May 5, 2005

HIGHLITES FROM THE SENATE

SENATOR MARK ZIEMAN

Monday found the Senate working without per diem, since the 110th legislative day occurred the previous Friday. It is always interesting to see how attitudes change when legislators have to pay room and board out of their own pockets. With the change in attitude came a resolution to the size of the budget and serious work began to make the other pieces fit. The Senate will finish work this week, but will have to return next week to make sure there is a consensus with the House.

Several key pieces of legislation passed this year that will have a lasting impact on Iowa. Additional money was appropriated to improve student achievement and to make college more affordable by holding down tuition costs. We agreed to provide $25 million for teacher compensation and $27 million for regents universities. The Senate plan calls for a total of $23 million for early childhood initiatives. The money will be used to improve access to programs that let children get a head start on their education.

We approved $5 million to toughen penalties on sex offenders. This legislation doubles the prison term to 10 years and allows early release only for those who complete treatment while incarcerated. In addition, it would allow electronic monitoring for offenders while out of jail or on conditional release. The statute of limitations would be extended for sex crimes where there is a DNA match. A study committee would be created to address future changes to sexual abuse-related offenses and the sex offender registry.

Yet to be addressed are the issues of the tobacco tax, the values fund and two appropriation bills. By this time next week, common ground will have been found and these matters will have been resolved.

For further information or clarification, please contact me at the Capitol (515) 281-3371 or at my home (563) 864-3104.