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Your Capitol Voice: Thoughts go to those hit by storms
by Bobby Kaufmann, State Representative · Op-Ed · July 04, 2014
I hope that everyone has had a fruitful beginning to their summer. It seems as though the rains will never stop.
Flooding and mother nature have been the story so far in House District 73. Wilton and Durant were hit hard by straight-line winds and this week flooding is affecting many families and infrastructure throughout Cedar, Johnson, and Muscatine counties.
On a personal note, my thoughts are prayers go out to all of those affected and thankfully there have been no fatalities. On a legislative note, Cedar County was declared a disaster area by the Governor’s office, so funds will be available for help. EMA Director Tim Malott deserves a lot of credit for his quick and swift response in Cedar County. There have been numerous disasters in Cedar County in the past couple years and we are lucky to have Tim to rely on.
For my last column I had promised to discuss some of the governor’s vetoes and my thoughts on those decisions.
1. Community College Work Force Training Funds – I worked hard to pass a bill that would place the control of Work Force training funds with the local officials, businesses, and the experts in work force training at the Department of Education. Unfortunately the governor vetoed this language citing the late timing. I strongly disagree with this veto but am confident we can come to a consensus next year.
2. Mental Health – I cite this as a veto that DIDN’T happen. I am grateful the governor supported funds for the HCBS waiver waiting list.
3. Spending – The governor vetoed the entire one-time spending/debt reduction bill. I understand why he made the veto. State revenue took a fairly dramatic downturn in between the time of the bill passage and his veto. I am a strong supporter of fiscal responsibility. I support his idea of cutting spending but where we disagree is the veto of the entire bill. There was some crucial, fiscally responsible spending in that bill for conservation, water quality, debt reduction, and much more.
4. REAP – I worked hard and was on the conference committee that secured part of the historic funds for REAP. For the 25th anniversary I supported $25 million in funding. Unfortunately when the governor vetoed the entire bill above, he not only vetoed $11 million in water quality funding but he also cut $9 million from REAP. I strongly disagree with this decision. In my opinion the Governor used a chainsaw to cut spending when a scalpel should’ve been used.
I want to thank the papers for printing my column. I find it to be an important way to keep in touch with all of you back home so you know what is going on in Des Moines. I also appreciate all of you and your communication and input. I will have sporadic columns in the interim as news from Des Moines merits my analysis and dissemination to you. For two years I have legislated with best interests of you back home and not in the best interests of a specific party or interest group. This summer you will find me at your doors, in your communities, and at your local events. I plan to visit every city council, school board, and other local boards as I did last year.
Please continue to contact me if I can help you.
You may contact Rep. Kaufmann at Bobby.Kaufmann@legis.iowa.gov, 563-260-3355 or 1527 330th St. Wilton, IA, 52778
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