February 7, 2008
As we round up our fourth week of the 2008 legislative session, the tension that has been percolating in the Iowa House since day one erupted into fireworks on the House floor. On the first day, the opening prayer was given by Imam Mohammed Khan of the Islamic Center. He was the guest of Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad. The prayer in Arabic was then interpreted. The most offensive words in the prayer were the words, “I seek refuge in God against the accursed Satan” and “you are the pardoner, supporter and protector; and give us victory over those who disbelieve.” This was a formal, printed prayer frequently used by Muslims all around the world.
I have spoken to Rep. Abdul-Samad and expressed that I found it offensive. Because of ongoing criticism he has received, he asked for an opportunity to speak during “points of privilege” time. He spoke of tolerance and said there was no intent to degrade our country or any who are not believers of Muslim. Then Rep. Gary Worthan spoke up and said that he has two sons who have served a total of 8 deployments in 48 months and that they found the words “victory over those who disbelieve” to be very offensive, and a personal affront to them as soldiers.
I believe it was healthy that this was aired, and I agree with Rep. Worthan. I have asked to be notified prior to any such prayer being offered again, and plan on being absent. One result of this controversy is the opening prayer could be disallowed in the future. This is the reason those offended did not speak out publicly.
Commerce Committee Passes Statewide Smoking Ban Without Recommendation
On Tuesday, the House Commerce Committee became the first committee in the 2008 legislative session to address Governor Culver’s call to ban smoking in public in Iowa. The Committee considered House Study Bill 537, which implements a statewide ban on smoking in public places and places of employment.
The bill, as originally proposed, would have applied the ban to virtually all enclosed public places and places of employment and extend the ban 50 feet beyond the entrance to those places. Fines for violating the ban start at $50 for the smoker, and $200 for a business owner or employer who permits smoking in an area where it would be prohibited.
School grounds would also be covered by the ban. A person would not be allowed to smoke in their own car if it was parked on school grounds, and the school smoking ban extends out 50 feet beyond school property into areas that are accessible to the public.
The Committee did adopt three amendments to the bill. The first and most controversial amendment was to exempt casinos from the ban. Smoking in casinos was banned under the original language. The amendment also struck language that would have allowed communities to implement even more stringent regulations. Exempting them from the statewide ban was adopted on a party-line vote.
The Committee also exempted veteran organizations from the ban. Their exemption would only apply when their facilities are being used by “members only”. This passed by voice vote. The final amendment clarified that the ban applied to all state-owned properties including state vehicles and state-owned residences that are open to the public. That was also approved by a voice vote.
The bill passed out of the Commerce Committee without recommendation on a 16-6 vote. The future of the bill is unknown, as other committees are still considering different versions of a proposal to allow local governments to implement their own smoking bans instead of a statewide ban.
4% Allowable Growth for Schools Approved
On Wednesday, while a good share of Iowa school children were snowed in, the Iowa House approved a new $112 million in state money for Iowa school kids by a 97 to 2 vote.
House File 2140 sets FY10 allowable growth at 4%. This increases per student funding by $222 for a total of $5,768 per student.
House File 2140 marks the fifth year of 4% allowable growth.
House Republicans offered an amendment to defuse the corresponding $45 million property tax increase. House amendment H-8007 would have required the state to pick up the allowable growth property tax increase every year starting in FY10. Debate on the property tax relief measure stalled on a disappointing vote of 45 to 54.
Visitors to the Capitol
Ernie Greiner with the Pathfinders Resource Conservation and Development. My apologies to Mike Strigel for having omitted his name in last week’s newsletter. Mike was here with the Oskaloosa High School FFA.
Question of the Week…
Do you support a state wide ban on smoking in public places?
I would appreciate your input. My phone number at the Capitol is 515-281-3221, or e-mail me at betty.deboef@legis.state.ia.us. I would welcome visitors at the Capitol, too!