Capitol Digest -- Wednesday, March 18

FORECLOSURE PROTECTION: A bill to provide Iowans more leeway facing foreclosure is on its way to the governor after the House passed SF 364 96-0. It is designed to give mortgage holders additional opportunities to work with their lenders to stave off civil default judgments. The action comes at a time when the number of Iowa properties subject to civil mortgage foreclosure action has nearly doubled from 5,507 in 2002 to nearly 11,000 last year, according to the preliminary estimates.

CHEAPER TEXTBOOKS: The House moved to help students by passing HF 487 98-0 to require Iowa community colleges and universities to post information on campus and on web sites identifying textbooks necessary for college courses as well as information students need to buy the books somewhere other than the campus bookstore. HF 487 amends a law passed last year that recommended post-secondary institutions post that information. Floor manager Rep. Doris Kelley, D-Waterloo, said she's heard that in some cases students have saved $500 a semester by shopping online for books.

STAYIN' ALIVE: A bill that supporters say would help the state crack down on so-called "puppy mills" has a new lease on life. The bill had appeared to be mired in a House Agriculture subcommittee with little chance of passing. But now House leaders have placed it on the House calendar, where it could face a vote before the full House. "I think it's an important enough bill, I just want to keep it moving," said Rep. Jim Lykam, a Davenport Democrat who sponsored the bill. House File 486 would allow state agriculture inspectors to respond to complaints against federally licensed dog breeding facilities. Animal rights activists say action by federal inspectors from the U.S. Department of Agriculture has been inadequate.

CANCER INTERESTS: Advocates for the American Cancer Society were at the Capitol Wednesday to urge lawmakers to pass funding for tobacco control and Senate File 389, a measure that would expand health care insurance coverage. "We're here today to ask our legislators to help Iowans quit smoking by ensuring that this year's budget maintains funding for tobacco control programs," said Kathy Holdefer, communications manager with the group. They also want lawmakers to pass a bill ensuring private insurance policies cover routine medical costs associated with participation in clinical trials, which they say save lives and lead to life-saving research.

TAXING MATTER: A Senate subcommittee will consider legislation to give local government officials authority to impose new fees and taxes that would provide direct relief to property owners. Sen. Joe Bolkcom, D-Iowa City, chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, said he hopes the discussion of Senate Study Bill 1308 will help determine if there's interest in allowing cities and counties "a greater menu of local revenue options."

NO CAMPAIGN KIN: Political candidates will be barred from paying themselves or their family members to work on their campaigns under SF 50, which the House approved 96-0. It passed the Senate 50-0. Former House member Ed Fallon, a Des Moines Democrat, who some said was the target of the bill, said the bill will make it harder for low- and middle-income Iowans run for office. Whether a candidate receives a stipend from the campaign is of no business of the state, he said. "It's between that candidate and his or her donors." Iowans would be better served if lawmakers approved voter-owned elections legislation, Fallon said.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "The women are out there; they are ready and willing to serve. They just need to be asked, and we need to do a little better job of reaching out and seeking their help." - Rep. Mary Mascher, D-Iowa City, on HF 243, which requires gender balance on government boards and commissions

-- Compiled by Rod Boshart, Charlotte Eby and James Q. Lynch