Hite Capitol Update – January 22nd, 2021
The second week of session brought with it a packed schedule of committee and subcommittee meetings, discussing and advancing important legislation in the Education, Judiciary, Ways & Means, and Information Technology committees. As chair of the House Education Committee, I chaired two committee meetings this week, where we assigned our first batch of bills, and advanced our first bill, HF 5, to the House Floor. The House ended the week debating and passing new House rules for the 89th General Assembly.
One of the legislature’s top priorities this year will be to ensure every family who wants 100% in-person learning has access to it. This week, Representatives Landon and Gobble took the first step to ensure parental choice in education by introducing a bill that gives the decision-making power back to the parents when it comes to their child’s education. The bill states if a public school or an accredited nonpublic school offers both in-person and online learning instruction, the parents and guardians will determine which instruction method their child will use. I look forward to considering this legislation in the Education Committee in the coming days and weeks.
We also learned that additional funds totaling $15,452,302.00 from the CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund (“Coronavirus Relief Funds”) has been authorized for the allocation and expenditure of residual funds to address the increased need for internet connectivity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This has been a big priority of mine, as well as most of the members of the Iowa House. Broadband Infrastructure Projects receiving funding must be completed by December 1, 2021.
Applications must provide a demonstrable nexus to the COVID-19 pandemic, including a nexus to furthering telework, telehealth, distance learning, and other remote services. This grant round is based on renewed Targeted Service Area determinations published to an updated version of the Statewide Broadband Availability Map on October 28, 2020 at: https://ocio.iowa.gov/broadband-availability-map-version-3. These determinations and this map identify the geographic areas in the State of Iowa in which grant funds under this program are available.
The OCIO is seeking Proposals from Responsible Applicants to provide or incentivize expansion of a minimum of 25/3 Broadband to Targeted Service Areas in the State of Iowa. Provided there is a demonstrable nexus to the COVID 19 pandemic, including a nexus to furthering telework, telehealth, distance learning, and other remote services, Applicant’s proposals may accomplish this by reducing or eliminating Targeted Service Areas through the installation of Broadband Infrastructure that Facilitates Broadband service at speeds equal to at least 25/3 Broadband, 50/5 Broadband, or speeds equal to or greater than 100/100 Broadband. The total amount of Coronavirus Relief Funds sought under this NOFA may not exceed:
Projects that will result in the installation of Broadband infrastructure that will Facilitate Broadband service at or above 100/100 Broadband, seventy-five percent (75%), of the actual or originally estimated, whichever is less, Total Project Costs.
Projects that will result in the installation of Broadband infrastructure that will Facilitate Broadband service at speeds less than 100/100 Broadband but greater than or equal to 50/5 Broadband, fifty percent (50%) of the actual or originally estimated, whichever is less, Total Project Costs.
Projects that will result in the installation of Broadband infrastructure that will Facilitate Broadband service at speeds less than 50/5 Broadband, but greater than or equal to 25/3 Broadband, thirty-five percent (35%) of the actual or originally estimated, whichever is less, Total Project Costs
Additional information is available at: https://ocio.iowa.gov/empower-rural-iowa-broadband-grant-program-notice-funding-availability-005
We also know that across Iowa there is an increased need for volunteer emergency medical care providers and firefighters. Rural communities in Iowa have for years seen a rise in need for volunteers. As Iowans have faced the challenges of the 2019 novel coronavirus that need is as apparent as ever.
As Governor Reynolds highlighted in her 2021 Condition of the State, Iowans showed up to work to make sure that fellow Iowans were taken care of as we battle this pandemic. Across Iowa volunteer emergency medical care providers, firefighters, and reserve peace officers worked to assist in delivering PPE, providing medical care, and assisting in their communities wherever needed.
One way to commit to improving Emergency Medical Services throughout the state is to authorize municipalities, counties, townships, or agencies to implement length of service agreement awards as described in 457(e)(11) of the Internal Revenue Code for volunteer firefighters and emergency medical care providers.
Authorizing local governments to establish these programs if they chose to, can give control to local governments to provide incentives for volunteers in communities in need of emergency services.
I am looking forward to working on legislation addressing these important issues among many others this session. And I encourage you to come visit the Capitol while we are in session this year. The Iowa Capitol is one of the best in the nation and belongs to you, the people of Iowa. I understand some may not be comfortable visiting due to the ongoing pandemic. For those who are interested, please email me at dustin.hite@legis.iowa.gov for more information, and with any questions, comments or concerns you may have.
