March 2, 2006

HIGHLITES FROM THE SENATE

SENATOR MARK ZIEMAN

The conclusion of “funnel” week saw several bills die in the legislative process because democrats chose not to allow the proposals to advance. I will share some of those bills with you this week.

In an effort to lower health care costs, republicans proposed to cap non-economic damages for medical liability at $500,000. We offered SF 2225, which would have given tax credits to small businesses that provide health care coverage for 50 or fewer employees. SF 2215 created a private public partnership that would have offered a 20% reduction in premiums for health insurance to Iowans. This insurance would have been available to those that had been employed for the previous 12 months, but were not offered insurance coverage by their employer. All of these health care initiatives were blocked.

Several study bills experienced the same fate. SSB 3219 would have required a photo ID to vote. SSB 3127 would have allowed counties to dissolve townships by a popular vote of the people. SSB 3023 was a small business initiative that dealt with drug testing and would have limited unemployment benefits for people arrested for adult dependent abuse or for tampering with a drug test. SSB 3194 would have allowed the use of hair for drug testing. All these bills died as a result of chair vetoes.

Other common sense proposals that will see no debate include: reversing the governor’s action allowing felons to vote; allowing Medicaid recipients to participate in a health insurance plan instead of Medicaid; and the controversial limited death penalty debate, plus many other less significant bills.

In the coming month, the Senate will see many House bills that should require action. I am less than optimistic for their future. Currently, there are two bills that received over 80% approval in the House, but their debate is being obstructed in the Senate.

I would encourage all of you to get involved and attend your respective county conventions on March 11th. Grassroots government starts with the caucuses and continues on to the state and national conventions. Fresh ideas, new opinions and innovative solutions often begin at the county level.

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