From Rep. Taylor Collings

By Theresa Rose · Thursday, February 2nd, 2023 at 1:41 pm CDT
To the People of House District 95

 

We are officially a month into the 90th General Assembly and some big items continue to be tackled by House Republicans. The biggest news this week though is that my first bill as a state legislator has officially been introduced, House File 152.

 

Establishing a Rural School Security Fund

On Monday it was an exciting moment as I introduced my first bill which establishes a Rural School Security Fund within the State Treasury, creating a dedicated funding stream to support school resource officer positions in some of our most rural parts of the state.

The fund works by creating a cost sharing agreement between the state and any school district with 1,000 or less K-12 students by supporting 20% of the costs associated with one School Resource Officer position. With counties and cities oftentimes covering part of the costs associated with these positions, due to the fact that the deputy or officer is rolled out onto summer patrol outside of the school year, not only does the school district benefit, but also the community as a whole.

No parent should have to worry about whether their child is safe after dropping them off at school, and that’s 17 of my republican colleagues have joined me in co-sponsoring this important piece of legislation. Creating the Rural School Security Fund is just one step, but a giant one in protecting our state’s greatest asset – our children.

 

Volunteer EMS and Firefighter Legislation

Across Iowa we have seen an increased need for volunteer emergency medical care providers and firefighters. Rural communities in Iowa have for years seen a rise in need for volunteers. As Iowans have faced the challenges of natural disasters and the pandemic.

Iowans have sacrificed and volunteered to ensure that fellow Iowans are taken care of. Volunteer emergency medical care providers, firefighters, and reserve peace officers work diligently to assist their communities in time of needs. These volunteers are often first on the scene to provide medical care, fight fires, and during the pandemic to help distribute PPE supplies in their communities.

One way to commit to improving Emergency Medical Services throughout the state is to authorize municipalities, counties, townships, or agencies to implement length of service agreement awards as described in 457(e)(11) of the Internal Revenue Code for volunteer firefighters and emergency medical care providers. The Local Government Committee has reintroduced House Study Bill 19 to create a grant program to allow municipalities to provide an award to volunteer firefighters, emergency medical care providers, and reserve peace officers. The grant would provide up to $1 for $1 match in funding for municipalities that have established the award.

Authorizing local governments to establish these programs if they chose to, can give control to local governments to provide incentives for volunteers in communities in need of emergency services.

 

HHS Committee Advances Mental Health Legislation

This week, the House Health and Human Services Committee heard a presentation from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services on mental health. This included progress with the Mental Health and Disability Services Regions, a department bill to come for consideration, and regular reviews of Iowa’s Medicaid reimbursement rates to health care providers, including mental health providers. The legislature looks forward to reviewing these targeted reimbursement rate reviews later this month.

Additionally, the committee passed House File 23, a bill to expand the number of prescribing psychologists in Iowa. This bill removes barriers to them practicing in the state and will help recruit additional psychologists to Iowa.

The Iowa House has also unanimously passed House File 93, to prohibit non-compete agreements for mental health providers. This bill ensures that patients who have a good standing relationship with a therapist or other mental health provider can stay with that provider.

 

Redistricting / Weekly Newsletter

As many of you know, this last year we went through legislative redistricting where the district boundaries changed and your representative may have as well. As a result, if you received this newsletter electronically, you may be reading it even though I am not your Representative. If you would not like to continue receiving my newsletter, feel free to email me at taylor.collins@legis.iowa.gov!

 

Legislative Forums

As I mentioned last week, I will have two forums this weekend with Senator Lofgren this Saturday, February 4th. The first one being at 9:00AM at Wilton City Hall, and the second one being at 11:00AM at Wapello City Hall. I would love to see you there!

Sincerely,

Rep. Taylor Collins
Iowa House District 95

 

 

On Tuesday, Senator Lofgren and I welcomed the Wapello FFA chapter to the Capitol for the Iowa FFA Legislative Symposium.

 

 

Do the crime, pay the time! This week I was proud to cosponsor Rep. Rinker’s bill which strengthens penalties for felons who are repeatedly arrested for being in possession of a firearm and putting our law enforcement officers at risk.

 

This week we welcomed the SE delegation to Des Monies for the annual ‘Southeast Iowa Days’ Trip. Governor Reynolds was kind enough to stop out and say hello!

School Board Committee Meetings

By Theresa Rose · Thursday, February 2nd, 2023 at 8:46 am CDT

Mount Pleasant Community School District

SITE AND POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING

Mt. Pleasant CSD – Central Office

1010 East Washington Street – Suite 102

Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641

The Mount Pleasant Board of Education SITE AND POLICY COMMITTEES will meet at 4:00 PM on Thursday, February 2, 2023 to review/discuss:

SITE COMMITTEE

  1. Ed. Test Plot Presentation

POLICY COMMITTEE

  1. Second Reading of Board Policy Series 200 Board of Education
    1. Board Policy 202.3 President
    2. Board Policy 202.4 Vice-President
    3. Board Policy 204.10 Public Participation in Board Meetings
  2. First Reading of Board Policy 701.5 General Fund Reserves and Fund Balance Reporting Board
  3. School Board Director District Boundaries Update
  4. Review Proposed 2023-2024 School Calendar

The meeting is open to the public and patrons are welcome.

Iowa Wesleyan Students in Vehicle Accident, No Major Injuries

By Theresa Rose · Wednesday, February 1st, 2023 at 2:12 pm CDT

Iowa Wesleyan University President Christine Plunkett issued this statement regarding a crash involving students headed for Des Moines….

“Iowa Wesleyan is grateful that our students and faculty who were involved in a vehicle accident this morning only sustained minor injuries. The minibus was being driven by a faculty member with seven student passengers headed to the State Capitol to participate in LGBTQ Day on the Hill. The bus rolled onto its side just east of Des Moines and four students were transported to local Des Moines hospitals.

All the students have been treated and released and were headed back to campus.  We are appreciative of the first responders and medical staff who cared for our students.  

The crash occurred on Highway 163 in Polk County east of the Metro Park East landfill Wednesday morning before 9 am.

 

Black History Month and George Washington Carver Day

By Theresa Rose · Wednesday, February 1st, 2023 at 1:48 pm CDT

February is Black History Month. Beginning this year, February 1 is George Washington Carver Day in Iowa. George Washington Carver was the first African American student to attend Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm, now Iowa State University, and in 1894 became the first African American to earn a Bachelor of Science. He stayed in Ames and became the first African American faculty member. For more information about Carver’s time in Ames, check out this segment of the PBS program “George Washington Carver: An Uncommon Life.” Iowa State is holding a special event to honor Carver February 1, 5:30-7:00 p.m., at the Memorial Union. The event also will be livestreamed.

Nature Photographer Kathleen Casteel Featured in Mount Pleasant Arts IMPACT Mini Gallery

By Theresa Rose · Wednesday, February 1st, 2023 at 9:45 am CDT

Mount Pleasant, Iowa – The Mount Pleasant Arts IMPACT mini gallery in the Public Library is proud to feature local artist Kathleen Casteel. Casteel is a talented multimedia artist and nature photographer who showcases her work in the mini gallery.

Born and raised in small-town Iowa, Casteel was influenced by her mother’s passion for painting and crafting. With a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, Secondary Education, and a Master’s Certificate in Gifted Education for grades K-12, Casteel has developed a love for capturing moments in time through her art.

Casteel’s broad range of interests in art includes nature photography, multi-medium art, drawing, painting, crafting, and more. She finds inspiration for her work in her travels and everyday moments and enjoys freezing these moments in time through her art.

Additionally, Casteel makes her own holiday cards and shares her special pieces of art with family and friends.

The Mount Pleasant Arts IMPACT mini gallery is proud to display Kathleen Casteel’s nature photography, which highlights her ability to capture the beauty of the world around us.

As a lifelong traveler, Casteel has explored the US, Canada, and Mexico and has found something she loves everywhere she has gone.

For more information on Kathleen Casteel and her work, please visit the Mount Pleasant Arts IMPACT mini gallery in the Public Library during regular library hours.

Henry County Board of Supervisors Meeting Agenda

By Theresa Rose · Wednesday, February 1st, 2023 at 9:11 am CDT

AGENDA

February 2, 2023

Approve Agenda

Approve Minutes

Approve Claims

9:00 2nd Reading Ordinance, Repeal Title Chapter 7, General Relief Program

9:05 Monthly Department Head Meeting

10:00 Randi-Globe Life Liberty Nation Division Voluntary Coverage

Other County Business as time allows

Supervisors Sub-Committee Update

DNR to recap hunting seasons, discuss possible rule changes at Feb. 23 public meeting

By Theresa Rose · Wednesday, February 1st, 2023 at 9:08 am CDT

WAPELLO – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting a series of town hall-style meetings where local staff provide updates on recently completed hunting seasons, discuss possible changes to hunting rules and regulations, and address other topics as requested.

Locally, the Iowa DNR will be at the Langwood Education Center, 14019 H Ave., in Wapello, on Feb. 23. The meeting begins at 6 p.m.

“We want people to come out, listen to the hunting seasons reviews, ask questions and hear directly from our staff,” said Todd Bishop, chief of the Iowa DNR’s Wildlife Bureau. “Part of the meeting will be devoted to discussing potential rule changes and collecting feedback as we work through the rules process.”

The meetings are open to the public. Comments collected from these public meetings will be considered along with other related comments received by the Iowa DNR prior to proposing changes to hunting rules and regulations. Proposed rules will be presented to the Natural Resource Commission during a regular public meeting for consideration and additional public comment.

Any person attending the public meeting and has special requirements, such as those related to mobility or hearing impairments, should contact the Iowa DNR or ADA Coordinator at 515-725-8200, Relay Iowa TTY Service 800-735-7942, or Webmaster@dnr.iowa.gov, and advise of specific needs.

Frances Barr

By Theresa Rose · Wednesday, February 1st, 2023 at 9:05 am CDT

Frances Barr, 91, of Mt. Pleasant, died Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at the Great River Medical Center Hospice House, West Burlington, IA.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.