Kapucian Korner by Senator Tim Kapucian
Iowa State Senator Tim Kapucian
Greetings from Under the Golden Dome
The Des Moines Register wrote a scathing six page article about the current emergency medical system in Iowa in the Sunday paper on April 7th. It was clear that the Des Moines Register was misinformed about the rural Iowa emergency medical system. The paper stated that over a two year period, Iowa sanctioned 87 EMTs for unethical conduct, criminal convictions, and other regulatory violations. However, nearly every one of these sanctions was a paid EMT from an urban area.
The paper went on to state a concern about the amount of time that it takes for EMTs to respond to a call. An ideal time is 10 minutes or less, and I think we can all agree that this is a good goal to have. If you look at one of the most rural areas of the state, northwest Iowa, the call response time is 5 minutes or less. Again, it is urban areas that far exceed the 10 minute mark.
Rather than criticizing Iowa’s volunteer EMT force, they should be applauded for their efforts. These people spend numerous hours of their time working to make Iowa a better place to live, and I appreciate all their efforts. I hope next time the Des Moines Register writes on this topic, they dig a little deeper.
Education was another hot topic this week at the Capitol. On Monday, we debated the confirmation of three of Governor Branstad’s appointees to the State Board of Regents. The Regents govern our state’s public universities: Iowa State, Iowa, and UNI. One of the appointees up for debate was Craig Lang, a farmer from Brooklyn. Craig was originally appointed to the board by Governor Culver, and has served most recently as the President of the Board of Regents. Under Craig’s leadership, the Regents have proposed the first tuition freeze in 30 years, conducted two successful presidential searches, and spearheaded policies for greater transparency on the board and at our state institutions. These efforts and others have been recognized by many Iowans as steps in the right direction, including Governor Branstad and professors at the Regents schools. Unfortunately, after a lengthy debate on Craig’s confirmation, the majority party in the Senate rejected his confirmation. I think this sends the wrong message to Iowans. We should be seeking more leaders like Craig Lang to help make Iowa better for all of our residents.
Education didn’t stop with the Board of Regents debate either. Education reform, with the goal of improving student achievement throughout the state, is one of three key issues that will mark this session of the Iowa General Assembly. The other two are commercial property tax reform and healthcare for the poor and disabled. With the divided leadership between the House and Senate, two different education plans were passed. The bill now resides in a conference committee made up of members of both chambers for resolution.
Funding for K-12 public schools also has to be decided. The Senate has passed 4% allowable growth, while the House has passed 2%. Both of these proposals were included in each chamber’s education reform plan.
In a surprise move before the conference committee meeting on Wednesday, House Republicans offered to increase allowable growth by 2% next school year, plus a one-time allocation equal to another 2%, and a 4% increase in allowable growth for the following year. In round numbers, that equates to an additional $240 per student next academic year and $245 per student in the year after.
The funding offer is tied to the House education bill, which would make it an option for school districts to provide teachers with new opportunities in leadership and mentoring. The bill would also raise minimum teacher pay to $32,000 from the $28,000 currently in state law.
Since news of this initial offer has come out, many school groups are supporting the proposal. If this does not end up being the final deal, it is certainly a large step in the right direction, a step that is needed before we are able to adjourn for the year.
One of the visitors at the Capitol last week was John Tomasek from Grinnell. It’s always a pleasure to take time to visit with people from back home here in Des Moines.
See you out and about the district.
Please feel free to contact me: tim.kapucian@legis.iowa.gov
