Capitol Digest -- Thursday, March 12

A summary of legislative items of interest for Thursday, March 12

UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS: A bill that would expand unemployment benefits for Iowans who find themselves out of work cleared the Iowa House Thursday and is now headed to Gov. Chet Culver. Senate File 197 modernizes Iowa's unemployment system by allowing workers to continue receiving benefits for an additional 26 weeks if they undergo job training. Eligibility rules for the program also are changed, allowing Iowa to receive $71 million in federal dollars.

Critics argued the changes would mean Iowa would be stuck with a higher bill for unemployment benefits when the federal money ran out.

CHILD LABOR PENALTIES: The Iowa House approved a bill that would toughen penalties for violations of labor laws in response to allegations at the Agriprocessors meatpacking plant in Postville. Businesses that violate child labor laws could face up to $10,000 in civil penalties for each violation. Criminal penalties for a parent or guardian who allows child labor or a person who furnishes child labor also would rise from a simple misdemeanor to a serious misdemeanor.

FUN IN FUNNEL: The Iowa Finance Authority worked to bring a little levity to the Legislature's funnel week, a week when most bills must pass committee or die for the session. The agency passed out funnel cakes and Frisbees to help bring awareness to the work they do helping low- to moderate-income Iowans obtain housing or buy homes.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "When people aren't working, they're not paying taxes. Stevie Wonder can see that." - Rep. Wayne Ford, D-Des Moines, during debate on a bill that would boost unemployment benefits.

Compiled by Des Moines Bureau staff