The coming week will be busy at the state capitol, because February 12 is the first “funnel” date. All bills excluding appropriations bills that have not been approved by at least one committee by February 12 will be dead for the 2010 session, unless something extraordinary happens.
Also, Iowa House Republicans are expected to try to suspend the rules this week to force consideration of a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. If last April’s events are any guide, they can expect help from two Iowa House Democrats: Geri Huser and Dolores Mertz. Meanwhile, Mertz is working with a group of Republicans on a constitutional amendment that would “recognize human eggs as persons worthy of legal protection.” Such an amendment would outlaw abortion and probably some forms of birth control as well.
With the compressed legislative calendar and severe budget restraints, there may be fewer bills passed in 2010 than in previous sessions. If you’re keeping your eye on any bill, let us know in this thread. I hope the Iowa Senate Labor and Business Relations Committee will pass Senate File 2112, introduced by Senator Pam Jochum, on “workplace accommodations for employees who express breast milk.” It’s already cleared the subcommittee. Last hear State Representative Ako Abdul-Samad introduced a similar measure in the Iowa House, and I think there’s a decent chance of getting this bill through the House Labor Committee. Employers also benefit from practices that make it easier for their employees to continue breastfeeding.
Jochum is an all-around outstanding legislator. If I lived in the first district, she would definitely have my vote for Congress whenever Bruce Braley decides to run for U.S. Senate.
This thread is for anything on your mind this weekend. Am I the only one out there who doesn’t care who wins the Superbowl?
After the jump I’ve posted details on other Iowa political events scheduled for this week.
Saturday, February 6:
Senate candidate Roxanne Conlin is holding several campaign events: beginning at 11 am, she will be at the Sac City Public Library, 1001 Main Street. Beginning at 1 pm, she will be at the
Santa Maria Vineyard and Winery, 218 W. 6th St in Carroll. Beginning at 3 pm she will be at the Uptown Café, 320 Broadway St in Audubon. Beginning at 5 pm she’ll be in the basement conference room at the Cass County Court House in Atlantic.
Senate candidate Tom Fiegen is attending the AEA 267 Legislative Forum from 10:00am – 12:00pm, 3712 Cedar Heights Drive, Cedar Falls.
Representative Leonard Boswell is holding a “listening post on jobs and the economy” at 2 pm at 4320 NW 2nd Avenue in Des Moines.
From One Iowa:
“Standing on the Side of Love” Valentine Party
Kick off Valentine Week by kicking up your heels with a community-wide party celebrating the inherent worth of all families and love in all of its diverse expressions! An optional potluck dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. Bring a side dish, salad, or dessert to share, and pasta main dishes will be provided, including vegetarian options. Then at 6:30 p.m., enjoy a range of fun activities for both kids and adults, including games, crafts, cookie decorating, a screening of the movie, “Our House: Kids of Gay and Lesbian Parents” (56 minutes), and even a palm reader who will predict your romantic future! And don’t miss the old-fashioned, all-ages barn dance at 6:30 p.m. with music and dance calling by the renowned Talking Fiddleheads String Band (as heard on public radio and at Living History Farms barn dances!). Easy dance instruction provided, so no prior experience required.
When
Sat Feb 6 5:30pm – 8:30pm Central Time
Where
First Unitarian Church, 1800 Bell Ave., Des Moines
The Polk County Democrats need more submissions of original recipes for the “Liberally Seasoned” cookbook they are compiling. By February 6, send polkdems AT gmail.com a word document including your full name and precinct, a paragraph about the dish, and a picture of the dish or yourself if possible. Categories: salads, appetizers, main dishes, vegetarian, desserts and drinks. They plan to have the cookbook ready by the Polk County Convention on March 12. For questions, call 515-285-1800.
Sunday, February 7
Senate candidate Roxanne Conlin is hosting a pre-game campaign headquarters office opening, which is open to the public. “Opportunities for involvement in the campaign as well as activities for children will be provided.” The even begins at noon at 319 7th St, suite 320 in Des Moines.
Monday, February 8
Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge is holding a “coffee and conversation event” at the Oskaloosa Public Library, 301 South Market Street, beginning at noon.
Congressman Boswell is holding a student loan forgiveness event at AIB College of Business to discuss the programs available to help eliminate loan debt if the student pursues a job in the public service sector. 10:30 am, City View Diner, 2500 Fleur Drive in Des Moines.
Bob Krause’s virtual tour continues in Mahaska County
Mon, February 8, 7pm – 8pm
County – via facebook-teleconference (map)
If you would like to join in the Conference, connection information is on the Website under ‘Positions’. Then’ Press Release’ “Bob Krause Campaign Announces Innovative ‘Virtual Tour’ of All 99 Iowa Counties”
One Iowa is having a weekly phone bank. Click here to volunteer.
Tuesday, February 9
Lieutenant Governor Judge has two “coffee and conversation events” scheduled: in Davenport beginning at 8 am at the Hickory Garden Family Restaurant, 3311 Hickory Grove Road. At noon she will be at McOtto’s restaurant, 100 Chamber Drive in Anamosa (Jones County).
Bob Krause’s virtual tour continues in Fayette County:
Tue, February 9, 7:15pm – 8:15pm
Fayette County – via facebook-teleconference
If you would like to join in the Conference, connection information is on the Website under ‘Positions’. Then’ Press Release’ “Bob Krause Campaign Announces Innovative ‘Virtual Tour’ of All 99 Iowa Counties”
The Interfaith Alliance of Iowa Action Fund is having a fundraiser with a suggested $50 donation from 5:30 to 7:30 pm in a private home in West Des Moines. For event details and to RSVP, email (actionfund@interfaithallianceiowa.org) or phone (515-279-8715).
From the Iowa Environmental Council:
A Structured Plumbing class with an emphasis on energy efficiency is being held in Des Moines February 9-10, offered by Indigo Dawn, a green development company. Imagine a world where hot water is delivered to every plumbing fixture wasting no more than 1 cup as you wait for the hot water. This is the type of innovative thinking instructor Gary Klein, with Affiliated International Management, LLC, will be offering in this two day class. This session will characterize single family hot water distribution systems, describe the current practices, assess the magnitude of the problem and the benefits that will come from solving it, discuss ways to think about hot water system efficiency, and recommend steps that can be taken to reduce unnecessary losses from hot water distribution systems in both retrofit and new construction. See link for additional information and to register, or contact Tizzy Hyatt at 515-681-6781 / IndigoDawnDevelopment@yahoo.com. Also see http://events.constantcontact….
From I’M for Iowa:
February 9 – Grow Vegetables Year-Round (Your Home or Office)
Join Practical Farmers of Iowa from 7:00 – 8:30 pm for this on-line “webinar.” This session is led by Adam Montri, who will discuss using low-tech high tunnels in a cold climate to raise vegetables year-round. To register, visit www.practicalfarmers.org/farminar or contact Sally Worley at (515) 232-5661 or sally@practicalfarmers.org.
Wednesday, February 10
Senate candidate Bob Krause is holding a virtual town-hall meeting for Johnson County at 7 pm.
One Iowa is organizing a Lobby Day at the capitol, with a rally at 10 am, a reception at 2 pm and a “happy hour tweetup” at the Des Moines Social Club at 5:30 pm. For more information and to sign up, check One Iowa’s website.
Thursday, February 11
Governor Chet Culver is having a “coffee and conversation” event beginning at 11:30 at the Waterloo Public Library, 415 Commercial Street in Waterloo.
Friday, February 12
Governor Culver is having a “coffee and conversation” event in Iowa City at 8 am at the Hamburg Inn, 214 North Linn St.
From the Iowa Environmental Council e-mail newsletter:
Get an early start on preparing for spring and summer at the Iowa Paddlesport Expo, Feb 12-14, at Canoe Sports Outfitters in Indianola. With nearly 40 presentations, great prices, and manufacturer reps, this will be a great weekend for paddlers. The programs, clinics, and special deals run from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 14. Beginning Saturday at 10 a.m., partners will share information on the status of the future Hickory Creek Wilderness Camp, INHF’s exciting new project at Lake Red Rock. There is no admission fee. View the online schedule at http://www.canoesportoutfitter… Contact Jeff Holmes of CanoeSports Outfitters at 515-961-6117.
Sunday, February 14:
Senate candidate Bob Krause has scheduled a virtual town-hall meeting for Benton County for 7 pm.