Capitol briefs 5-4-2010

Here are items of interest involving state government entities:

Smoke detector use touted

Clive -- The number of Iowans saved by working smoke detectors has more than doubled the toll of victims who died this year in fires where detection devices were not present, State Fire Marshal Ray Reynolds said Tuesday.

So far in 2010, nine Iowans have died in fires while 22 people have been saved because of working smoke detectors, Reynolds said during a news conference held at the Clive Fire Department.

“Typically, the number of fire deaths is well known and well publicized,” Reynolds said. “When I became state fire marshal, I felt it was just as important, if not more important, to track and publicize the number of lives saved because of working smoke detectors. I'm proud that Iowans take fire prevention seriously.”

Reynolds said his office recommends that smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years and batteries in smoke detectors should be replaced annually.

ABI issues 2010 legislative scorecard

DES MOINES – A total of 42 state representatives and 13 state senators – all Republicans – posted perfect voting records when it came to supporting issues important to the Association of Business & Industry during the Iowa's Legislature's 2010 session, according to ABI officials.

The 1,400-member association -- that touts itself as “The Voice of Iowa Business Since 1903” -- issued it annual legislative voting records scorecard on business-related issues on Tuesday. ABI President Mike Ralston said the group's 2010 list focused on key bills and amendments impacting Iowa's business climate that came before lawmakers in the recently completed session.

“We want to thank and recognize the 41 state representatives and 13 senators who voted 100 percent with business,” Ralston said in a statement. “In these challenging economic times, these legislators have distinguished themselves in voting for policies that promote job growth.”

Highlights from the voting records include legislators' stance on various regulatory mandates on employers, including health insurance mandates, rule-making authority of unelected commissions, preserving Iowa's Property Assessment Appeals Board, as well as responsible budgeting measures, association officials said.

Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal, D-Council Bluffs, said he was proud of majority legislative Democrats' record in working with labor unions and business interests – including ABI – on initiatives aimed at jumpstarting Iowa's economy that are producing positive results for workers and business owners.

“I don't understand why ABI would praise Republicans for voting against common sense legislation which supports Iowa military families, and does it with no added expense to Iowa employers,” Gronstal said in a statement. “Is this an attempt to provide cover for those Republican senators who cast a very bad vote against Iowa's soldiers and their families?”

The full ABI voting records for all Iowa House and Senate members are available by visiting the Iowa Prosperity Project website at: www.iowaprosperityproject.org. The Iowa Prosperity Project is sponsored by Economic Progress for Iowa's Citizens, a not-for-profit entity founded in 1991 by a number of businesses and statewide business associations including ABI.

New Iowa Guard readiness center is ready

DES MOINES – A nearly $17.6 million Iowa National Guard Readiness Center in Iowa City is now ready for service, Guard officials said Tuesday.

Located on about 25 acres of land at the intersection of Melrose Avenue and Iowa Highway 218, the newly constructed 93,000-square-foot facility will replace an armory built in 1937 on the city's south side.

Brig. Gen. Timothy Orr, the adjutant general of the Iowa National Guard, and representatives from federal, state and local governments are slated to attend a dedication ceremony on May 10 commemorating the center's completion. The event, which is open to the public, will take place at 10 a.m. at 4540 Melrose Ave. in Iowa City.

The center was designed by Stanley Consultants of Muscatine and meets the “silver standard” of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) facility sustainment program, Guard officials said. The center will be home to the follow Guard units: Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment 67

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Troop Command; Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment 109

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Multifunctional Medical Battalion; 209

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Medical Company; Company B 1

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Battalion 133

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Infantry; and Detachment 1 of the 1133

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Transportation Company.