As part of the federal stimulus package, Iowa received $11 million to help struggling Iowans afford rental housing. Iowa Rental Help can assist with rent and utility payments for up to 18 months, moving expenses, security deposits, rental deposits and more.
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In spite of the best revenue estimates of state budget experts, Iowa is being hit harder than expected by the national recession. Many in our communities have lost their jobs. Families are struggling to make ends meet.
Everybody is cutting back — and that goes for state government, too. Please contact your senator with your ideas for improving state government.
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We’ve got a few more veterans related news items to share. Learn about a new statewide community covenant for veterans, how to nominate a volunteer for an Iowa Veteran Volunteer Certificate of Recognition, and the first year of operation of the Iowa Veterans Cemetary.
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In October, it was announced that 3,500 members of the Iowa National Guard are expected to be deployed to Afghanistan next year. This would be the largest call-up of an Iowa unit since World War II. Let’s remember to honor and thank them for their service this Veterans Day.
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Do you know a fellow Iowan who has made their community, the state, the nation, or the world a better place through their volunteer service? Consider nominating them for the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame, the most prestigious state-level honor volunteers can receive.
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During the 2009 session, the Legislature established a new community grant program as part of the Iowa Power Fund effort to make our state more energy independent. Cities, counties and non-profit organizations can apply for funding to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy locally, train for or create energy industry jobs, establish a community energy efficiency plan and more.
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In spite of the downturn in the national economy, Iowa tourism spending grew 2.2 percent in 2008, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Tourism pumps about $6.4 billion a year into our communities, employing nearly 65,000 Iowans and generating more than $303 million in state taxes. And it’s not all happening in the big cities; in fact, 92 of Iowa’s 99 counties increased their tourism-generated expenditures in 2008.
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One of the most important functions of state government is providing for public safety. During the 2009 session, we made Iowa’s anti-sex offender laws smarter, tougher and safer (SF 340). Legislators worked side by side with law enforcement in crafting a law that will better protect Iowa’s children from sexual predators.
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New intern for the Iowa Senate Democratic Research Staff works on his photography skills around the capitol.
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Another national study is giving Iowa high marks. The Commonwealth Fund recently ranked Iowa #2 for Health System Performance.
The Commonwealth Fund rated states on access to health care, prevention and treatment, potentially avoidable hospital costs, health care differences among various groups, and healthy lifestyles.
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