Local lawmakers talk about session priorities

Jan. 5—CLINTON — Local state lawmakers would support a 3% increase in public school funding, cutting the income tax rate and Clinton being designated as a river port city, according to their statements at Grow Clinton's Legislative Kick-Off Coffee on Thursday.

Republicans Sen. Chris Cournoyer, District 35, Rep. Tom Determann, District 69, and Rep. Norlin Mommsen, District 70, answered questions during the event in the Clinton Community Schools Administrative Building. Leaders from local municipal, county and school governments attended, along with business people and members of the general public.

They gave opening statements about some of their priorities heading into the legislative session that begins Jan. 8 and then took questions.

Cournoyer gave the first opening statement. Among her priorities this session is speeding up the phasing in of a 3.9% income tax rate, passing a conservative sustainable budget, improving public entities' technological security, and moving government legal notices beyond subscription newspapers and onto free access online platforms.

The state budget should increase funding for education, public safety and other priorities, she said.

As the chair of the Senate's Technology Committee, she said her goal is to ensure that local entities have the resources needed for cybersecurity.

Cournoyer introduced legislation last year to change the public notice law and is ready with a new version.

"I feel like we kind of found an area where we can still put the public notices in newspapers, because there are people that still get newspapers and like to look at the public notices in their hands, but also give the option to put then online so people who don't have subscriptions can be able to access those public notices and even search them or subscribe to them," Cournoyer told the Clinton Herald after the meeting. "To me that's more transparent accessible government that I think needs to happen."

Mommsen opened by listing committees on which he serves. One is agriculture that has been working on preparedness for foreign diseases and avian flu. They also are trying to be proactive on a swine fever threat.

"African swine fever is in the Caribbean," he said. "If that one comes across it would devastate our swine industry."

The state also needs to take action on soil health, Mommsen said.

"The code is silent on that," he said, adding, "There's going to be funding tied to soil health and if we're silent on it I think basically we could be left out of some initiatives."

He noted that Iowa has been a leader on water quality issues and other states are trying to emulate the state's actions from a few years ago.

He agreed with Cournoyer on income taxes and supported making a 3.9% rate retroactive Jan. 1 of this year.

"We've got the reserves in the Taxpayer Relief Fund and stuff to be able to accomplish that goal," Mommsen said.

Determann said he is on committees dealing with local government, education, and economic development. He would like to delve into teacher pay as schools are struggling with staffing, blocked railroad crossings and speed cameras.

"I think they are kind of unfair," he said. "I have a problem with speed cameras."

Updating Hwy. 30 is another important issue for Determann.

"Got that bill out of committee, will try to get that on the floor," he said. "And Chris is going to get it through the Senate too. So, we'll get that done this year, right Chris?"

"Got to have the money," she answered.

The first audience question was about mental health stigma, funding and insurance.

"A couple of years ago, we took the mental health levy off the backs of property taxpayers, which I think was a big first step," Cournoyer said. "And I think there are still some increases from the mental health funding that comes from the state, which I think is really important."

School districts continue to tell her to make sure mental health continues to be a top priority, she said.

"We have to build resiliency in kids," she said "I mean, you have to start young when you are building that resiliency."

She noted there are grants available for behavioral health.

Regarding the stigma, she said it's important to change the conversation, change the terminology, and she has seen a lot of efforts to make sure veterans and people in stressful professions get what they need. Thankfully, it's more common for people to talk about mental health these days, she added, including among young people.

Mommsen lauded the "innovative" approach of the Midland School District and said it should be emulated in other districts.

Cournoyer said to address the shortage of mental health professionals the state offers loan repayment programs to attract and retain more.

Dettermann said "the money thing been solved" and now is time to see how programs work out.

The next question was about getting a law passed outlawing using electronic devices while driving, referred to as the Hands Free Bill.

Mommsen always supported such a law, he said, and then explained that past efforts to get it passed failed, casting doubt that it will come up again this session.

"I don't see leadership bringing it to the floor," Mommsen said.

He added that the opposition is adamant.

"People are against it because, 'I've got the right ... to do it, so up yours.' Sorry," he said.

A question about school funding had the trio predicting an increase of about 3%.

"Looking for 5%? It's not going to happen," Determann said.

Cournoyer, a former school board member, said she has colleagues in the Senate who want no increase, but she supports 3%. She also expressed pride in how the legislature has approved school funding rates by the 30-day into the session deadline so districts can do budgeting.

Cournoyer said the inequities between urban and rural districts need to be addressed.

The lawmakers discussed retail development in rural areas in response to a question. Mommsen said more jobs are needed in rural areas to bring more retail. Cournoyer referenced the Empower Rural Iowa initiative and the importance of broadband internet expansion. She plans to work on a bill with a colleague that could include establishing a revolving fund to help with critical infrastructure to support affordable housing projects.

Asked about the Local Option Sales Tax, Mommsen said it was not meant for statewide expenditures and agreed it is for local use.

Determann and Cournoyer said an idea to use it for water quality issues likely won't come up again.

Clinton Mayor Scott Maddasion asked the lawmakers to support getting the state to recognize the city as an official river port, which could help get federal designation and access to federal money for economic development. Cournoyer and Mommsen were aware of the effort and said they would follow up on it.

Regarding the property tax law passed last session that puts limits on local governments, Dettermann said House leadership doesn't want to take it up to make needed tweaks. Mommsen said leadership assured him that they would take care of it. Cournoyer said they will fix some of the issues in the bill this session.

Clinton Schools Superintendent Gary DeLacy asked about reinstating a deadline for families to apply for open enrollment. Without it, budgeting is difficult for school districts and the option is being abused. Cournoyer said a bill is already in process to reinstitute a deadline. She added that she also has a bill changing the start date requirements for the school year to anytime after the State Fair rather than specifically Aug. 23.

The lawmakers also heard a request for action regarding redevelopment of old buildings.

The trio concluded by inviting people to visit the State Capitol, attend legislative update meetings they will have locally during the session, and to contact them with questions. Just because an issue grabbed headlines, it doesn't mean it's being taken seriously at the Capital, Cournoyer said.