News and Views from the Dallas County Republicans

Because no candidate for the Board of Supervisors in District 3 achieved the 35% minimum to win the nomination, we will be holding a Dallas County Republican Special Nominating Convention to determine the Republican candidate for this office.
 
WHERE:
 
Dallas Center Elementary School
1205 - 13th Street
Dallas Center, Iowa
 
WHEN:
 
Saturday, July 24th
 
TIME:
 
9:00am sharp

Only Dallas County Republican convention delegates and alternates will be called to convention to select the Board of Supervisor Republican nominee. Under the rules of the Dallas County Republican Constitution, proxy votes will not be accepted, so as a delegate, you must be present to vote.

The candidates are:

Kim Chapman: midwestkec@aol.com / 515-993-4818
 
Bob Ockerman: r.ockerman@mchsi.com / 515-993-4063
 
Butch Ostrander: bandblease@iowatelecom.net / 515-834-2169

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and former Governor Terry Branstad (R-IA) are the winners of the Dallas County Republican Party's "Penny For Your Thoughts Poll" hosted this past weekend at the Dallas County Fair in Adel.

Dallas County Republican Chair Rob Taylor of West Des Moines reports more fairgoers dropped pennies in the jars of the two top Republicans on this fall's upcoming General Election ballot races -- U.S. Senate and Iowa Governor -- than their Democratic opponents. Hosted at the Dallas County Republican Party booth in the Varied Industries Building, Grassley's jar collected 38 pennies (70 percent) versus Roxanne Conlin's 16 pennies (30 percent). Branstad's jar of 70 pennies (85 percent) bested Gov. Chet Culver's jar 12 pennies (15 percent).

Chair Taylor remarked, "As one of the fastest growing counties in the nation, let alone in the state and metro area, Dallas County Fairgoers voted clearly and convincingly this weekend for conservative, common-sense leadership in Iowa and Washington. And since this is a Penny Poll, you might say these results mirror what we're seeing and hearing up and down the ticket -- Republicans are 'earning interest' from their fellow citizens because folks want to 'invest' in a brighter future by being 'penny wise' with their time, resources, and overall support."

DALLAS COUNTY PENNY POLL FINAL RESULTS:

• Senator Chuck Grassley 70% (38 pennies) vs. Roxanne Conlin 30% (16 pennies)
• Former Governor Terry Branstad 85% (70 pennies) vs. Governor Chet Culver 15% (12 pennies)

Taylor concluded, "The Dallas County Fair Penny Poll is another example of how Republicans are going the extra mile to reach out and engage folks in a different and fun way this election year. It's also an easy conversation starter as folks walk by your booth and want to chat about one of Iowa's greatest pastimes - grassroots politics."

One of the most objectionable tasks related to running for an office is the need to raise funds to finance a credible campaign. Yard signs, road signs, advertisements in the newspapers and other media are very expensive and I couldn't do it without help from supportive constituents. In this effort we are holding a fundraiser on June 29th at DeWaay Capital Management in Clive at 5:30p. We will be hearing from State Auditor David Vaudt who has kept an eye on our state's finances since 2003.  
 
Hope to see you there. If you are unable to attend, I would be grateful for any support you can provide.

Just a quick reminder that State Convention is just days away. Dallas County Republicans have always brought a proud and strong showing to any event we attend and I ask you today to make sure that we keep up with that tradition. At District Convention, we had 100% representation from our delegation! UNBELIEVEABLE! With your help, I'd like to show that same representation at State. If you are unable to attend the convention, please make arrangements with an your alternate to replace you or call me by no later than Thursday (June 24) so that I can make the proper arrangements. Your participation in the convention will help shape the direction of the Republican Party going into the next election cycle and I can't thank you enough for your dedication to the Dallas County Republican party!
 
I also received word from the Brenna Findley campaign of a special event with Congresswoman Michele Bachmann at the Iowa Events Center following the State Convention starting at 4:30pm. If you'd like to order tickets please contact events@findleyforiowa.com or order by phone at 515-490-4754. I think this will be an great ending to an eventful day that we can all enjoy. GO BRENNA!
 
Thank you for your time and I look forward to seeing all of you next Saturday.

Be sure to vote today in the primary elections. Here are some helpful links:

• Our Republican candidates for office
  
• Where to vote
• Election results
  

There is an important election on Tuesday, June 8. Since I've been asked several questions about the election, I have provided a list of frequently asked questions and answers from the Secretary of State's Office. If you have additional questions, contact your county auditor.

1. What is the primary election?
The primary election is an election held to nominate political party candidates for the general election. Iowa has two political parties: the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. At the primary election, there is a Democratic ballot and a Republican ballot. Candidates from each party run against candidates from the same party to win that party's nomination. The winners from each party will automatically have their names placed on the general election ballot.

2. When is the primary election?
This year, the primary election will be held on Tuesday, June 8, 2010.

3. When will the polls be open?
The polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. statewide.

4. When is the voter pre-registration deadline?
Voters wishing to pre-register to vote and have their names printed on the election register must submit a voter registration form to their county auditor by 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 29. Voters who are not able to pre-register to vote may register and vote on election day using election day registration or at their county auditor's office when voting an absentee ballot at the same time.

5. Do I have to be registered with a party to vote in the primary election?
Yes. Voters must declare a party affiliation to participate because Iowa's primary election is a "closed primary." A closed primary is one in which only voters registered with a party or who declare themselves to be members of the party at the time of voting may vote that party's ballot (i.e. you must be a registered Democrat or declare yourself to be a Democrat at the time of voting in order to vote the Democratic Party's ballot. Likewise for the Republican Party's ballot.) Voters can only receive the ballot for one party. Voters may change their political party affiliation anytime before election day or at the polling place on election day.

6. Can I change my party affiliation after I vote at the primary election?
If you change your party affiliation on or before the primary election and wish to change it back after you vote, you must wait to do so until after primary election day.

7. When is the absentee ballot request deadline?
Requests for mailed absentee ballots must be submitted to the county auditor by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 4. In-person absentee voting at the county auditor's office can be done now during normal business hours until the close of business on June 7.

Fellow Republican Central Committee Members:

The Dallas County Republican Executive Committee will host a Candidate Forum for Dallas County Supervisor and Dallas County Recorder on April 27th from 7pm to 9pm at ADM High School in Adel.  All five Republican candidates vying for these offices have confirmed their participation. Kim Chapman, Bob Ockerman and Butch Ostrander are all seeking one slot as Republican nominee for County Supervisor while Chad Airhart and Lori Belgarde are seeking one slot as the Republican nominee for County Recorder.

This forum will provide opportunities for questions from both the audience and the moderator. The two-hour session will be split between the two county offices, with all three candidates for Dallas County Supervisor fielding questions from 7pm-8pm and the two candidates for Dallas County Recorder also fielding questions from 8:10pm-9pm.  I will be delivering opening remarks and Dwayne Vande Krol will be serving as moderator for the evening.

This event is free and open to the public but we would like to urge you to bring at least two canned goods to be donated to a local food pantry as part of our continued effort to give back to our local community.

As you know, 2010 promises to be another great year for electing Republicans to public office in Dallas County, and I look forward to seeing all of you at this exciting event.

Sincerely,

Rob Taylor

Chair, Dallas County Republican Central Committee 

MAKING A NEW BUDGET
It looks like we are within two weeks of the end of the 2011 session so the budget bills are starting to move. There will be several bills for the major departments of state government. It is apparent that we are continuing to go down the same path that we have for the past three years. We again do not have a balance sheet which would simply tell us how much we will spend after the budget is complete. Instead, we are asked to pass a budget without a total budget target. The practice of spending more than we take in without a locked in budget target is the major reason we are in trouble with the state budget.

The Revenue Estimating committee (REC) on Thursday reported a slight increase of nearly $33 million for the FY11 budget. By law, we must use the December number provided by the REC and $33 million for a $1b overall budget deficit doesn't do much. The overall effect of this budget may force local increases in property taxes depending on school financial conditions and their possible need to raise taxes to cover their budgets. House Republicans are maintaining the position that we will not support spending that appropriates more than we take in. It is not responsible to pass a series of department budgets without an overall budget target.

TEXTING
The texting while driving ban has become a bouncing bill since the Senate amended the original House bill. The bill left the House originally with a ban on texting but not reading a text message for all drivers. When the bill returned from the Senate it had been amended to include reading a text message. When the House again took up the bill it was re-written by amendment to provide a ban on texting for only those with a graduated driver's license, i.e. teens up to 18 years. It's uncertain at this point whether the Senate will go along with the House amendment.

LARGER TRUCKS
A bill was passed through the House Agricultural Committee this week to eventually increase the total weight allowed for certain trucks from 80,500# to 90,000#. Each truck would be required to have additional axles to handle the weight, which would have minimal or less additional impact on the roadway. If the higher loads are allowed, each truck could haul an approx. 25% greater load with only 10% increase in fuel use. The County Engineers Association and others are supporting the measure. It still has to pass the House and the Senate before it would go into effect. The trucks with the higher capacities would look the same as we commonly see now except they would have one or two additional axles in their undercarriage.

NEXT FORUM: Saturday, March 20, 9:30a at Waukee City Hall.

Small Change in Revenue Projections
The Revenue Estimating Conference (REC) met today and made very small changes to the state revenue projections. They estimated an additional $1 million for the current year and an increase of $33 million for FY 11. Remember, the budget is over $5 billion, so this amount is really insignificant. The legislature is bound by law to use the estimate of revenue from last December to craft the FY 11 budget. However, I would guess the Democrat majority will just spend more of the Cash Reserve Fund because of this new estimate.

It looks like we are nearing the end of session, and we still don't know the total amount to be spent. Schools are trying to set their budgets without knowing how much they will receive in state aid. We will finally start debating the budget bills next week.

Democrats Propose Special Deal for Teachers
Teacher salaries will be exempted from across the board (ATB) cuts - now and in the future - through an unprecedented move by legislative Democrats. The special exemption is contained in the education budget bill yet to be debated. The implications of exempting teacher pay from ATB cuts are far reaching.

First, it creates a $24 million statewide property tax liability because Iowa school districts will have to go back and pay teachers the $24 million yet this fiscal year. With just three months left in the fiscal year, districts will be looking to the property taxpayer to pick up the cost.

Second, the obvious question: the custodian, the food service worker, the teacher's associate, and the principal's secretary take a pay cut but not the teacher they work beside? It's safe to say that the 110,000 unemployed Iowans, many in the private sector, would gladly take a pay cut in lieu of a layoff.

Third, exempting teacher pay from any ATB cut is just flatly preferential. In doing this, Democrats are effectively sending the message that hard times shouldn't be shared by all and should never be shared by teachers.

Finally, passing a law exempting any one program from an ATB cut is a reckless fiscal practice. State law allows the governor to make across the board cuts or call the legislature into special session to make selected cuts. Carving out exceptions to an ATB cut takes elected officials out of the very decision making process that Iowans elected them to do.

In addition, Senate Study Bill 3248 makes teachers the only professionals in the state that will immediately get the name of a person filing a complaint against them. Iowa's 32 other licensing boards don't release the name unless it becomes a founded complaint.

Big Problems Ahead for Medicaid
The FY11 Health and Human Services appropriations bill reflects a $172 million cut in state spending. While the focus will be on the pain being felt this year, the real problem with this budget is what happens to Medicaid next year.

While overall state spending grew by 19 percent the last three years, Governor Culver and legislative Democrats were only able to find money to give Medicaid providers a one percent increase in reimbursement rates. Instead of properly funding the program, Medicaid has been transformed into an easily accessed bank account to fund other programs and new ideas.

In FY 2010, just $606 million of the $984 million spent on Medicaid comes from the state's income and sales tax revenues. Another $100 million comes from the 2007 cigarette tax hike. The rest comes from a variety of sources of non-recurring funds, like one-time federal stimulus funds and the continuing raid on the Senior Living Trust Fund.

The proposed FY 2011 budget marks a dramatic shift in how the state funds Medicaid. Next fiscal year, the state will use almost as much one time and non-recurring funding for Medicaid as it will from the General Fund and the 2007 cigarette tax increase. Among the sources will be $225 million of federal stimulus funds, $187.8 million taken from the state's Cash Reserve Fund, and the final dollars out of the Senior Living Trust Fund.

This may get the state through FY 2011, but it creates a huge problem in FY 2012. With normal growth factor for the program at six percent, Iowa would need $1.071 billion to maintain the current program. The recurring revenue that would be spent on Medicaid is $534 million. This means the next governor and the 84th General Assembly will have to find $537 million in new money to maintain Medicaid as it is today.

Legislative Forum
Please join us at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 27 at the Farmers and Merchants State Bank on the Winterset square.

How to Contact Me
I can be reached at jodi.tymeson@legis.state.ia.us, or by telephone at the Capitol 515-281-3221, directly to my desk in the House Chamber 515-281-7615, or at home 515-462-5081. Please send mail to my home at 1524 Highway 169, Winterset, IA 50273, or the State Capitol Building, Des Moines, IA 50319. I appreciate hearing from you.

 

Sometime, when you get a chance, read Article 7 of the Iowa Constitution. Focus on Section 5. It provides a very clear criteria that must be adhered to in order for the State of Iowa to incur debt.

With that in mind, just what is debt? You and I would probably agree that if you give me a certain amount of money, and I agree to pay you that money back over a specified time, with a specified payment, then I am in debt to you. If the state of Iowa gets a specified amount of money that must be paid back over a specified amount of time, then you and I would probably agree that the state of Iowa is in debt too.

Webster's 3rd New International Dictionary defines debt as the "common law action for the recovery of a certain specified sum of money held to be due or of a sum that can be simply and certainly ascertained."

Where am I going with all of this? Yesterday, I offered an amendment on the Administration and Regulation budget that would have prohibited the sale and lease-back of state property. In my February 4th article, I expressed my concern with the sale and lease-back of state property and that literally, the Capitol or the new Supreme Court building could be sold and then leased back in order to generate one time cash. It is a way to go into debt without calling it debt. It is a terrible budget technique and is actually an act of budgetary desperation. Amazingly, the proponents of the sale & lease-back option did not dispute my assertions, but only stated that this was simply another tool for the Department of Administrative Services to help government be more efficient!

The Constitution's prohibition on debt, without a vote of the people, was deliberately meant to protect the people from having their own government, bind them and future generations, from owing money without their consent.

When politicians do not uphold the Constitution, that they swear to uphold, you have the power to fix it. It is up to you.

As always, I want to hear from you. My Senate number is (515) 281-3371 and my home number is (515) 432-7327 or write me at: State Capitol, Des Moines, IA 50319 or at my home address: 1313 Quill Avenue, Boone, IA 50036 or email me at jerry.behn@legis.state.ia.us.