IOWA CHRISTIAN ALLIANCE
LEGISLATIVE REPORT
Norm Pawlewski – Lobbyist
January 15, 2010
2010 LEGISLATIVE SESSION BEGINS
The Legislature convened on Monday, January 11th. The first day is all about getting organized. The most significant activity is the parties electing their leadership. There were no changes in the leadership positions either in the House or the Senate. Pat Murphy will be the Speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy, the Majority Leader of the Democrats. Craig Paulsen will lead the House Republicans. On the Senate side, Mike Gronstal is the Democrat Majority Leader, Jack Kibbie is Senate President. Paul McKinley is the Republican Minority Leader.
On Tuesday, the Governor gave his Condition of the State speech. Nothing very exciting or profound there. He talked about the challenges the state faces adding, “Ones we did not create, but ones we will overcome.” Some Iowans, including me, might suggest that some of the challenges were created by mismanagement, a lack of leadership, gross overspending, a failure to recognize and react to the looming financial crises and generally adhering to the false premise that government spending tons of money will create jobs and lead to prosperity.
The speech was lackluster in its delivery and uninspiring in its content. If you want to read the speech (that is, if you have time to waste) go to our Web site, www.iowachristian.com , and follow the prompts to the Governor’s Web site.
The Legislature did pass a bill, in record time in both Houses. The bill became known as the “Race to the Top.” The bill had various numbers assigned to it but finally wound up as SF 2033. It passed the Senate 32 – 17, the Democrats supporting the bill, the Republicans opposing the bill. Why?
The Democrats, including the Governor, want the 175 million dollars offered by the Federal Government and the Republicans opposed the surrender of sovereignty required by the Obama Administration to get this 175 million dollars.
It’s a complicated bill that mandates for schools covered by this program to negotiate with unions, giving them unprecedented power over our schools. Sen. McKinley (R) said about “Race to the Top”—“Once again Gov. Culver opts to use one-time federal funds to pay for ongoing expenses, place more of a burden on local property taxpayers and shift greater authority regarding our children’s education from elected school officials to union bosses.” With this grant, the Federal Government assumes a greater role in local education. If you want to read the bill, follow our Web site prompts to get to the Legislature’s Web site and enter SF 2033. The Governor has signed SF 2033 and the state will submit its grant application by the January 19th deadline.
Also on Tuesday, January 12th, the supporters of one man one woman marriage descended on the Capitol, filled the galleries in the House for the Governor’s speech and then held a rally on the steps outside. The behavior in the Capitol was respectful and on the steps outside, enthusiastic. About 500 people or more were present; many called out their legislators asking them to facilitate a vote on the marriage amendment. This was not only their right, but their duty.
One interesting and a little perplexing development was the submission of a Joint Resolution to amend the constitution defining marriage as between one man and one woman. HJR 2001 Marriage Amendment was filed by State Rep. Mike Reasoner, a Democrat. Is his effort for real or an attempt to cover his butt before the November elections? I recall standing at the rail in the rotunda with about eight of his constituents last year. He was respectfully but passionately being lobbied to allow his constituents to vote on the marriage amendment. I talked with Rep. Dolores Mertz who has supported many ICA and Right to Life initiatives about HJR 2001. She said she is a co-sponsor and that they are serious about trying to get the amendment to a vote in the House. I do have to caution you, however, that legislators often submit legislation wanted by their constituents with the full knowledge it will never get out of committee or come up for a vote. HJR 2001 was sent to the State Government Committee which is chaired by comrade Rep. Mary Mascher (D) of Iowa City. I don’t see any way she would allow HJR 2001 to come up for a vote of her committee. If you are her constituent, why not ask her?
Senator Dave Johnson (R) of Ocheyedan has filed SF 2025 “An Act relating to protocol for medically induced abortions and providing penalties.” This is a public health protection bill that needs serious consideration by the Legislature. Young women’s lives are at stake. I will keep you informed about SF 2025 as it develops. Until then, read it for yourself, get informed about the issue and discuss it with your State Senator.
Because the state’s fiscal condition is so precarious, you will hear a lot about creating jobs, being fiscally responsible and doing the right things for the people of Iowa. Hold your legislators accountable. You can only do that by communicating with them regularly during the session. I will remind you that the best contact is face-to-face; second best, phone; third best, letter in your own hand; fourth best, e-mail. But above all, remember from where all power comes. In your churches, Bible studies, prayer meetings, family prayers and your prayer closet, petition Him to heal our land.
~~Daniel 4:34 “……my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him Who lives forever;
For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation.”
Verse 35 “And all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing. But He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth; And no one can ward off His hand or say to Him, What hast Thou done?”~~
Nebuchadnezzar, the most powerful man on earth in his day, ignored and defied the Most High and suffered the consequences. There are consequences for the misuse of power God grants to men. Your legislators are no exception. They will need your prayers to keep them on the right path and your godly wisdom to illuminate that path. Pray that God will help you be a proper witness. In His Name.
Don’t forget to attend your party caucus on January 23rd. They will be held this time on a Saturday to allow more people to attend. Be there to share your biblical worldview on the myriad issues that will be brought up. Volunteer to be your precinct representative, a delegate, and to participate on the platform or other committees at the County Convention.
Early heads up. On March 9th, ICA will hold its Spring Kickoff at the Walnut Creek Church in Des Moines. Mark your calendar; plan to attend. Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum will be the keynote speaker. In addition, all the candidates for governor have been invited. It will be a chance to interact with them, up close and personal. Go to our Web site, www.iowachristian.com , for more information.