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Final Legislative Update for 2009
Gain Access to Recreational Trails
Excerpted from Mike Heller, ISSA Lobbyist
The Iowa Legislature officially adjourned on Sunday, April 26, 2009 at 5:
55 a.m. after two full days and nights of deliberations to end the
session. The final two days and nights were marathon sessions with a
multitude of issues resurfacing in the closing hours as legislators
attempted to iron out last-minute issues with the Governor and the other
chamber.
Virtually every issue from “fair share” to “federal deductibility” was on
the table for consideration in the closing hours of the session. It ended
up being a good year for snowmobilers at the Capitol. We retained our
funds, supported the DNR bill on snowmobiles, increased the amount of
state funds for recreational trails and got language in the bonding bill to
encourage multiple use trails. It was an extremely challenging session
because of the major decline in state revenue that the state is
experiencing, but we ended up faring well.
The legislature reached a consensus on the Governor’s bonding initiative
– the bonding bill provides most of what the Governor wanted but didn’
t include as much funding for roads and bridges as the Governor had
wanted. Most of the bonding money goes to vertical infrastructure
projects and flood relief. The University of Iowa was a big winner with
a considerable portion of the revenue being dedicated to flood recovery
efforts at the University including rebuilding Hancher Auditorium and the
Art Building.
Legislative leaders utilized the “bonding” and the “standings” bills as
vehicles for putting together the final pieces needed for adjournment.
There was a last minute dispute between the Senate and the House on
Sunday morning that threatened to delay adjournment, but the sine die
resolution was eventually passed by both chambers.
There is language in House File 822 that appropriates $3.5 million for
recreational trails. This amount is significantly higher than in past years
and it includes our language that requires that the trail funds be used to
maximize the number of trail users. It is important that members be
vocal about the language and pursue grant opportunities.
If you are denied in your applications, it is important to try to document
the reason for the denial. The language is a clear indication that the
legislature wants the funds used in a manner to maximize the number of
trail users. We need to try to use the language to gain access to the
trails.
Gain Access to Recreational Trails
Excerpted from Mike Heller, ISSA Lobbyist
The Iowa Legislature officially adjourned on Sunday, April 26, 2009 at 5:
55 a.m. after two full days and nights of deliberations to end the
session. The final two days and nights were marathon sessions with a
multitude of issues resurfacing in the closing hours as legislators
attempted to iron out last-minute issues with the Governor and the other
chamber.
Virtually every issue from “fair share” to “federal deductibility” was on
the table for consideration in the closing hours of the session. It ended
up being a good year for snowmobilers at the Capitol. We retained our
funds, supported the DNR bill on snowmobiles, increased the amount of
state funds for recreational trails and got language in the bonding bill to
encourage multiple use trails. It was an extremely challenging session
because of the major decline in state revenue that the state is
experiencing, but we ended up faring well.
The legislature reached a consensus on the Governor’s bonding initiative
– the bonding bill provides most of what the Governor wanted but didn’
t include as much funding for roads and bridges as the Governor had
wanted. Most of the bonding money goes to vertical infrastructure
projects and flood relief. The University of Iowa was a big winner with
a considerable portion of the revenue being dedicated to flood recovery
efforts at the University including rebuilding Hancher Auditorium and the
Art Building.
Legislative leaders utilized the “bonding” and the “standings” bills as
vehicles for putting together the final pieces needed for adjournment.
There was a last minute dispute between the Senate and the House on
Sunday morning that threatened to delay adjournment, but the sine die
resolution was eventually passed by both chambers.
There is language in House File 822 that appropriates $3.5 million for
recreational trails. This amount is significantly higher than in past years
and it includes our language that requires that the trail funds be used to
maximize the number of trail users. It is important that members be
vocal about the language and pursue grant opportunities.
If you are denied in your applications, it is important to try to document
the reason for the denial. The language is a clear indication that the
legislature wants the funds used in a manner to maximize the number of
trail users. We need to try to use the language to gain access to the
trails.