The Transportation Operations Budget and Administration & Regulations Budget passed the House last week. The Trans. Op Budget makes appropriations to the Road Use Tax Fund ($47.6 mil FY 2013) and Primary Road Fund ($303.2 mil FY 2013). The Admin/Reg. Budget provides for regulatory authority and appropriations for certain state departments, agencies, funds, and other entities. The House amendment appropriates ($49.6 mil from General Fund FY 2013) a decrease from last year, while the bill itself appropriates ($54.1 mil from other funds FY 2013) an increase from last year.

House File 2421, mental health and disability redesign, implements recommendations from the Judicial Branch and DHS Workgroup regarding improvements to mental health proceedings. The bill requires law enforcement to complete courses in mental health first aid, pre-assessment screening for involuntary commitment to determine their mental health needs no matter when they are  brought to court. This bill also establishes "Mental Health Professionals" as one consistent definition in Iowa code, as well as, establishing standards for mental health advocates and expanding service to Iowans with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse diagnosis.

I've received many emails concerning the Medicaid reimbursement issue and at this time I'm not sure of the fate of the  reimbursement. When I know something I'll be informing you here. Thank you for keeping me informed of issues that matter to you.

The tuition set-aside policy, an issue that many at the capitol were unaware of, has led to negotiations with the Board of Regents which will provide full transparency with how student tuition payments are dealt with at each Board of Regents' universities.

If you have concerns or questions I can be reached at the Capitol by emailing steven.olson@legis.state.ia.us.

Unless Congress acts, law strengthening prosecution of violent crimes against women expires at the end of 2012

Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today called on House leaders to immediately consider a renewal of the Violence Against Women Act, and signed on as the first male cosponsor of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012.  Unless Congress acts, the provisions of the Violence Against Women law will expire at the end of the year.

"Renewing the Violence Against Women Act will help break the cycle of violence against women, and provide victims the care they need," Braley said.  "I was moved by Representative Gwen Moore's powerful statement on the House floor yesterday about her own struggles with sexual violence. Unfortunately, this type of violence is far too common and transcends politics, race, and religion.

"I am hopeful that we can put aside politics to renew and strengthen the Violence Against Women Act.  I urge House leaders to come together now to continue making progress in protecting Iowa women from violence."

First signed into law in 1994, the Violence Against Women Act enhanced the investigation and prosecution of violent crimes perpetrated against women and significantly strengthened penalties for offenders convicted of violent crimes against women.  The law also required the federal prosecution of interstate domestic violence and sexual assault crimes, and guaranteed the interstate enforcement of protection orders.  The annual incidence of domestic violence has dropped more than 50% since the law was originally enacted.

Video of Rep. Gwen Moore's statement on the Violence Against Women Act can be viewed at the following link; Moore is the lead sponsor of the Reauthorization Act: http://youtu.be/R0_PsN4R23k

Latest estimate shows national veterans homelessness fell by nearly 12 percent

WASHINGTON - U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki announced today that HUD will provide $83,870 to the Davenport Housing Commission in Iowa to supply permanent housing and case management for 15 homeless veterans in the state.

The permanent supportive housing assistance announced today is provided through HUD's Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program (HUD-VASH), a program administered by HUD, VA, and local housing agencies across the country.  Read a complete local breakdown of the rental vouchers announced today.

"It's a national disgrace that one out of every six men and women in our shelters once wore a uniform to serve our country," said HUD Secretary Donovan. "But we know that by providing housing assistance and case management services, we can significantly reduce the number of veterans living on our streets.  Working together, HUD, VA and local housing agencies are making real progress toward ending veteran homelessness once and for all."

"Under the leadership of President Obama, we have made significant progress in the fight to end homelessness among veterans, but more work remains," said VA Secretary Shinseki. "The partnership between the federal government and community agencies across the country has strengthened all of our efforts to honor our veterans and keep us on track to prevent and eliminate veteran homelessness by 2015."

This funding to local housing agencies is part of the Obama Administration's commitment to end Veteran and long-term chronic homelessness by 2015.  Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness serves as a roadmap for how the federal government will work with state and local agreements to confront the root causes of homelessness, especially among former servicemen and women.

The grants announced today are part of $75 million appropriated for Fiscal Year 2012 to support the housing needs of approximately 10,500 homeless veterans.  VA Medical Centers (VAMC) provide supportive services and case management to eligible homeless veterans. This is the first of two rounds of the 2012 HUD-VASH funding.  HUD expects to announce the remaining funding by the end of this summer.

"These grants are reducing the number of homeless veterans in Iowa and one day we will see this travesty end," said HUD Regional Administrator Derrith Watchman-Moore.

VAMCs work closely with homeless veterans then refer them to public housing agencies for these vouchers, based upon a variety of factors, most importantly the duration of the homelessness and the need for longer term more intensive support to obtain and maintain permanent housing.  The HUD-VASH program includes both the rental assistance the voucher provides and the comprehensive case management that VAMC staff provides.

Veterans participating in the HUD-VASH program rent privately owned housing and generally contribute no more than 30 percent of their income toward rent.  VA offers eligible homeless veterans clinical and supportive services through its medical centers across the U.S., Guam and Puerto Rico.

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HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and  transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available at www.hud.gov and  http://espanol.hud.gov. You can also follow HUD on twitter @HUDnews, on facebook at www.facebook.com/HUD, or sign up for news alerts on HUD's News Listserv.