Capitol Digest, 3-24-2010

A roundup of legislative and Statehouse items of interest for Wednesday, March 24:

FUTURE SHOCK: State lawmakers struggling to balance their fiscal 2011 budget plan were given a glimpse into the future Wednesday with a spreadsheet that showed a projected, worst-case gap topping $1 billion in fiscal 2012. A preliminary report by the Legislature Services Agency shows statutory “built-in” commitments for fiscal 2012 approach $689 million, even assuming no change for K-12 school foundation aid. The projections also peg state Medicaid assistance to spike by $303 million. Nearly $326 million of the projected shortfall relates to one-time federal economic stimulus money that has been used to smooth rough edges in the state budget over two years. A similar $1 billion gap was projected for fiscal 2011 but lawmakers and Gov. Chet Culver said the commitments really boiled down to about a $400 million problem. Sen. Steve Kettering, R-Lake View, ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, called the analysis “an interesting first look” even though the numbers “are in flux” more than 15 months out. “This is the hole we're digging for next year,” he said.

LIGHTS OUT: Saturday, it will be lights out at the Iowa Capitol – for one hour. That's because state officials are taking part in a global movement to raise awareness about climate change. Jennifer Moehlmann, Capitol complex energy manager, said participating in the “Earth Hour” project is a visible way to show support for efforts to reduce energy consumption and raise awareness about the climate change issue. “Earth Hour” is an awareness movement started by the World Wildlife Federation in 2008. On Saturday at 8:30 p.m. CDT, WWF officials are encouraging individuals and institutions to turn off their lights for one hour. Last year there were more than 80 million U.S. participants, organizers said. Only non-essential lighting will be turned off at the Iowa Capitol Building – security lighting and lighting required by the Federal Aviation Administration will remain on during the hour-long observance.

BARK BUT NO BITE: Interest in greyhound racing appears to be running about as high as legislative interest in bailing out the flagging industry this session. Senators held a subcommittee meeting to discuss a proposal whereby dog tracks in Council Bluffs and Dubuque would pay $10 million a year to the state to end dog racing at their facilities while maintaining their state gaming licenses to continue casino wagering. Senate Study Bill 3255 included a greyhound owners and kennels retirement fund that the state Racing and Gaming Commission would use to provide money to that industry if dog racing were discontinued in Iowa. The bill would allow simulcast dog and horse races to continue at state licensed facilities. Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal, D-Council Bluffs, gave the concept long odds for approval this year, saying “nothing's ever dead, but it's unlikely that it will come to a vote this session.”

MIDWEST GOING RED? Republicans are hoping to score big in the Big Ten region next November. Kirsten Kukowski, regional press secretary for the Republican National Committee, said GOP polling in Wisconsin and Ohio indicate declines in President Barack Obama's approval numbers in states he won in 2008. Republicans say if the election was held today, Democrats would likely lose something they currently hold in every state where they have something to lose -- Pennsylvania governor and perhaps Senate, Michigan governor, Ohio governor, Indiana Senate, Iowa governor, Wisconsin governor and perhaps Senate, and Illinois Senate and/or governor. Republicans also expect to make gains among the U.S. House seats that will be contested in the Midwest region next November.

GO 'CLONES An emotional Coach Paul Rhoads, whose mother clerked in the Iowa Legislature, along with five of his Insight Bowl winning players were on hand to receive House honors Tuesday. House Resolution 124 recognized first-year Iowa State University head coach and the players for their first winning season since 2005 and first victory over the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in 32 years as well as “their dedication to excellence, for their strength of spirit, and for their unwavering effort.”

UNCOMMON PUBLIC SERVANTS The House also adopted HR 126 recognizing the Hoover library association for creating the Uncommon Public Service Award. The awards were presented to Rep. Lance Horbach, R-Tama, and Sen. Daryl Beall, D-Fort Dodge. The award is presented to lawmakers who exemplify Herbert Hoover's humanitarian efforts and commitment with uncommon service to the people of Iowa. The recipients become honorary members of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Association for one year, and will also be included on the “Wall of Uncommon Iowans” at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Museum in West Branch.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “You're the kind of guy that gives bankers a good name.” – Sen. Dick Dearden, D-Des Moines, in paying tribute to Sen. Roger Stewart, D-Preston, who is retiring from the Iowa Senate after eight years. One sure sign that senators are serious about adjourning is when they begin giving farewell speeches honoring departing members. Stewart and Sen. Ron Wieck, R-Sioux City, were featured Wednesday.