Capitol Comments
Iowa’s Right to Work safe from repeal --- for now
By David Johnson
State Senator
Iowans who prize their liberties won a victory Thursday in the Iowa House.
At least for now.
Democrats who control the House, as well as the Senate, failed to win enough support and shelved their planned debate of legislation that would repeal Iowa’s Right to Work law. House Republicans unanimously opposed the proposed repeal. The bill, Senate File 413, requires public employees who do not belong to a union to pay union fees.
The Senate previously voted 27-21 in favor of the bill. I joined my Republican colleagues and two Democrats in voting against the measure.
Republicans recognize that the bill is bad for working families, bad for jobs and bad for the state economy. Iowa is one of 22 Right to Work states in the nation. The Iowa General Assembly adopted the law in 1947. Right to Work guarantees that no worker in Iowa can be forced to join a union to have a job.
Limiting the forced union fees to only public employees, SF 413 is a scaled-back version of the original bill, which would have affected workers in the private sector as well. But even opening the door that far is wrong. Iowans should not be forced to pay for activities they do not wish to support. They should have the freedom to decide whether joining a union is right for them.
Iowa’s Right to Work law gives them that choice.
Supporters of the bill have not taken the ball and gone home, however. During halftime on this issue, they should have the state motto written on the locker room blackboard --- our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain --- before they come back on the floor.
Senate green light to local smoking bans
Earlier this week, the Senate approved a bill that would give Iowa’s cities and counties the authority to completely ban smoking in local bars and restaurants. The bill, SF 236, now goes to the House for further consideration.
Republican senators voted against the legislation. During debate, some argued the bill allows more government intrusion into people’s lives. Others called it yet another case of government meddling in private business.
It’s ironic that less than a year after overturning the governor’s veto of legislation to protect private property rights, the legislature now thinks local governments should be given a green light to restrict the use of private property.
Under the bill, local governments have the authority to set limits on smoking in public places that are stricter than those imposed by the state. Under current state law, smoking is allowed in public places if it takes place in a designated smoking area. Examples of public places include retail stores, libraries, hospitals, offices and restaurants with a seating capacity greater than 50. Iowa law specifically denies local authorities the ability to set higher standards than those set by the state.
In the past, communities such as Ames and Iowa City approved local smoking bans that were tougher than state restrictions. But in 2003, the Iowa Supreme Court overturned the bans, ruling that they were illegal under state law. The bill approved by the Senate this week would allow municipalities such as Ames and Iowa City to reinstate local smoking bans in places such as bars and restaurants.
Republican senators were successful in attaching an amendment that exempts fraternal organizations such as the American Legion or VFW from any potential smoking bans in their facilities. These are private, voluntary societies that are an important part of the social and charitable fabric of our communities.
The bill, however, faces an uphill battle in the House. Stay tuned.
February revenue increase reported
The majority party has proposed raising taxes and fees in an effort to increase spending and thus keep their promises in the last campaign. What’s the hurry? Here’s a glance at the latest report from the Department of Revenue and Finance.
Revenue growth for the month of February compared to February 2006 showed an increase of $30.4 million (5.9 percent). Year-to-date growth in fiscal year 2007 shows an increase of $225.3 million (6.2 percent). These figures exceed projections before the start of the session.
State revenues still remain positive even with the pressure of higher gas prices and a slowing economy. Revenues from personal income taxes, sales taxes and corporate income taxes all posted increases in February.
It makes one wonder if the $1 per pack increase in the cigarette tax just signed into law will be good for the state’s financial health.
Your questions and comments are always welcome. You can reach me in the Iowa Senate by calling (515) 281-3371 and leaving a message; or by e-mail at david.johnson@legis.state.ia.us
David Johnson of Ocheyedan
represents Iowa Senate District 3 --- all of Clay, Dickinson, O'Brien and
Osceola counties, and part of
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