On January 21, the Statehouse hosted the annual Veterans Day on the Hill. It was a great opportunity to talk with hundreds of veterans from across the state about their concerns and ideas. The families of Iowa soldiers in our communities often speak of the stress they experience when a spouse or parent is called to active duty. This year, we’re making relocating easier for Iowa’s military families. One proposal calls for ensuring that “trailing spouses” of active military members are eligible for unemployment if they have to give up a job; they won’t face withdrawal fees and penalties if they must leave college mid-term; and they’ll get the assistance they need to transfer professional certifications, including teaching certificates, to their new home state. We’ll do all we can to make sure those who serve our country in the military have the tools and training they need to complete their mission, return home and re-enter civilian life.
Here I am at the unveiling ceremony. I am very pleased that we were able to locate this historic treasure. This copy of the Declaration of Independence belongs to the people of Iowa, and now it will be preserved for future generations of Iowans.
At the ceremony, I presented Governor Culver with a copy of my new book about Iowa's Civil War Medal of Honor recipients.
I recently located a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence while researching a Jasper County family’s Civil War roots. The document is a rare, original 1843 print from the historic W. J. Stone copperplate. The governor joined me at an unveiling ceremony on July 1st at the State Historical Building. What a great way to kick off the Independence Day weekend!
I located this rare Declaration of Independence copy while researching the Jasper County Thornton family. The Thorntons are related to Matthew Thornton, a Founding Father, who signed the Declaration of Independence.
Senator Dennis Black and Representative Paul Bell hosted a delegation from Taiwan at the Iowa Statehouse on September 28. The Taiwanese were in Iowa on a trade mission. They met with representatives from the Iowa Corn Growers Association, the Iowa Corn Promotion Board and Iowa Soybean Association to sign letters of intent to purchase large quantities of corn and soy products. In 2008, Iowa companies exported $85 million in goods to Taiwan. Taiwan is the 20th largest export market for Iowa.
Southeast Polk chapter of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) were in the Statehouse rotunda January 19, along with other FFA groups from actoss the Iowa. Pictured from left: Taylor Gonder, Nic Hutchinson, Brett Timmins, Senator Black, Bylee Ames, Brooke Michael, and Kari Konrad.
Who would think that central Iowa is home to the National Texting Champion? Kate Moore, 15, of Des Moines holds the title. She was at the Statehouse January 28 to share her story. The good news is Kate doesn't plan to do any texting when she gets behind the wheel of a car, which studies show to be one of the most dangerous distractions for a driver. Several bills to reduce distracted driving and keep our roads safer will be considered in the Legislature this year.
Rain barrels are one of several measures homeowners can use to help prevent flood damage in their communities. Jean Wiedenheft (left) of the Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids visited the Iowa Statehouse February 2 to issue a "Million Gallon Challenge" to Iowans statewide, encouraging them to take steps to prevent a million gallons of rainwater in their own watersheds from becoming floodwater. By using rain barrels, rain gardens and other household techniques, homeowners can help prevent flood damage this summer. For more information, visit http://www.senate.iowa.gov/democrats/million-gallon-challenge/.
University of Iowa medical students Michael McCoughlin and Megan Srinivas, both from Fort Dodge, talked with me on February 2 about ways to increase the physician retention rate in Iowa. We discussed ways for individuals to manage tuition and student debt and how to ensure a stable family physician population in Iowa in the coming years.
Jody Dosser of Osage (left) thanked Senator Dennis Black of Newton (right) for successfully voting to pass SF 2109 on January 8. Dosser was at the Senate to watch the debate on the bill, which is known as “Jermiah’s Law” in memory of Dosser’s son who was killed in 2007 in Altoona by a motorist who ran a red light. The current penalty for running a red light is a $35 fine. Under the proposed legislation, if a driver runs a red light and someone is seriously injured as a result, the driver will be subject to a fine of up to $500 and/or suspension of driving privileges for up to 90 days. If someone dies as a result of a driver running a red light, the fine can be up to $1,000 and suspension of driving privileges for up to 180 days.“Jermiah’s Law” passed in the Senate by a vote of 47-0 and now goes before the Iowa House.
A number of Iowa's FFA chapters visited the Capitol on January 19 as part of their Legislative Symposium and met with their respective legislators to discuss their experiences. Shown here are, from left to right: Zeah Peterson, John Deutsch, Jenna Ziesman, Nathan Stratton, Kylie VanRyswyk, Senator Dennis Black, Alan Johnson, and FFA advisor Mr. Jim Fitzgerald.
Senator Dennis Black and Representative Paul Bell met with members of the Newton chapter of the Future Farmers of America during their Legislative Symposium at the Statehouse on January 19. The event allows FFA members from across Iowa to get to know their legislators, learn about the state government and discuss issues affecting education and agriculture. The FFA, a youth organization with more than 12,000 members in 228 Iowa high schools, develops a student's potential leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Pictured, from left: Tiffany Larson, Matt Stock, Dustin Keninger, Morgon Smith, Adviser James Horn, Kole Wilson, Alex Cleverley, Senator Black, and Representative Bell.
League of Women Voters of Jasper County with Governor Chet Culver and local legislators on February 16. Picured from left: Linda Kirchhoff, Fran Henderson, Senator Dennis Black, Linda Wormley, the Governor, Margery Graves, Representative Paul Bell and Ruth Barnett.
Senator Dennis Black met with representatives from the Iowa Firemen’s Association who visited as part of the annual Fireman’s Day at the Capitol. The Iowa Firemen’s Association was first organized in 1879 to represent Iowa’s fire fighters, and membership now includes about 15,500 career and volunteer firefighters across the state. Pictured from left to right: Vice President Brian Hoffman of Lacona, Vice President Alan Esch of Epworth, Administrative Assistant Wendy Lensing of Humboldt, Vice President Jack Runge of Buckeye, Past President Robert C. Platz of Dyersville, Senator Black, Vice President Ellen Hagen of Jewell, Vice President Roger Bissen of Harlan, and President Cliff Renslow of Stuart.
Senator Dennis Black attended a breakfast with Larry Weber of the UI Center for Global and Regional Environmental Research and the Iowa Flood Center on March 10 to learn more about the 2008 floods and how Iowans can better prepare for the next major flood. They also looked at new technologies designed to monitor both the quality and quantity of Iowa’s water resources.
On March 10, head coach of the Iowa Hawkeye football team Kirk Ferentz visited the Statehouse. The nationally ranked Hawkeyes won 11 games in 2009, wrapping up an impressive season with a 24-14 victory over Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl. We are both looking forward to another great year in 2010. Go Hawks!
On March 11, Senator Dennis Black and Senator Jeff Danielson met with international high school foreign exchange students from Afghanistan, Russia, and the Ukraine. Pictured from left to right: Safa Mohammad, Oleksig Panchuk, Iryna Marchug, Lya Khova, Senator Black’s granddaughter held by daughter Anne Marie Burnett, Senator Black, and Senator Danielson.
At the ground breaking ceremony, I enjoyed catching up with Mitchellville Mayor Dave Weislander.
At the ceremony, I also talked with former Lieutenant Governor Art Neu, who serves on the Iowa Board of Corrections.
“Jobs, jobs, jobs” are my top priority for the 2011 session of the Iowa Legislature, which began on Monday, January 10. I hope to increase assistance to Iowa small businesses, help Iowa workers improve their skills, and continue the expansion of the Iowa’s clean energy economy. I took the oath of office for a four-year term in the Iowa Senate. I can be reached at dennis.black@legis.iowa.gov or by calling 515-281-3371.
Huai Wang, the chairman of Fareast Leather Industrial Company, May-May Ng, an owner of C.K. International, and her son Tim met with me and Governor Terry Branstad at the Statehouse on January 26. Wang’s Chinese business is a good trade partner with Iowa, buying our pig skins for making shoe lining, wallets and other leather goods. His purchases amount to approximately 30,000 pig skins a week. Mr. Wang’s company is the largest tannery in the world.
I met with Lynnville mayor Kelly Bryan and Rahn Savage, a Lynnville council member, when they visited the Statehouse on January 31. I presented them with a copy of my book about Iowa's Civil War Medal of Honor recipients, "Profiles of Valor."
Donnie Stanley was unemployed and struggling to support her family when she learned of a pilot program at her local community college. It provided her with financial aid so she could earn her CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) certificate. Now she is working full-time and looking forward to further improving her skills. I met with Stanley on February 1 when she came to the Iowa Statehouse to share her story. I support a new initiative which would take the pilot program statewide, so all Iowans have the same opportunities.
I recently spoke at the general meeting of Iowa Carry, which was held at Brownell’s Big Springs Shooting Complex in Searsboro. During the 2010 legislative session, we passed a law creating a single statewide standard for Iowans who want to carry a concealed weapon. I successfully worked to find a bipartisan compromise that won the NRA’s support and overwhelming majorities in the Iowa House and Senate.
On July 15th, I attended the ground breaking ceremony for a major expansion of the Iowa Corrections Institution for Women at Mitchellville. The project is expected to create 195 new, full-time permanent jobs and 300 good-paying construction jobs as the facility is built. Pictured (from left to right): Deputy Director of the Department of Corrections Brad Hier, President of AFSCME Iowa Council 61 Danny Homan, I and Mitchellville Mayor Dave Weislander.
New nicotine-spiked products that look, taste and smell like candy are increasingly sold across Iowa. Because of the appeal to children and danger of nicotine poisoning, I support efforts to restrict sales to tobacco stores, whose customers must be 18 or older. I also oppose the push by some legislators to cut the anti-smoking efforts which have saved lives and reduced health care costs in Iowa. On February 7, I met with Asa Shorkey and Claire Meyer, two children concerned about candy lookalikes that are loaded with nicotine.
Brigadier General Tim Orr, the Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard, spoke to a joint session of the Iowa Legislature on Wednesday, February 16. Due to the Iraq and Afghan wars, our state is in the middle of the largest call up of Iowa reserve and guard members since World War II. I listened closely to General Orr’s “Condition of the Iowa National Guard” address for opportunities to support our soldiers and their families. Last year, Iowa became the first state in the nation to approve 10 quality-of-life measures for military families requested by the U.S. Department of Defense.
Each year Iowans volunteer hundreds of hours through the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). Volunteers mentor, help at food pantries, and assist their communities in a variety of other ways. On February 22, organizers of RSVP programs throughout the state talked with legislators about the benefits older Iowans provide to all Iowans through RSVP. I met with Wendy Jenkins of Newton, Jasper County RSVP Director.
It was an honor to be awarded the "Loyal Legion of Abraham Lincoln Award for 2011." The award is for public service to the state and support to veterans affairs. First Lieutenant David Lamb, Commander for Company A of the 49th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment, conferred the award in a recent ceremony at the State Historical Society in Des Moines. The award was in recognition of my book "Profiles of Valor," a 15-year effort to organize and relate the life stories of 56 men and one woman with connections to the state of Iowa who were awarded the nation's highest military award, the Medal of Honor.
Support of Iowa employers is essential for members of the Iowa National Guard and Reserve to perform their military service. The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve helps National Guard members by educating employers and resolving conflicts between employers and service members. Command Sergeant Major John Breitsprecker of Altoona met with me at the Statehouse on March 1 to discuss how we can ensure that Iowa soldiers are able to perform their duties without concern.
Lance Mack of Marion, portrayer of President Abraham Lincoln, met with my clerk and I. Mack was at the Statehouse on March 3 to deliver the opening prayer in the Iowa Senate using Lincoln’s own words. He also recreated Lincoln’s first inaugural address; one day before its 150th anniversary. These were the first events in Iowa’s observance of the Civil War Sesquicentennial. Mack is holding a copy of "Profiles of Valor", which I wrote.
Iowa Congressman Bruce Braley was recently in Afghanistan where he met with General David Petraeus, commander of US forces there. At Braley’s request, the General recorded a short video message for the 3,500 Iowa National Guard Members deployed in Afghanistan. You can check it out at www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtRTSfLh3_E.
Taiwan is a major trading partner and is leading importer of Iowa soybeans, corn and pork. We are looking at opening an Iowa trade office in Taipei, capital of Taiwan, and passed a resolution to that effect in the Senate Wednesday morning. Director-General Perry Pei-hwang Shen, of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago, spoke the Senate. Pictured are members of the delegation from the Chicago office, including Phillip Chen, senior commerce officer, Chair of the International Relations Committee Senator Daryl Beall, Mr. Shen, Senator Steve Sodders, I, Rose Kuo-chen Chen, director of the cultural division, and David Wu, consul.
United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack visited the Statehouse on April 18. The former Iowa governor discussed biofuels, rural development initiatives, community grants, rural development initiatives and pledged the support and partnering of the USDA on these issues.
One of the best moments I had recently was talking with Waukee resident Kennedy Haag, who visited the Iowa Senate during a pause in debate on May 26. Kennedy was very excited and proud because it was also her preschool graduation day. She had just finished up her preschool education at one of Iowa’s quality programs for four-year-olds. Disagreement over education funding continues to prevent the Legislature and the Governor from agreeing on next year’s state budget, which is to begin on July 1.
His Excellency Han Duck-soo, Korean ambassador to the United States, was the featured speaker at the World Pork Expo held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on June 9. Korea is a leading market for Iowa agricultural products, including pork and soybeans. We are working on a free trade agreement between the United States and Korea to further strengthen Iowa exports to Korea. Dr. Han was formerly prime minister of Korea.
I participated in a series of public hearings on the state budget at the Iowa Capitol, including hosting the hearing on the Environment & Natural Resources Budget. The hearings gave legislators a chance to learn how proposed budget cuts will impact Iowans. I am pictured here talking with State Senator Steve Sodders of State Center prior to the Economic Development Budget hearing on June 8.
I participated in a series of public hearings on the state budget at the Iowa Capitol, including hosting the Ag & Natural Resources Budget hearing on June 10. These hearings give legislators a chance to learn how the budget could impact Iowans. Pictured here, Senator Mary Jo Wilhelm of Cresco and I listen to concerns about our state's natural resources and environment.
I am pictured here at a hearing on proposed tax cuts on June 14 at the Statehouse.
During the hearing on proposed tax cuts on June 14, local officials testified that a Republican tax proposal would force large increases in residential property taxes and hurt local economic development efforts. There was strong approval for the proposal I support, which gives more commercial property tax relief to small and Main Street businesses, is fully paid for, and won’t increase taxes for homeowners. Pictured with me here is Senator Rob Hogg of Cedar Rapids.
Senator Matt McCoy of Des Moines (seated) handles Iowa’s infrastructure budget. Reviewing it with him in the final days of session are Senator Bob Dvorsky of Coralville, Senator Herman Quirmbach of Ames and I.
I attended the recent celebration of 100 years of Taiwan democracy. The event took place in Chicago. Taiwan is an important trade partner with Iowa. In fact, Taiwan is the fifth largest market for corn and soybeans. And, of course, Iowa is the state that leads the nation in production of these crops. As we continue to develop strong relationships with agricultural trade partners, we’ll ensure our state’s continued economic success. Iowa State Senators Steve Sodders and Joe Seng and I are pictured here with Perry Shen, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago, and his wife, Vivian.
This week I met with Dan Tallon of Iowa City, an Iowa National Guard infantry specialist who returned from Afghanistan this summer. He’s now in his third year at the University of Iowa. Dan watched as the Senate approved an additional investment in college tuition assistance for returning soldiers like himself. In December, the Iowa National Guard informed us that, due to increased demand, former soldiers like Dan would have to pay as much as $1,300 more per semester. I’m glad the Senate set aside our differences and voted unanimously to make it easier for Iowa’s returning soldiers to attend college, improve their skills and help build a stronger Iowa economy. I hope the Iowa House will quickly do likewise and that Governor Branstad will sign the legislation.
Firefighters are Iowa’s everyday heroes, helping make our lives safer by responding to emergencies varying from fires to car accidents. I had the chance to meet with Newton Fire Chief Jarrod Wellik and discuss how our government can help increase the abilities of our local fire departments, the majority of which are run by volunteers. Jarrod let me know about the issues facing Iowa’s fire departments and explained to me how we can improve their outstanding service to our communities.
Max Grover was recognized on April 2 on behalf of Guy and Shirley Grover for their generous donation of land to the state of Iowa. Along with over 30 other donors, the Grovers gave Iowa a wonderful gift that the state can use for many purposes, including research and recreation. Altogether, over 6,000 acres of private land was donated in 2011 thanks to the generosity of people like Guy and Shirley. Pictured left to right: myself, Roger Johnson, Max Grover and Senator Brian Schoenjahn.
Art Pennington, a former Negro League baseball player, was honored in the Iowa Statehouse on April 18 with Senate Resolution 106. Art was one of the best players in the league and competed against some of the greatest baseball players ever. He was a great person on and off the field, as he moved to Cedar Rapids after his professional baseball days and eventually ran for sheriff and mayor of Cedar Rapids while working at Rockwell Collins.
