Author: Theresa Rose

REFLECTING IOWANS’ PRIORITIES

The state budget is paid for with Iowans’ hard-earned tax dollars and should reflect your priorities. That’s why a balanced budget based on the latest revenue estimates is the first and foremost obligation of the Legislature.

Unfortunately, the $8 billion bundle approved for the fiscal year beginning July 1 failed Iowans on many levels.

Not only was the giant budget passed quickly in the middle of the night with no chance for Iowans to review it and offer feedback, it fails to address immediate concerns in need of balanced solutions, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes:

• Protecting the health and safety of all Iowans.
• Stabilizing the economy and Iowans’ financial security needs.
• Creating a comprehensive Iowa-focused COVID-19 recovery plan.

Instead of spending their time making Iowans lives better, many legislators focused on divisive, partisan issues in the closing days of session. Most strikingly, Iowa’s successful, record-setting June 2 primary election was met with more efforts to discourage Iowans from exercising their Constitutional right to vote.

Iowans expect action from leaders. People are paying attention, speaking out and demanding results. They’re making it clear that they want us to work together for healthier, happier, safer and stronger communities.

As leaders, we have a responsibility to listen, learn and deliver for all Iowans—those who may not share our interests or political views, who don’t look like us or have our resources, and who haven’t had the opportunities we’ve received.

Throughout the interim, I will continue working toward these goals and providing updates through e-newsletters, social media and local meetings.

For the latest progress on what’s happening in state government and its impact locally, stay tuned to senate.iowa.gov/democrats.

To contact me, follow my social media channels or subscribe to my updates, go to senate.iowa.gov/senator/taylor.

Additional information

This is a legislative update from State Senator Rich Taylor, representing Henry and Lee counties and portions of Washington and Jefferson counties. For bio, photos and further information, go to senate.iowa.gov/senator/taylor.

To contact Senator Rich Taylor when the Legislature is in session, call the Senate Switchboard at 515-281-3371. Otherwise he can be reached at 319-931-1568. E-mail him at rich.taylor@legis.iowa.gov.

Senator Rich Taylor is an Assistant Leader. He serves on the following committees:

• Agriculture
• Judiciary
• Labor and Business Relations
• Veterans Affairs (Ranking Member)
• Administration and Regulation Appropriations Subcommittee

On June 16^th, at approximately 7:45 p.m., the Henry County Sheriff’s Office took a report of a motor vehicle collision in the 3200-grid of New London Road.

An investigation determined that Terry Welcher, 73, New London was operating a vehicle that collided with a second vehicle driven Annetta Steffensmeier, 59, Ft. Madison.  Steffensmeier  slowed down as she went over a hill due to animals in the roadway and a change in speed limit.  Welcher was unable to see over the hill and slowdown in time.  The collision resulted in minor damages to both vehicles. No injuries were reported.

June 18, 2020
Approve Agenda
Approve Minutes
9:30 John Hanson review Henry County Jail project: cost, budget and recap
Other County Business as time allows
Supervisors Sub-Committee Updates

Lee County—Do you live in Lee County? Milestones Area Agency on Aging has a special meal delivery program during the COVID-19 pandemic to help you with food during this unprecedented time.
“We are establishing delivery routes for those who live in rural areas to make sure they have access to a nutritious meal,” said Pam Taylor, director of nutrition services for Milestones.
The communities targeted include Argyle, Denmark, Donnellson, Montrose, and West Point. Milestones can deliver 5 frozen meals, once a week to those age 60+ who are homebound. Meals are provided on a contribution basis, and include instructions on proper storage as well as re-heating instructions for the oven or microwave.
Milestones frozen meals are prepared locally by Milestones cooks. Most meals include a protein, vegetable, fruit and grain item and milk. Special diets are not available. Participants are responsible to comply with their own dietary restrictions.
To be enrolled in the Milestones Home Delivered Meal Program, call an agency resource navigator at 1-855-410-6222.
Milestones Area Agency on Aging serves older Iowans age 60+ and their caregivers with information and assistance, nutrition services, options counseling, elder rights protective services, and evidence-based health programs. Information and assistance and options counseling services are also available for those age 18+ living with disabilities. Funding is provided by communities, state and federal sources.
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 Henry County Health Center generates 439 jobs that add $22,801,656 to Henry County’s economy, according to the latest study by the Iowa Hospital Association. In addition, Henry County Health Center associates by themselves spend $4,323,246 on retail sales and contribute $259,395 in state sales tax revenue.

“Henry County Health Center makes a direct positive impact on our county’s economy. HCHC contributes to the strength of our economy by employing a significant number of area residents. Our associates and the health center purchase goods and services from local businesses which directly supports our economy. In addition, it also benefits the county’s economy when HCHC provides quality healthcare close to home. The services provided attract individuals from other communities who purchase from local businesses while in town,” explained HCHC CEO Robb Gardner. “Having a strong health center is also instrumental in attracting new business, industry and residents to our area. By providing high quality healthcare services to our area communities, we serve the health needs of our population and keep our economy moving forward.”

The IHA study examined the jobs, income, retail sales and sales tax produced by hospitals and the rest of the state’s health care sector. The study was compiled from hospital-submitted data on the American Hospital Association’s Annual Survey of Hospitals and with software that other industries have used to determine their economic impact.

The study found that Iowa hospitals directly employ 77,990 people and create another 66,186 jobs outside the hospital sector. As an income source, hospitals provide $5 billion in salaries and benefits and generate another $3 billion through other jobs that depend on hospitals.

In all, the health care sector, which includes offices of physicians, dentists and other health practitioners, nursing home and residential care, other medical and health services and pharmacies, contributes $19 billion to Iowa’s economy while directly and indirectly providing 347,388 jobs, or about one-fifth of the state’s total non-farm employment.

“Hospitals positively influence their local economies not only with how many people they employ and the salaries of those employees, but also through hospital purchases from local businesses as well as the impact of employee spending and tax support,” said Kirk Norris, IHA president/CEO. “Whether at the local level or statewide, there are few Iowa employers that generate economic activity comparable to hospitals.”

The Iowa Hospital Association is a voluntary membership organization representing hospital and health system interests to business, government and consumer audiences. All of Iowa’s 119 community hospitals are IHA members.

On Monday, June 15, administrators from the Mount Pleasant Community School District met with Henry County Health Department officials to discuss procedures and COVID-19 mitigation strategies for High School events this summer. 

Mount Pleasant Community High School will host a live graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 27, at Mapleleaf Stadium.  High School baseball and softball started competition on Monday.

Unfortunately, after much discussion, the adminstraters do not see a path forward for hosting prom this summer. To that end, they regret to inform students that Prom 2020 has been cancelled.

While the district understands this news will be disappointing for many students, they simply could not find a solution that allowed students to experience prom while maintaining current mitigation guidelines and adhering to the Governor’s proclamation. The decision was arrived at after reviewing all options and out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of students and families.