Around Des Moines

The Iowa General Assembly authorized several legislative study committees for the interim between its 2007 and its 2008 sessions. The subject matter being considered in several of these committees will have consequences for Des Moines as bills are written and laws passed.

Interim Legislative Commission on Affordable Health Care Plans for Small Businesses and Families: While the title refers to health care, mandatory health insurance with incentives for preventive behavior was the message two former governors delivered on October 10 as they presented their report on three public hearings held across the state. Des Moines is one of the top insurance centers in the United States. This makes any mandate for insurance of significant economic importance to the city as a whole. Regardless of the consequences for individual residents, mandatory insurance opens up possibilities for corporate growth and specialized service that could provide new products and new jobs.

Freedom of Information, Open Meetings, and Public Records Study Committee: On September 6, 2007, the Iowa Association of School Boards provided public comments supporting changes to the open meeting law that would allow school boards to meet in closed session for the purpose of selling property. Closed sessions are now allowed when school boards buy property. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) expressed concerns in its comments about the insufficiency of public notices for hearings and comment periods. The ACLU noted, in part, that newspapers may not provide information about such meetings or other opportunities to express opinions.

Legislative Property Tax Study Committee: Des Moines City Councilor Christine Hensley serves on this committee. There are many issues related to property taxes that Des Moines must balance. These include factors created by the function and the age of the city, such as tax-exempt property (e.g., that owned by the state government) and old infrastructure that needs high maintenance or expensive replacement.. In addition, there are decisions made by local government, such as the use of tax-increment financing and tax abatements, as well as other deals (e.g., casino revenue and utility franchise fees) that have created imbalance in individual property tax payments. There is also the reality that few options to raise money are available to municipalities, school boards, and counties, all of which rely heavily upon property taxes.

The Skilled Worker Shortage Study Committee: This group has made the news but only in terms of younger Iowans. When I first moved to Iowa, I heard from young workers who felt there were no entry level jobs and from middle-aged women who felt there were no mid-entry jobs available. There also is a shortage of information on what is defined as a skilled worker.

Transportation Funding Study Committee & Livestock Odor Study Committee: These are two of the committees about which I know nothing more than their names. Despite the completed renovations to I-235,, transportation funding remains an issue for Des Moines residents. The meat packing plant on the southeast side sometimes suggests a possible interest in the latter committee, too.

Guest Writer: M.R. Field is editor of Leading Voices: Iowa.