PEOPLE Conference: Sunday, July 21: 30 minutes after Convention Adjournment
-PEOPLE Officer Elections & Early Primary Endorsement Recommendations
*Contact Morgan Miller for questions, mmiller3025@gmail.com, 515-707-3025
Danny Homan, President, AFSCME Iowa Council 61
4320 NW Second Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
Marcia Nichols, Legislative Director
Office: 515-246-2654 Email: mnlob@aol.com
Below is a list of bills that are currently in a conference committee and the legislators on each conference committee. We urge you to contact conference committee members by e-mail to express your opinion.
In order for a bill to be sent to the Governor, both chambers have to pass identical versions of the bill. Bills can be sent to conference committee in order to resolve the differences between different versions passed by the House and the Senate. A conference committee has an equal number of legislators from each chamber. Each chamber’s half of the committee is broken down 3-2 in favor of the party that controls that chamber. Since the Democrats control the Senate and Republicans control the House, these conference committees have five Democrats and five Republicans.
Please remember to send any e-mails to legislators from personal email accounts using a non-work computer at a non-work location during non-work hours.
Senate File 296 – Medicaid Expansion
Iowa Senate Democrats passed a Medicaid Expansion that expands Medicaid coverage to those making up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level. The expansion will be paid for by the federal government for three years and the federal government will pay for at least 90 percent of the cost of expansion after that. House Republicans passed what is essentially the Governor’s “Healthy Iowa Plan,” which will cover less Iowans at greater cost to the state.
Conference Committee Members:
Rep. Walt Rogers (R) - walt.rogers@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Joel Fry (R) - joel.fry@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Dave Heaton (R) - dave.heaton@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Tyler Olson (D) - tyler.olson@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Mark Smith (D) - mark.smith@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Pam Jochum (D) - pam.jochum@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Nancy Boettger (R) - nancy.boettger@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Jack Hatch (D) - jack.hatch@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Johnson (R) - david.johnson@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Amanda Ragan (D) - amanda.ragan@legis.iowa.gov
House File 215 – Education Reform/Allowable Growth The Education Reform bill (SF 423/HF 215) is still in conference committee. Both parties have tentatively agreed on 2% with a one-time 2% bonus, (Senate has different version in Standings bill which appropriates a straight 4%) for FY 14 and 4% for FY15. Republicans and the Governor want to add language that affects unionized teachers (ISEA) and their contract provisions which include teacher evaluations. AFSCME Iowa Council 61 supports the ISEA position and the Senate bill.
Conference Committee Members:
Sen. Herman Quirmbach (D) - herman.quirmbach@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Tod Bowman (D) - tod.bowman@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Joni Ernst (R) - joni.ernst@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Amy Sinclair (R) - amy.sinclair@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Mary Jo Wilhelm (D) - mary.jo.wilhelm@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Ron Jorgensen (R) - ron.jorgensen@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Cecil Dolecheck (R) - cecil.dolecheck@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Quentin Stanerson (R) - quentin.stanerson@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Sharon Steckman (D) - sharon.steckman@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Frank Wood (D) - frank.wood@legis.iowa.gov
House File 603 – Administration and Regulation Budget This budget bill sets the budget for a variety of state agencies that have administrative or regulatory functions. Some of the agencies included are the Department of Inspections and Appeals, the Divisions of the Department of Commerce, the Secretary of State, and Department of Human Rights. The major differences include funding for the Public Information Board (Senate Democrats: $450,000 vs. House Republicans: $100,000), Weatherization Programs (Senate Democrats appropriate $281,129 more than House Republicans), and administrative support for the Department of Revenue (Senate Democrats appropriate $200,001 more).
Conference Committee Members:
Sen. Liz Mathis (D) - liz.mathis@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Bill Anderson (R) - bill.anderson@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Chris Brase (D) - chris.brase@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Jeff Danielson (D) - jeff.danielson@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Dennis Guth (R) - dennis.guth@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Ralph Watts (R) - ralph.watts@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Tedd Gassman (R) - tedd.gassman@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Guy Vander Linden (R) - guy.vanderlinden@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Bruce Hunter (D) - bruce.hunter@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Daniel Kelley (D) - dan.kelley@legis.iowa.gov
Senate File 430 – Economic Development Budget AFSCME is following the provision on whether or not to reopen Workforce Development offices that were closed and add language that would require the Governor to keep open IWD satellite field offices in Iowa City, Decorah, Fort Madison, and Webster City. These provisions were in the Senate Democrats' version but were removed from the House Republicans' version. Senate Democrats appropriated $78,504,941 for SF 430. House Republicans appropriated $45,014,541.
Conference Committee Members:
Rep. Dave Deyoe (R) - dave.deyoe@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. May Ann Hanusa (R) - maryann.hanusa@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Bobby Kaufmann (R) - bobby.kaufmann@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Kirsten Running-Marquardt (D) - kirsten.running-marquardt@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Bob Kressig (D) - bob.kressig@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Bill Dotzler (D) - bill.dotzler@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Nancy Boettger (R) - nancy.boettger@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Rita Hart (D) - rita.hart@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Charles Schneider (R) - charles.schneider@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Joe Seng (D) - joe.seng@legis.iowa.gov
Senate File 446 – Health and Human Services Budget The major differences between the House Republicans’ version and Senate Democrats’ version are:
• Child Care Assistance - Senate Democrats appropriate $4.3 million for a 5% rate increase, $4.4 million to change the standard period for re-determining eligibility from 6 months to 12 months of a program participant, and $2.8 million to increase eligibility for employed families to 148% over the federal poverty level. The House Republicans removed these provisions from the bill.
• Glenwood Resource Center and Woodward Resource Center - Senate Democrats appropriated an additional $450,000 (Glenwood) and an additional $800,000 (Woodward) to maintain funding for fixed costs with a lower census. House Republicans do not provide this additional funding.
• Long Term Care Ombudsman- Senate Democrats provide for 5 new ombudsman. The House Republicans do not.
Conference Committee Members:
Rep. Dave Heaton (R) - dave.heaton@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Mark Costello (R) - mark.costello@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Joel Fry (R) - joel.fry@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell (D) - beth.wessel-kroeschell@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Lisa Heddens (D) - lisa.heddens@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Jack Hatch (D) - jack.hatch@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Joe Bolkcom (D) - joe.bolkcom@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. David Johnson (R) - david.johnson@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Amanda Ragan (D) - amanda.ragan@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Mark Segebart (R) - mark.segebart@legis.iowa.gov
Senate File 447 Justice System Budget Senate Democrats added 197 more FTEs for staffing levels in our correctional facilities. House Republicans removed these extra FTEs. Senate Democrats included language to keep open Luster Heights and the Clinical Care Unit (CCU) at ISP. House Republicans stripped these out of the Senate bill. Both versions open the new CBC facilities in Waterloo, Davenport, Ottumwa, and Sioux City; however, Republicans open these facilities at lower staffing levels.
Conference Committee Members:
Rep. Gary Worthan (R) - gary.worthan@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Julian Garrett (R) - julian.garrett@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Chip Baltimore (R) - chip.baltimore@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Marti Anderson (D) - marti.anderson@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Todd Taylor (D) - todd.taylor@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Thomas Courtney (D) - thomas.courtney@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Jake Chapman (R) - jake.chapman@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Rob Hogg (D) - rob.hogg@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Charles Schneider (R) - charles.schneider@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Rich Taylor (D) - rich.taylor@legis.iowa.gov
DES MOINES – Today, AFSCME Iowa Council 61 President Danny Homan released the following statement regarding House Republicans’ passage of their version of the Standing Appropriations Bill, which included an attack on collective bargaining rights:
“The legislation passed by House Republicans today is a blatant attack on the collective bargaining rights of Iowa workers. The appropriate way to set these health insurance benefits is through Iowa’s collective bargaining process. It is not appropriate to try to circumvent collective bargaining through legislation. The state contract is a contract between the Executive Branch and the Union. It is not appropriate for the Legislature to interfere in it.”
Danny Homan, President, AFSCME Iowa Council 61
4320 NW Second Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
Marcia Nichols, Legislative Director
Office: 515-246-2654 Email: mnlob@aol.com
Below is an update on budget issues that have had legislative activity this week. We hope that you will e-mail or call your legislators about these issues.You can look up your legislators by clicking on this link. Please remember to contact your legislators using a personal e-mail or personal phone from a non-work location during non-work hours.
Allowable Growth and Education Reform
Status: The Education Reform bill (SF 423/HF 215) is still in conference committee. Both parties have tentatively agreed on 2% with a one-time 2% bonus, (Senate has different version in Standings bill which appropriates a straight 4%) for FY 14 and 4% for FY15. Republicans and the Governor want to add language that affects unionized teachers (ISEA) and their contract provisions which include teacher evaluations. AFSCME Iowa Council 61 supports the ISEA position and the Senate bill.
SF 430 - Economic Development Budget
Status: Republicans and Democrats are currently working in a conference committee to resolve the differences between the Senate Democrats and House Republicans versions of this bill. AFSCME is following the provision on whether or not to reopen Workforce Development offices that were closed and add language that would require the Governor to keep open IWD satellite field offices in Iowa City, Decorah, Fort Madison, and Webster City. Senate Democrats appropriated $78,504,941 for SF 430. House Republicans appropriated $45,014,541.
SF 447 - Justice Systems Budget
Status: On April 23rd, the House Republicans passed their version of the SF 447 which was markedly different then the Senate version. SF 447 was sent to a conference committee.
Total Appropriation for FY 14: Senate Democrats = $560,102,868; House Republicans = $534,498,754
Major Differences: Senate Democrats added 197 more FTEs for staffing levels in our correctional facilities. House Republicans removed these extra FTEs. Senate Democrats included language to keep open Luster Heights and the Clinical Care Unit (CCU) at ISP. House Republicans stripped these out of the Senate bill. Both versions open the new CBC facilities in Waterloo, Davenport, Ottumwa, and Sioux City; however, Republicans open these facilities at lower staffing levels.
Status: The bill is now in Conference Committee. Total Appropriation for FY 14: Senate Democrats = $78,504,941; House Republicans =$45,014,541 Satellite Field Offices in Decorah, Fort Madison, Iowa City, and Webster City: Senate Democrats require at least $1,130,602 be used to operate these Satellite Field Offices. House Republicans removed this language and there is no guarantee these offices will stay open. Reopen Field Offices in Ames, Atlantic, Denison, Newton, and Clinton: Senate Democrats would appropriate $2,760,000 and 27 FTEs to reopen these offices. House Republicans removed this language do not plan on reopening the offices. Wage Enforcement Investigators: Senate Democrats bill appropriated funds for two more investigators. House Republicans removed this language.
SF 447 - Justice Systems Budget
Status: Bill passed the Senate 26-23 on April 17th. Comparisons are between Senate Democrats version and Governor's Recommendations. Total Appropriation for FY 14: Senate Democrats = $560,102,868; Governor's Recommendation = $535,245,317 DOC Appropriation: Senate Democrats = $384,950,890; Governor's Recommendation = $368,045,923. Senate Democrats add 142 more staff to prison institutions than the Governor's Recommendation. Neither plan adds any central office staff. Luster Heights: Senate Democrats = included a line item requiring $1.6 million to keep Luster Heights open. Governor's Recommendations = Close Luster Heights and eliminate 15 staff. CCU & John Bennett: Senate Democrats added language to the institution's appropriation requiring DOC to keep CCU open. Senate Democrats bill would also keep John Bennett Unit open until bunk house at Farm One is renovated or replaced. The Governor plans on closing CCU. Mitchellville Prison: Both Democrats and Governor appropriate 76 new FTEs for operating the additional beds and reception center. CBC Appropriation: Both plans open the new CBC facilities in Waterloo, Davenport, Sioux City, and Ottumwa. Senate version also opens the 26-bed ANCHOR center in Cedar Rapids. Governor’s plan does not open the Cedar Rapids Center. Senate Democrats also add 55 more staff to CBC statewide than the Governor's recommendation. Waterloo Women’s Facility for Change: Senate Democrats appropriate $1,140,322 and 19 FTEs for this new facility. Governor only appropriates $687,409 and 14.5 FTEs. Linn A. Hall Center in Sioux City: Senate Democrats appropriate $867,410 and 14 FTEs for this new facility. Governor only appropriates $647,015 and 12 FTEs. Anchor Center in Cedar Rapids: Senate Democrats appropriate $2,365,762 and 26.5 staff and 16.5 contracted positions for this facility. Governor does not include this in his budget. Davenport Residential Facility: Senate Democrats appropriate $714,147 and 13 FTEs to open the 39 beds. Governor only appropriates $467,880 and 9.5 FTEs. Ottumwa Residential Facility: Senate Democrats appropriate $687,678 and 9.35 FTEs to open the 25 beds. Governor only appropriates $350,382 and 6.4 FTEs.
SF 442 Judicial Branch Budget
Status: Passed Senate on April 15th. Passed House Appropriations committee on a nonpartisan vote. Will be debated soon. Description: The Senate Democrats appropriated $167,699,367 for FY14 which is $5,687,545 more than the FY13 Judicial Branch Budget. SF 442 is a status quo budget except the Judicial Branch is appropriated 103 more staff to keep open all of the clerks of court five days a week. AFSCME Iowa Council 61 supports this bill.
HF 602 Transportation Budget
HF 602 is generally a very nonpartisan budget. HF 602 passed the House 97-0 on March 20th. The Senate amended HF 602. This amendment struck the FY15 appropriation from the bill and left only the FY14 appropriation in the bill. Other than that there is no difference between the House and Senate versions. Leaders are still working out what percentage of the FY15 appropriation will be appropriated this year and what percentage will be appropriated next year. The bill is currently in the House.
SF 446 - Health and Human Services Budget
Status: Passed the Senate 26-22 on April 18th. Bill now goes to the House. Comparisons are between Senate Democrats version and Governor's Recommendations. Total Appropriation for FY 14: Senate Democrats have a total appropriation that is $68.5 million more than the Governor's total appropriation for the FY14 Budget. Child Care Assistance: Senate Democrats appropriate $4.3 million for a 5% rate increase, $4.4 million to change the standard period for re-determining eligibility from 6 months to 12 months of a program participant, and $2.8 million to increase eligibility for employed families to 148% over the federal poverty level. The Governor's plan does not include any of these appropriations. Mental Health Institutions: Status quo in both versions. Iowa Veterans Home: Status quo in both versions. Glenwood Resource Center and Woodward Resource Center: Senate Democrats = additional $450,000 (Glenwood) and additional $800,000 (Woodward) to maintain funding for fixed costs with a lower census. Governor's recommendations do not include these additional funds. Long Term Care Ombudsman: Senate Democrats = 5 new ombudsman; Governor's recommendation does not include appropriation for 5 new ombudsman.
Medicaid Expansion - SF 296
On Tuesday, the House Republican Leadership held a public hearing on the Medicaid Expansion bill passed by Senate Democrats. While three-quarters of the 72 people signed up to testify favored Medicaid expansion, time was only allotted for 17 speakers for Medicaid expansion and 15 speakers against Medicaid expansion. Governor Branstad has his own proposal HSB 232 that not only does not expand health care but also cuts the number of families who could access health care. AFSCME Iowa Council 61 supports the Senate bill - SF 296.
Allowable Growth and Education Reform
The Education Reform bill (SF 423/HF 215) is in conference committee. Both parties have agreed on 2% with a 2% bonus for 2014 and 4% for 2015. The sticking points are issues that affect unionized teachers (ISEA) and their contract provisions which include teacher evaluations. AFSCME Iowa Council 61 supports the ISEA position and the Senate bill SF 423.
The Iowa House Democratic Caucus has provided us with a list of Legislative Forums that will be held by Democratic State Representatives.
AFSCME Iowa Council 61 strongly encourages our members to attend legislative forums held by all legislators.
We are providing this list a resource to you.
To download the list of forums, click "Read More" below and then look under “Additional Resources” at the bottom of the page.
The list includes forums in The list includes forums in Ames, Bloomfield, Burlington, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Coralville, Fort Dodge, Garnavillo, Iowa City, Keosauqua, Marshalltown, North Liberty, Ottumwa, Sioux CIty, and Strawberry Point. This list was updated on April 17, 2013.
Danny Homan, President, AFSCME Iowa Council 61
4320 NW Second Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
Marcia Nichols, Legislative Director
Office: 515-246-2654 Email: mnlob@aol.com
Sisters and Brothers:
The end of last week brought the second legislative funnel and numerous bills were left on the table until the 2014 Session. Most of the legislation that did not make the funnel is good news for AFSCME Iowa Council 61.
Governor's Healthy Iowa Plan
The Governor's Healthy Iowa Plan (HSB 232) has surfaced and will be used as a strike and replace for SF 296 (the Senate's expansion of Medicaid). The House is likely to work on the Governor's bill in committee and then amend the Senate bill on the floor.
The Governor's plan includes incentives for enrollees to live healthy lifestyles and is funded with state and federal funds (the US Department of Health and Human Services would have to approve this – we do not support them doing so), and includes co-pays for enrollees. The plan is expected to cost about $23 million out of the General Fund of Iowa, with additional funding from counties (already strapped for cash). Democrats estimate the cost of the Governor's plan at $160 million to the state and counties. Other highlights of the bill include:
HSB 232 also prohibits DHS from spending for the plan unless federal matching funds are available.
Makes Iowans between 19-64 with incomes no more than 100% of the federal poverty level eligible for the plan. Excludes persons otherwise eligible for Medicaid or Medicare. The Democrats' Medicaid expansion would cover people making up to 138 of the federal poverty level.
Requires DHS to develop an accountable care provider network by regions and for members to select a primary care doctor. Requires that each region have an accountable care organization (ACO) and makes Broadlawns the ACO for the region including Polk County.
Establishes standards and reimbursements for ACOs. Requires members to make monthly payments but includes hardship exemptions. However, it discontinues a policy for lack of premium payment.
Establishes health rewards accounts to be used to improve the member's health. It includes incentives to be deposited in the accounts for certain wellness measures taken by the member. It establishes a formula for counties to levy for funds to be deposited in the Healthy Iowa Account.
Directs Polk County (where we represent workers) to deposit $42 million for the Healthy Iowa Account.
Directs the UI Hospital (where we represent workers) to certify spending up to $30 million in public expenditures for the non-federal share of expenditures (there are no additional dollars for this).
Delays the repeal of Iowa Care until December 2013 and directs DHS to seek waivers in order to begin implementing the bill in 2014.
Education Reform
House File 215 (Education Reform) has moved into conference committee, with the House refusing to concur with the Senate Amendment. The major differences in the bill are the percentage of growth in school aid (Republicans for 2% and Democrats for 4%), teacher pay, and teacher retention and standards. AFSCME Iowa Council 61, representing non-certified employees in schools statewide, supported an initial 6% growth rate.
Economic Development Budget
The Senate passed the economic development budget (SF 430). Some of things this bill would do include reopening IWD offices in Ames, Atlantic, Denison, Newton, and Clinton, providing increased funding to hire two FTEs to investigate wage theft claims, and expanding efforts by Iowa's universities to serve as engines for growth.
Mental Health Redesign
Governor Branstad signed HF 160 which provides $11.6 million for the current fiscal year. There are currently two additional bills relating to mental health redesign being considered: HSB 229 in the House and SF 415 in the Senate.
Today, a group of Iowa organizations, including AFSCME Iowa Council 61, announced the formation of the Healthiest Iowa Initiative.
The goal of the Healthiest Iowa Initiative is to expand Medicaid in Iowa. Medicaid expansion would expand health coverage to up to 150,000 Iowans who currently receive too little care (or no care), too late. Expanding Medicaid makes the most sense for the public health and the fiscal health of our state. It’s also the right thing to do.
Governor Branstad has stated that he opposes Medicaid expansion in Iowa. His position is unwise and does not align with Iowa values.
I strongly encourage you to visit www.healthiestiowa.com and sign the petition in favor of Medicaid expansion in Iowa.
Expanding Medicaid is the number one thing Iowa can do to make our state healthier.
In Solidarity,
Danny Homan, President
AFSCME Iowa Council 61
P.S. In addition to signing the petition, please spread the word. Forward this to your friends and family. Spread the word about the Healthiest Iowa Initiative using social media. Together, we can make a difference!
Today, AFSCME Iowa Council 61 (American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees) PEOPLE Committee endorsed Bruce Braley for US Senate.
“Bruce Braley has been a good friend of AFSCME Iowa Council 61 since before his election to the US House in 2006. At the US Capitol, he consistently stands up for and protects middle class Iowans. Bruce Braley is a common sense legislator who shares a dedication to hard work with the members of AFSCME Iowa. AFSCME Iowa members know that Bruce Braley will make a great US Senator,” said AFSCME Iowa Council 61 President Danny Homan.
AFSCME is known for its political action program which is financed with voluntary contributions. The program supplies grassroots volunteers for AFSCME-recommended candidates. AFSCME Iowa Council 61 is the largest public employee union in Iowa, and represents workers in all 99 counties.
The cost of tax credits plays a major role in shaping the funds available for the state budget. The Iowa Fiscal Partnership has put together an informative report on the Iowa’s Research Activities Credit, a major tax credit in Iowa. Here are some of the highlights of the report:
• In 2012, 178 corporations claimed $46.1 million from the Research Activities Credit.
• $32.5 million was paid to 130 corporations as refunds, meaning those corporations paid no state income tax.
• Highly profitable companies are claiming this tax credit.
Today in the Iowa Senate, Democratic Senators stood with working families and passed Medicaid expansion out of committee.
If it becomes law, Senate File 71 will implement the Medicaid expansion portion of Obama Care in Iowa. Medicaid expansion would expand coverage to up to 150,000 Iowans who currently receive too little care, too late. Currently, the cost of emergency room visits and treating patients too late has been taken on by hospitals, the State of Iowa, and taxpayers.
Medicaid expansion is not only the right choice from a financial perspective; it is in line with Iowa’s values and the right thing to do for Iowa’s working families. We want to thank the Democrats in the Iowa Senate for standing up for what is right.
Iowans know that Medicaid expansion is necessary to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation. We will continue to update you on this issue as the session progresses.
State Senator Joe Bolkcom is shedding light on Governor Branstad’s massive tax credit giveaway to Orascom. I thought you might like to see his speech from Monday, February 19, 2013.
In Solidarity,
Danny Homan, President
AFSCME Iowa Council 61
Click “Read More,” to read the text of Senator Bolckom’s prepared remarks. To view the video, click on the Youtube video above.
