This week I was proud to vote in support of traditional marriage and the right of Iowans to vote on a constitutional amendment defining marriage between a man and a woman. Thanks to the many constituents who contacted me to express support for my position.
The House also passed what is called the Health Care Freedom Act, which is a response to federal health care legislation. The bill asserts the right of Iowans to make decisions about their health care rather than bureaucrats in Washington.
In addition, Governor Branstad released his proposal to reorganize the current Department of Economic Development. The new plan, called the Iowa Partnership for Economic Progress, creates a new public-private collaboration.
The Economic Progress Authority is the ‘public’ portion of the collaboration. The Authority would take the place of the current department, and assume all duties and responsibilities. This includes the ability to receive appropriations from the General Assembly, to provide advice and services for the purpose of economic development, and to make awards of financial assistance.
The Economic Progress Corporation is the ‘private’ portion of the collaboration. The new Corporation will maintain a nonprofit status. The Corporation is not to be considered as an agency, department or administrative unit of the state. This also means that the Corporation cannot receive appropriations from the General Assembly. The Corporation is being established so that donations and bequests qualify as tax deductible under federal and state income tax laws.
The Economic Progress Board is the third component of the new arrangement. The Board is be chaired by either the Governor or the Lieutenant Governor, and contains seven other voting members who are from the private, for-profit sector of the economy. These members are appointed by the Governor, confirmed by the Senate, and will serve four year terms. This Board also acts as the governing body for the Authority as well as the board of directors of the Corporation. This is a very interesting proposal. Legislation to consider this plan will be taken up in the next couple weeks.