats want to spend more than we do.
 
House Republicans made a commitment to Iowans to fund their priorities and stick to commonsense budgeting principles, including: 
 
--Aligning ongoing spending with ongoing revenue. Iowans cannot afford a government that spends more money than it takes in.  Anything less jeopardizes Iowa’s long-term economic health.
 
--Ending the practice of using one-time money for ongoing expenses.  This is not how Iowans balance their own checkbooks at home and it’s not how House Republicans will balance the government checkbook.
 
--Ending the practice of intentionally underfunding entitlement programs.  Promises made are promises kept and House Republicans can best protect education and Medicaid by getting the budget under control.
 
As economic uncertainty continues throughout the country, it is imperative that we take a conservative approach to the budget to give stability to Iowa’s job creators.   Controlling government spending by spending less than the government takes in demonstrates a commitment to commonsense budgeting and economic health that employers deserve.  One of the best ways to help Iowa’s employers is to keep control of government spending.  
 
Our principles are promises made to Iowans and they will be kept.
 
Additionally, we remain committed to acting on the looming property tax increase staring Iowa taxpayers in the face.  Iowa’s growing property tax burden is stalling job growth and consuming family budgets.  If we do not act on this issue Iowa families and job creators will suffer. 
 
Our work here is not yet done.  But rest assured that we will stay the course and continue to do what’s in the best interest of Iowans. 
 
As always, you may contact me at (515) 281-3521 or kraig.paulsen@legis.state.ia.us.

PII Study Shows 6,990 Iowa Farms Could See Taxes Doubled Under the Proposed Enterprise Value Tax

Des Moines, Iowa – A study released today by the Public Interest Institute (PII) revealed farm partnerships subject to the Enterprise Value Tax (EVT) would pay double in taxes, negatively impacting Iowa’s agriculture economy and discouraging the transfer of farmland from one generation of farmers to the next. 

 

There are 6,990 farms in Iowa that are organized as partnerships, and the farms that have “special assets” such as derivative contracts, asset income, or other investment income could see their taxes more than double from 15 percent to 35 percent if the EVT is approved by the U.S. Congress.

 

“These results are alarming for Iowa and would have a negative impact on a large sector of our economy,” said Donald Racheter, one of the study’s authors.  “This is just generally bad policy.” 

 

EVT is a tax that was included in the American Jobs Act proposed by the Obama administration within the past year and more than doubles the taxation of profits from the sale of partnerships. Currently, most profits generated from the sale of partnerships are taxed at the long-term capital-gains rate of 15 percent. The EVT would treat these gains as ordinary income for which the top statutory rate is 35 percent.

 

An EVT will decrease the sales of Iowa farmland, negatively impacting the agricultural economy and decreasing productivity. According to economists at Iowa State University, the agricultural economy makes up an estimated 24 percent of Iowa’s economy.

 

According to Duffy and Klein of the ISU Ag Extension service, the average Iowa farmland value in the fall of 2011 was $6,708 per acre, up 32.5 percent from a year earlier.  If sold, this increase in value is going to be taxed as ordinary income rather than as a capital gain.  If the EVT has the effect of doubling the rate at which the increase in value from the sale is taxed, any rational farmer would think twice before selling and taking that large a hit.

 

The EVT would also negatively impact jobs and entrepreneurs across all sectors in Iowa, including retail, finance, and professional services firms. Approximately 1,614 jobs would be lost and entrepreneurs would see an annual increase in their tax burden in the range of $151,000,000 to $226,000,000, according to the study.

 

To read the Policy Study, The Negative Consequences for Iowa of an Enterprise Value Tax, please click HERE. 

Johnson County represented well at GOP Second District Convention

By Mike Thayer

MOUNT PLEASANT, IA. -- More than 600 delegates, alternates and guests were in attendance for Iowa's Second District Republican Caucus Convention yesterday on the campus of Iowa Wesleyan College in southeast Iowa.

The agenda for the district convention included the election of members to the State GOP Central Committee as well as electing members to the Rules, Credentials, Nominating and Platform Committees.  A number of guest speakers were heard such as Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and 2nd Congressional Candidates John Archer and Dan Dolan.  Approval of the 2nd District Party Platform was also part of the day's activity.

Johnson County provided the second highest number of delegates to the convention, with 69 seats.  Those votes made an impact when it came to electing members to the various state level committees.

Johnson County Republican Central Committee (JCRCC) Chairman Bob Anderson was elected to the State Central Committee.  JCRCC member Don Rachter was elected to the State Platform Committee and longtime GOP activist Karen Fesler was elected to the State Nominating Committee. 

Those Johnson County winners along with the rest of the 2nd District representation and a slate of delegates will now take southeast Iowa GOP business to the state convention which will be held June 16 in Des Moines.  On tap:   Who gets to go to the Republican National Convention will be determined.  Iowa gets to send 28 delegates to the national convention, 25 of those are selected at the state convention.  Three seats have already been established - state party leaders by virtue of their position - to include Republican Party of Iowa Chairman A.J. Spiker.

The Republican National Convention will convene in Tampa Bay, Florida on August 27, 2012.