03 Apr 2015

Gov. Branstad signs House File 570 into law

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad today signed the following bill into law:  

House File 570: Act providing for an exemption from municipal tort liability for claims arising from recreational activities on municipality-controlled property.

 

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25 Mar 2015

Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds meets with EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, shares progress of Nutrient Reduction Strategy and urges a robust RFS

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(WASHINGTON, D.C.)  - Iowa Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds today met with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy and shared Iowa's efforts in implementing the science-based Nutrient Reduction Strategy and urged the EPA to maintain a strong and robust Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The meeting took place while the lt. governor attended National Lieutenant Governors Association meetings in Washington, D.C.  

The biennial budget proposed by Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Reynolds recommends $57 million for water quality efforts. After discussing Iowa's efforts with McCarthy, Reynolds said, "The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy is an innovative, science-based collaborative effort to advance Iowa's quality water. There are no better stewards of the land than Iowa farmers, and with support from the state, industry and producers, we believe Iowa can be a model for the states in terms of improving water quality." 

Reynolds has been a vocal proponent of the RFS in her time in office. When the EPA proposed gutting the RFS last year, she attended events and helped organize the "Hearing in the Heartland" after the EPA declined to hold a public meeting on the matter in the Midwest - the region that would have been affected the most. 

 

"I was pleased to be able to share the successes of a robust Renewable Fuel Standard with Administrator McCarthy," said Reynolds. "We Iowans have seen first-hand that a strong Renewable Fuel Standard creates jobs, increases family incomes, reduces transportation emissions and our dependence on foreign oil, provides consumers more choices at the pump and opens new market opportunities for agricultural products."

 

A photo of the meeting between Reynolds and McCarthy can be found here.

 

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17 Mar 2015

Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds announce the launch of their Meerkat account; app will further increase transparency

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced the launch of the administration's use of Meerkat, a mobile application that allows individuals to live-stream events through their Twitter account.

"Since taking office in 2011, Lieutenant Governor Reynolds and I have been committed to increasing transparency in state government," said Branstad. "By reinstating the governor's weekly news conference, establishing the Iowa Public Information Board, visiting all 99 counties each year, launching the 'Skype Your School' and 'Ask the Gov' initiatives, posting all open records requests each month and calling for a change in state law to open up state employee personnel records, we've made government more open. By using Meerkat, we're continuing to adapt and allowing Iowans to join us on the road and in our press conferences."

The Meerkat app is free to download and does not use any taxpayer funds.

"By using the Meerkat app, Iowans will be able to join us as we tour communities following natural disasters, as we visit a small business, listen-in to our weekly press conferences or even as we hit the trail for our annual 99-county tour," said Reynolds. "We encourage Iowans to follow our Twitter accounts - @TerryBranstad and @KimReynoldsIA - and join us live through the Meerkat app."

The application uses mobile devices, such as an iPhone or iPad, to broadcast events live to the account holder's Twitter feed. Users are then able to engage in real-time via Twitter. The administration will begin using the application regularly for their weekly press conference, but will continue to broadcast the press conference live via Branstad's YouTube pagewhere the video is then archived.

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10 Mar 2015

Branstad, Reynolds, Department of Education announce Iowa Financial Literacy Summit

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - A great education includes knowing how to make smart, responsible financial decisions. As part of a statewide effort to improve students' financial literacy skills, Gov. Terry E. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Education today announced they will host an Iowa Financial Literacy Summit this spring and encouraged Iowans to get involved. The summit will be held on May 5 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.

"Financial skills are essential, which is why they are included in our state's academic standards," Iowa Department of Education Director Brad Buck said. "Still, we must do more to help students understand the power of being financially literate."

The summit is open to all Iowans, including middle and high school students, parents, and educators. The event will include speeches from Gov. Terry Branstad, Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds, and Jack Kosakowski, chief executive officer of Junior Achievement, an organization dedicated to educating students about workforce readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy.

"We know our children need to be financially literate in order to have a bright future," Branstad said. "We also know that financial literacy is critical for our state's economic future. Many Iowans, including educators, financial services experts, and elected officials have expressed concerns about the status of financial literacy in Iowa."

Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds said she witnessed the importance of financial literacy as a former Clarke County treasurer.

"I saw how far too many Iowans struggle to understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to issues like tax payments and license fees," Reynolds said. "Success in the 21st century requires being financially literate."

Further details about the summit will be announced later this month. Tickets are available through April 21. To register, go to: https://www.educateiowa.gov/event/iowa-financial-literacy-summit

The summit will be paid for with funding from the Iowa Department of Education, registration fees and generous support from the private sector. Registration for the day is $50, with room for about 500 attendees.

The summit is part of a broader effort to bolster financial literacy awareness and support. That effort started in January 2014, when Buck convened a work team in response to growing concerns about whether Iowa students are learning the financial literacy skills they need to succeed.

The work team, made up of Iowans representing K-12 education, financial services, higher education and the Iowa Department of Education, recommended a review of state financial literacy requirements for K-12 schools as well as a study of how school districts approach financial literacy education. The group also recommended more centralized resources for teachers and tapping financial literacy experts to provide professional development training.

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09 Mar 2015

Governor and Lt. Governor Designate Five Home Base Iowa Communities and Three Certified Higher Academic Military Partners

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced Carroll, Clay, Hancock, Humboldt and Webster counties have met the criteria to become designated as Home Base Iowa Communities. They also announced today additional Home Base Iowa Certified Higher Academic Military Partners (CHAMPs) designations for Mercy College of Health Sciences, Iowa Central Community College and Eastern Iowa Community College.

Carroll, Clay, Hancock, Humboldt and Webster Counties join the eight existing communities - Greene County, Howard County, Clarke County, Floyd County, Dubuque County, Mitchell County, Union County and the City of Marion  - in becoming certified Home Base Iowa Communities. To become a Home Base Iowa Community, an area must meet the following criteria: 10% of its businesses with potential to hire sign on as Home Base Iowa Businesses; local government supports the effort; signage indicates the community is a Home Base Iowa Community and the community creates local incentives that offer additional benefits for Veterans and that complement those in the statewide Home Base Iowa Act.

"With 1,000 Veterans hired through the Home Base Iowa efforts thus far, this program is certainly successful," said Branstad. "As these communities have demonstrated, Iowans are embracing the Home Base Iowa initiative to create communities that are welcoming and attractive to veterans and to provide transitioning military members with every opportunity for success."

Three additional educational institutions Mercy College of Health Sciences, Iowa Central Community College and Eastern Iowa Community College?join  the existing HBI CHAMPs?Upper Iowa University, Des Moines Area Community College, Mount Mercy University, University of Iowa, Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa, Hawkeye Community College and University of Dubuque . The Home Base Iowa CHAMP program allows Iowa colleges and universities to become certified for their ability to educate and assist Veterans on campus. The certification will help attract Veterans and transitioning Service Members to Iowa. It also helps academic  institutions market their campus as Veteran-friendly. To become a Home Base Iowa CHAMP, education institutions must meet criteria in each of the three categories: On-Campus Veteran Resources, Mindfulness of Service Member Transitions and Financial Considerations.

"I am pleased, but certainly not surprised, to see the continued support Home Base Iowa is receiving across the state," said Reynolds. "Today's announcement of additional Home Base Iowa Communities and Home Base Iowa Certified Higher Academic Military Partners ensures Service Members transitioning to civilian life have welcoming communities, educational resources, jobs and opportunities for continued service?all here in Iowa."

MORE INFORMATION ON EACH OF THE HOME BASE IOWA COMMUNITIES 

In Humboldt County 34% of businesses with potential to hire signed on as Home Base Iowa employers.  Humboldt County's incentive package for qualifying Veterans includes hotel and meal vouchers and a welcome package from the host community. The first five qualifying Veterans will also receive a cash bonus of $200. Additional, the first five veterans will also receive $200.00 in down payment assistance if they elect to use a local Realtor.  In addition to the county-wide incentives, the City of Humboldt offers rental assistance for up to $1,000, up to $3,500 down payment assistance, tax abatement for the first $75,000 is assessed value on new construction in one of four subdivisions, $60 in "Recreation Bucks" and guided community tours.  Questions on the local incentive package should be directed to the Humboldt County Development Association.

 

Hancock County Approximately 25% of employers with potential to hire in Hancock County have become Home Base Iowa Businesses. Hancock County welcomes Veterans to consider available opportunities with special incentives to qualifying military Veteran applicants: up to $1,000 for moving/relocation expenses; up to $500 travel allowance for job and house hunting  expenses, and sponsors and mentors for families and students?all in addition to the statewide incentives offered through the Home Base Iowa Act. Questions on the local package should be addressed to the Hancock County Economic Development.

Clay County's robust Home Base Iowa effort, working with 109 employers to become Home Base Iowa Businesses and pledging their commitment to hire Veterans, is already paying off.  In just the past few weeks, several transitioning Service Members contacted Clay County about opportunities in the area. Clay County's incentive package for qualifying Veterans includes the following: rental assistance for up to $1000, three months of free utility service, discounted closing costs for home loans, streamlined housing and job searches and discounts and gift cards for restaurants, accommodations and retailers. Questions on the local incentive package should be directed to the Iowa Lakes Corridor.

Carroll County's Home Base Iowa effort was led by volunteer board members and staff of the Carroll Area Development Corporation (CADC).  Through the efforts, forty seven businesses have committed to hiring Veterans through 2018. Carroll County considers the program a win-win for area employers and those seeking employment and offers the following incentives including a streamlined application process to Carroll County employers; complimentary one-year membership to either Carroll Recreation Center, Carroll Aquatic Center or Carroll Municipal Golf Course; complimentary one-year membership to Carroll Young Professionals and Hy-Vee gift card. In addition, those moving to the City of Manning would also receive income-qualified down payment assistance, tax abatement for new construction housing or rental assistance, complimentary family membership to Recreation Center and indoor pool and much more. Contact the Carroll Area Development Corporation for questions on local incentives.

Webster County incentives include assistance with lodging and meals, veteran-guided tours  and a welcome basket.  Iowa Central Community College and Buena Vista University also offer considerable additional incentives for students attending those institutions. In addition, the City of Fort Dodge is adding a 5-year, 100% tax abatement on the first $75,000 on a new home or improvements and "recreation bucks" at City of Fort Dodge Parks and Recreation facilities (golf course/water park).

Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance should be contacted for additional information on local incentives.

BACKGROUND ON THE HOME BASE IOWA ACT 

Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds launched the Home Base Iowa initiative in November of 2013 at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum at Camp Dodge. Branstad and Reynolds named Congressman Leonard Boswell and Casey's CEO Bob Myers the co-chairs of the initiative.

The Home Base Iowa Act was signed into law on May 26, 2014. It passed the Iowa Senate 46-0 and the Iowa House 94-2. The Home Base Iowa initiative does the following:

  • Fully exempts military pensions from state income tax.
  • Gives veterans, their spouses and dependents in-state tuition at Iowa's colleges and universities.
  • Allows Iowa's licensing boards to adopt rules allowing credit for military training and experience in the licensing process.
  • Allows private-sector companies to follow the public sector's lead by allowing a preference in hiring and promoting veterans.
  • Eliminates the special plate issuance fees charged for plates associated with military service.
  • Expands eligibility for the Military Homeownership Assistance Program, which provides $5,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.  Additional funding for the 
program is provided in a separate appropriations bill.

In addition to the Home Base Iowa Act, Branstad also signed Senate File 2352 in 2014.

Senate File 2352 an Act relating to the additional homestead credit for certain disabled veterans and including effective date and applicability provisions.

For more information on Home Base Iowa, please visit www.HomeBaseIowa.org. Those interested in becoming Home Base Iowa Communities or Home Base Iowa CHAMPS should contact Kathy Anderson, Home Base Iowa Program Manager at 515.725.3149 or kathy.anderson@iowa.gov.

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09 Mar 2015

Gov. Branstad signs six bills into law

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad signed the following six bills into law on Thursday, March 5th:

House File 123: an Act making a statutory correction to remove an inconsistency regarding the employment of the executive director of the Board of Educational Examiners.

House File 159: an Act relating to the administration of combined guardianship and conservatorship proceedings.

House File 166: an Act relating to the disabled veteran homestead tax credit by modifying eligibility criteria and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.

House File 167: an Act concerning access to documents during the competitive bidding process for public improvement contracts.

House File 205: an Act modifying reporting requirements relating to veterans attending postsecondary educational institutions.

Senate File 173: an Act relating to school district property tax replacement payments and including effective date provisions.

 

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04 Mar 2015

Branstad, Reynolds to recognize five new Home Base Iowa Communities, four new Home Base Iowa Champs Friday

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced that they will travel to Fort Dodge, Iowa, on Friday, March 6, 2015 to recognize five new Home Base Iowa Communities and three new Home Base Iowa Certified Higher Academic Military Partner (CHAMPs).

The following communities will be announced as Home Base Iowa Communities Friday: Webster County, Hancock County, Humboldt County, Carroll County and Clay County. The communities will join Union County, Mitchell County, Dubuque County, Greene County, Howard County, Clarke County, Floyd County and the City of Marion as current Home Base Iowa Communities.

The following academic institutions will become Home Base Iowa CHAMPs on Friday: Mercy College of Health Sciences, Iowa Central Community College and Eastern Iowa Community College. These institutions will join The University of Iowa, Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa, Hawkeye Community College, University of Dubuque, Upper Iowa University, Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) and Mount Mercy University as Home Base Iowa CHAMPs.

"The Home Base Iowa initiative aims to ensure that members of the military leaving the service are met with an abundance of career and academic opportunities right here in Iowa," said Branstad. "Lieutenant Governor Reynolds and I continue to be impressed by the outpouring of support for the Home Base Iowa initiative through the Home Base Iowa Community and Home Base Iowa CHAMPs programs."

"With thirteen Home Base Iowa Communities and twelve Home Base Iowa CHAMPs institutions, it is clear that Iowans are ready to welcome veterans and their families to our great state," said Reynolds. "I encourage all Iowa communities and higher education institutions to consider joining our Home Base Iowa initiative."

The following event is open to credentialed members of the press:

Friday, March 6, 2015

11 a.m.         Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds announce additional Home Base Iowa Communities and Home Base Iowa CHAMPs

Heartland Communications - Fort Dodge

1003 Central Avenue

Fort Dodge, IA

 

Learn more about Home Base Iowa at www.HomeBaseIowa.org.

Background:

Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds launched the Home Base Iowa initiative in November of 2013 at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum at Camp Dodge. Branstad and Reynolds named Congressman Leonard Boswell and Casey's CEO Bob Myers the co-chairs of the initiative.

The Home Base Iowa Act was signed into law on May 26, 2014. It passed the Iowa Senate 46-0 and the Iowa House 94-2. The Home Base Iowa initiative does the following:

  • Fully exempts military pensions from state income tax.
  • Gives veterans, their spouses and dependents in-state tuition at Iowa's colleges and universities.
  • Allows Iowa's licensing boards to adopt rules allowing credit for military training and experience in the licensing process.
  • Allows private-sector companies to follow the public sector's lead by allowing a preference in hiring and promoting veterans.
  • Eliminates the special plate issuance fees charged for plates associated with military service.
  • Expands eligibility for the Military Homeownership Assistance Program, which provides $5,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.  Additional funding for the program is provided in a separate appropriations bill.

In addition to the Home Base Iowa Act, Branstad also signed Senate File 2352 in 2014.

Senate File 2352 an Act relating to the additional homestead credit for certain disabled veterans and including effective date and applicability provisions.

HOME BASE IOWA COMMUNITY criteria

  1. Ten percent of the businesses with potential to hire in the designated area become Home Base Iowa Businesses.
  2. The community develops its own welcome/incentive package for veterans.
  3. The community prominently displays the Home Base Iowa Community designation.
  4. The community obtains a resolution of support from the appropriate local governing body.

HOME BASE IOWA CHAMPs criteria

To become a Home Base Iowa CHAMP campus, education institutions must meet three of the four criteria in each of the three categories below:

1.       On-Campus Veteran Resources

a. Full Time Veterans Services Coordinator or Veterans' Representative and office.
b. Veterans Center/study space dedicated to veteran student population with possibility of computers to sign up for benefits or meeting area for Vet Club.
c. Veterans' Services Support Group (made up of Veterans' Representative, Advisors, Faculty, Staff) to address issues veterans face and encourage veterans clubs and meetings.
d. Career placement assistance


2. Mindfulness of Service Member Transitions

a. Consistent credit honored for all of the established military training and schools (Joint Services Transcript, Community College of the Air Force credit, ACE recommended credit, CLEP, DSST).
b. Advanced/Preferential registration dates for student veteran population.
c. Offer veterans sections for new student orientation.
d. College President Signature on Principles of Excellence laid out in Executive Order 13607


3. Financial Considerations

a. Automatic in-state tuition for former active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, spouses and children domiciled in Iowa, regardless of residency requirements.
b. Deferred billing options to ensure timing of VA benefit payments does not hinder academic success.
c. Deferred billing or options to assist student veterans in purchasing books, tools and supplies required for vocational programs.
d. Specific scholarship for transitioning service members and/or their dependents.

Those interested in becoming Home Base Iowa Communities or Home Base Iowa CHAMPS should contact Kathy Anderson, Home Base Iowa Program Manager at 515.725.3149 or kathy.anderson@iowa.gov.

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03 Mar 2015

Gov. Branstad announces department director, boards and commissions appointments

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today announced appointments to fill Iowa's boards and commissions, and executive branch department directors.

The following appointees' term begins on May 1, 2015, unless otherwise noted, and are subject to Senate confirmation.

 

Director of Department on Aging

Ms. Donna Harvey

 

Director of Department of Corrections

Jerry Bartruff (effective immediately)

 

Superintendent of Division of Credit Unions

Ms. JoAnn Johnson

 

Director of Department of Cultural Affairs

Ms. Mary Cownie

 

Director of Department of Economic Development Authority

Ms. Debi Durham

 

Director of Iowa Finance Authority

Mr. David Jamison

 

Director of Department of Human Services

Mr. Charles Palmer

 

Director of Department of Inspections and Appeals

Mr. Rod Roberts

 

Director of Iowa Law Enforcement Academy

Mr. Arlen Ciechanowski

 

Director of Department of Management

Mr. David Roederer

 

Director of Department of Revenue

Ms. Courtney Kay-Decker

 

Director of State-Federal Relations

Mr. Doug Hoelscher

 

Property Assessment Appeal Board

Mr. Stewart Iverson, Chairperson, Clarion

Ms. Karen Oberman, Clive

 

Racing and Gaming Commission

Ms. Dolores Mertz, Algona

Ms. Kristine Kramer, New Hampton

 

Board of Regents

Ms. Mary Andringa, Mitchellville

Ms. Patricia Cownie, Des Moines

Ms. Rachael Johnson (student), Sioux City

 

Transportation Commission

Mr. David Rose, Clinton

 

Utilities Board

Ms. Geri Huser, Chairperson, Altoona

 

Accountancy Examining Board

Ms. Cheryl Critelli, West Des Moines

Mr. Robert Snodgrass, Creston

Mr. Tommy Thompson, Jefferson

 

Commission on Aging

Ms. Betty Grandquist, Des Moines

Ms. Carole Dunkin, Clinton

 

Agriculture Development Board

Ms. Annette Townsley, Letts

 

Alcoholic Beverages Commission

Ms. Rachel Eubank, Des Moines

 

Architectural Examining Board

Mr. Bruce Bassler, Ames

Ms. Linda Alfson Schemmel, West Des Moines

 

Board of Athletic Training

Ms. Rita Perea, Des Moines

Mr. Thomas Green, Clive

 

Iowa Autism Council

Mr. Brandon Arkland, Webster City

Ms. Erica Hertel, Homestead

Ms. Jenny Phan, Ankeny

Mr. Steven Muller, Altoona

Ms. Theresa Croonquist, West Des Moines

 

Board of Barbering

Ms. Thi Truong, Ankeny

 

Board of Behavioral Science

Ms. Amy Crow Sunleaf, Dubuque

Ms. Sarah McElhaney, Ankeny

Mr. Wade Leuwerke, Indianola

 

Commission for the Blind

Ms. Sandra Ryan, Ames

 

Boiler and Pressure Vessel Board

Ms. Susan Oltrogge, Des Moines

 

Capital Investment Board

Mr. Thomas Bernau,Des Moines

 

Child Advocacy Board

Mr. Bruce Johnson, Cedar Rapids

 

Board of Chiropractic

Dr. Aaron Martin, Ankeny

Dr. Randall Stange, Orange City

Ms. Stephanie Netolicky, Ankeny

 

City Development Board

Ms. Barbara Brown, Cedar Falls

Mr. Jay Howe, Greenfield

 

Civil Rights Commission

Ms. Angela Williams, Urbandale

Ms. Patricia Lipski, Washington

Mr. Robert Hosford, West Des Moines

 

Commission on Community Action Agencies

Ms. Anna Hilpipre, Brooklyn

Ms. Kelly Busch, Creston

Mr. Marc Lindeen, Mt. Pleasant

 

Iowa Comprehensive Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Fund Board

Ms. Karen Andeweg, Urbandale

Ms. Dawn Carlson, Dallas Center

 

Board of Corrections

Mr. Michael Coleman, Waterloo

Mr. John Chalstrom, Cherokee

Mr. Lawrence Kudej, Swisher

Ms. Lisa Hill, Johnston

 

Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences

Mr. Don Nguyen, Des Moines

 

County Finance Committee

Mr. Grant Veeder, Waterloo

Ms. Jane Heun, Jefferson

Mr. Russell Hopp, George

 

Credit Union Review Board

Ms. Becky Zemlicka, Waukee

Mr. Dave Cale, Johnston

Ms. Lorraine Groves, Sioux City

Mr. Timothy Marcsisak, Atlantic

 

Cultural Trust Board

Mr. Randy Lewis, Davenport

Ms. Tiffany Tauscheck, Clive

 

Commission of Deaf Services

Ms. Mary Dyer, Glenwood

 

Board of Dentistry

Ms. Lori Elmitt, Johnston

Ms. Nancy Slach, West Branch

Dr. William McBride, Dubuque

 

Board of Dietetics

Mr. Brian Smith, Des Moines

Mr. Steven Kury, West Des Moines

 

Drug Policy Advisory Council

Ms. Jane Larkin, Ames

Mr. Warren Hunsberger, Clive

 

Early Childhood Iowa State Board

Ms. Betty Zan, Cedar Falls

Ms. Brook Rosenberg, Des Moines

Ms. Jean Stadtlander, Manning

Ms. Katherin Averill, Fort Dodge

Mr. Michael Bunde, Denison

Mr. Robert Ockerman, Adel

Ms. Shaun Ward Taylor, Waukee

Ms. Sigrid Lane, Waterloo

Mr. Terry Harrmann, Des Moines

 

Economic Development Authority

Mr. Daniel White, Dubuque

Mr. David Bernstein, Sioux City

Ms. Jennifer Cooper, Des Moines

Ms. Lisa Hull, Clarinda

 

State Board of Educational Examiners

Ms. Brenda Garcia, Muscatine

Mr. Dan Dutcher, Waukee

Mr. Larry Hill, Thompson

 

Electrical Examining Board

Mr. Todd Cash, Mason City

 

Elevator Safety Board

Ms. Amy Infelt, Coralville

Mr. Marvin Schumacher, Denver

 

Iowa Emergency Response Commission

Ms. Julie Waltz, Winterset

Mr. Bob George, West Des Moines

 

Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board

Ms. Laura Sievers, Rock Rapids

Ms. Lisa VanDenBerg, Johnston

 

Environmental Protection Commission

Mr. Joe Riding, Altoona

Ms. Mary Boote, Des Moines

Ms. Nancy Couser, Nevada

Mr. Ralph Lents, Menlo

 

Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board

Mr. James Albert, Urbandale

Ms. Saima Zafar, West Des Moines

 

Finance Authority Board of Directors

Ms. Darlys Baum, Burlington

Ms. Martha Bell, Atlantic

 

Flood Mitigation Board

Mr. John Torbert, West Des Moines

Ms. Lorraine Glover, Waterloo

 

Great Places Advisory Board

Mr. Donald Zuck, Ankeny

Ms. Gayle Redman, Gowrie

Ms. Kerri Kuiper, Lehigh

Mr. Trevor Toft, Schaller

 

HAWK-I

Mr. Eric Kohlsdorf, Des Moines

Ms. Kelly Renfrow, Johnston

 

Hearing Aid Dispensers Board

Ms. Dorothy Walters, Norwalk

 

Higher Education Loan Authority

Mr. John Hartung, Indianola

 

Council on Human Services

Ms. Phyllis Hansell, Des Moines

Mr. Samuel Wallace, Des Moines

 

Interior Design Examining Board

Mr. Andy Crabb, Ventura

Mr. Jay Reyhons, Ankeny

Ms. Jennifer Brand, Huxley

Ms. Serena Zwanziger, Janesville

 

Board of Iowa Innovation Corporation

Ms. Georgia Van Gundy, Waukee

Ms. Kathryn Kunert, Des Moines

 

IPERS

Mr. David Creighton, Des Moines

 

Landscape Architectural Examining Board

Mr. David Fjare, Council Bluffs

Mr. Samuel Jones, Cedar Rapids

 

Law Enforcement Academy Council

Mr. David Lorenzen, Waukee

Ms. Nancy Bodnar, Peosta

 

Lottery Authority Board of Directors

Mr. Connor Flynn, Des Moines

Ms. Mary Rathje, Marion

 

Board of Medicine

Dr. Kyle Ulveling, Carroll

Ms. Mary Romanco, Pleasantville

Dr. Charles Wadle, West Des Moines

 

Mental Health and Disability Services Commission

Ms. Jennifer Sheehan, Clarion

Ms. Jody Eaton, Newton

Mr. John Parmeter, Des Moines

Mr. Patrick Schmitz, Kingsley

Ms. Rebecca Schmitz, Fairfield

 

Mental Health Risk Pool Board

Mr. Andrew Nielsen, Ankeny

Ms. Linda Dunshee, Urbandale

Mr. Patrick Schmitz, Kingsley

Mr. Rick Larkin, Fort Madison

 

Board of Mortuary Science

Mr. Bradley Hawn, Spencer

Ms. Norene Mostkoff, Waukee

 

Commission of Native American Affairs

Ms. Crystal Davis, Waterloo

Ms. Kelly Montijo Fink, Hiawatha

Ms. Vicky Apala-Cuevas, Davenport

 

Natural Resource Commission

Mr. Dennis Schemmel, Grimes

Mr. Richard Francisco, Lucas

 

Board of Nursing

Ms. Kathryn Dolter, Dubuque

 

Board of Nursing Home Administrators

Ms. Char Schlepp, Coon Rapids

Mr. David Chensvold, Marion

Ms. Donna Dolan, Olin

Ms. Patrice Herrera, Ankeny

Ms. Patricia Hoffman-Simanek, Cedar Rapids

 

Board of Optometry

Dr. Mark Mentzer, Ely

Dr. Monique Root, Urbandale

 

Board of Pharmacy

Mr. Edward McKenna, Storm Lake

Dr. Jason Hansel, Bettendorf

 

Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy

Ms. Rachel Judisch, Lake View

Mr. Robert Palmer, West Des Moines

 

Board of Physicians Assistants

Mr. Dennis Janssen, Clive

Ms. Teresa Armstrong, Story City

 

Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board

Mr. Jason Hayes, Norwalk

Ms. Susan Pleva, Woodward

Ms. Toni Knight, Ankeny

 

Board of Podiatry

Mr. Donald Shurr, North Liberty

Mr. Travis Carlson, Hiawatha

Dr. Erin Nelson, Ames

 

Prevention of Disabilities Policy Council

Ms. Cheryll Jones, Bloomfield

Mr. Christopher Atchison, Iowa City

Ms. Susan Lerdal, Urbandale

Ms. Tracy Keninger, Des Moines

 

Board of Psychology

Dr. Brandon Davis, Grinnell

Dr. Matthew Cooper, West Des Moines

 

Real Estate Appraiser Examining Board

Ms. Amanda Luscombe, Holstein

Ms. Joan Scotter, Marion

 

Real Estate Commission

Mr. Terry Duggan, Dubuque

Ms. Carol Haines, West Burlington

 

Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Board

Mr. Al Hillgren, Stuart

Ms. Carol Balvanz, Hubbard

Ms. Diane Dennler, Mason City

Mr. John Maynes, Norwalk

Mr. Mark Cobb, Brighton

 

Respiratory Care Board

Ms. Kathleen Parris, Audubon

Ms. Lisa Kingery, Casey

 

School Budget Review Committee

Ms. Gretchen Tegeler, West Des Moines

 

Board of Sign Language Interpreters and Transliterators

Ms. Tailyn Kaster, West Des Moines

Ms. Stephanie Lyons, Ankeny

 

Board of Social Work

Mr. Mark Hillenbrand, West Des Moines

Mr. Neil Nelsen, Indianola

 

Soil Conservation Committee

Mr. Kevin Pope, Mason City

Ms. Linda Querry, Red Oak

Mr. Sherman Lundy, Cedar Falls

 

Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology

Ms. Denise Renaud, Iowa Falls

Mr. John Tysklind, West Des Moines

 

Board of Tax Review

Mr. David Erickson, Des Moines

 

Technology Advisory Council

Mr. Tim Peterson, Des Moines

 

Title Guaranty Division Board

Ms. Judy Hilgenberg, Guthrie Center

 

Commission on Tobacco Use Prevention and Control

Mr. Chad Jensen, Carroll

 

Commission of Veterans Affairs

Mr. Gary Wattnem, Mason City

Ms. Kathleen Myers, Graettinger

Mr. Ronald Langel, Ankeny

Mr. Steven Hyde, Marshalltown

 

Board of Veterinary Medicine

Ms. Christine Bean, Marathon

Mr. Curtis Youngs, Ames

 

Vision Iowa Board

Ms. Cathy Reece, Chariton

Ms. Charese Yanney, Sioux City

Ms. Emily Schirmer, Des Moines

Mr. Merlin Bartz, Grafton

Ms. Stacie Mitchell-Gweah, Des Moines

 

Workforce Development Board

Mr. Andrew Roberts, Urbandale

Mr. Joe Greving, Johnston

 

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02 Mar 2015

Gov. Branstad signs Senate File 257 into law

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad today signed the following bill into law:

Senate File 257: an Act relating to transportation funding by limiting the term of indebtedness for certain county projects, modifying certain permit fees, modifying the rate of the excise taxes on motor fuel and certain special fuel, establishing a fuel distribution percentage formula for certain special fuel used in motor vehicles, requiring legislative review of the fuel distribution percentage formulas, extending the repeal date of the Access Iowa Highway Plan, and including effective date provisions.

 

The bill passed the Iowa Senate 28-21 and Iowa House on February 24, 2015, 53-46.

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27 Feb 2015

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR IOWA FARM ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER AWARDS

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Iowa Sec. of Agriculture Bill Northey today encouraged Iowans to nominate farmers for the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award who have taken voluntary actions to improve or protect the environment and natural resources of our state. Nominations are due by June 15, 2015 and the nomination form can be found at www.iowaagriculture.gov/EnvironmentalLeader.asp.

The award is a joint effort between the Governor, Lt. Governor, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources to recognize the efforts of Iowa's farmers as environmental leaders committed to healthy soils and improved water quality.

"The Iowa Water Quality Initiative is growing due to farmers' engagement in the plan," Branstad said. "The Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award is our chance to recognize producers who are going the extra mile in their land stewardship."

"Iowa's farmers are leading the way in environmental stewardship through collaborative, science-based practices," said Reynolds. "The Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award allows the state to recognize the famers who feed the world and continue to drive Iowa's economy."

Farmers that are nominated should have made environmental stewardship a priority on their farm and incorporated best management practices into their farming operation. As true stewards of the land, they recognize that improved water quality and soil sustainability reaps benefits that extend beyond their fields to citizens of Iowa and residents even further downstream.

Nominations may be submitted on a year-round basis and are due by June 15th of the year to be considered for the award. Farm owners and operators are eligible for consideration.

"Iowa is leading the way in using voluntary, science-based practices to protect our soil and improve water quality.  This would not be possible without the thousands of farmers who have collectively invested millions in conservation practices on their farms.  This award is an opportunity to highlight those farmers that are leading the way and going above and beyond to adopt conservation practices on their farm," said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey.

An appointed committee of representatives from both conservation and agricultural groups will review the nominations and select the winners. The recipients will be recognized at the Iowa State Fair.

Since creation of the award in 2012, 219 farm families have been recognized. Winners are presented a certificate as well as a yard sign donated by Monsanto. Hagie Manufacturing also sponsors a recognition luncheon for award recipients following the ceremony.

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