As most of you are aware, the Iowa Legislature adjourned for the year last Wednesday evening (5-9-12). It was three weeks later than expected, and it was a painful process as they haltingly ground to a close, trying to reach consensus on several high-profile, contentious issues.
Each year seems to bring a different experience lobbying and educating the Legislature and executive branch on cancer-related issues. This session started out with a lot of promise, took a big dip downward about a month in when many of our priorities died and the House again proposed eliminating the state tobacco control programs, and then rallied at the end. Things could have been a lot worse. We appreciate that there isn't the same gridlock at the Iowa Capitol as there is in Washington, DC.
First let's celebrate our legislative successes:
- Increase of $400,000 on tobacco prevention and cessation funding, dedicated to the Quitline
- Increase of $500,000 in funding for cervical cancer education and screening
- New appropriation of $250,000 for IowaCare patient lodging for those required to travel to Iowa City for care and treatment. This is of particular importance to cancer patients, who must often stay in Iowa City for many weeks.
There were many legislators who helped accomplish these victories, but I'd like to give special recognition to the co-chairs of the Health & Human Services Appropriations Committee - Sen. Jack Hatch and Rep. Dave Heaton. They both were strong advocates for maintaining and increasing funding for cancer-related programs and services. Without their support these successes would not have happened.
And a huge Thank You to all of you for contacting your legislators, visiting the Capitol and attending legislative forums. None of our work can be accomplished without your voices!
Of course we still have work to do on some important policy issues such as establishing an Iowa Health Insurance Exchange, eliminating the casino smoking exemption, prohibiting tobacco products on school grounds, and reducing Iowans' exposure to deadly radon gas. We will be starting work soon on outreach and education to legislators and others on these issues.
The governor will have 30 days from the last day of the legislative session to sign, line item-veto appropriations bills, or veto entire policy bills. He has never been shy with his veto pen in the past, so we don't assume he will be now. As soon as the governor deals with the HHS appropriations bill we will schedule a conference call open to all advocates to de-brief on the session. Stay tuned!
