Culver: More flood aid next year

CEDAR RAPIDS - Iowa lawmakers took a "good first step" toward helping Iowans recovery from the worst floods in the state's history, but it will take long-term state assistance to finish the job, Gov. Chet Culver said.

On the road again Monday to tout his $830 million I-JOBS package, which Culver said will address

the twin challenges of the multi-billion dollar impact of flooding and an economic recession, the governor promised to ask the 2010 Legislature for more financial assistance for Cedar Rapids and other flood-affected communities.

"We're already talking about next session," the first-term Democrat told The Gazette Editorial Board. "I understand this is going to be a long-term recovery and we're going to have to continue to provide state assistance and federal assistance for the next several years."

It will be a challenge, Culver said, because 2010 "is likely going to be a tough, tough year just to balance the budget."

Culver predicted there will be a flood package - a combination of financial assistance and public policy - next year.

"We need to keep those flood victims in mind and those communities that still have challenges," he said.

He's hoping a legislative government reorganization study called for by majority Democrats will identify efficiencies to free up funds for the long-term disaster assistance. Culver also is looking forward to working with Republican lawmakers who identified more than $300 million in savings during the 2009 budget process.

However, Culver, who while running for governor in 2006 said he would pay for his programs by identifying as much as $250 million in efficiency savings, said the effort has to go beyond cutting costs for office supplies. It should address possible savings from reorganizing school districts and county government, he said.

"We can do more. We have to do more to get leaner and more efficient," Culver said. "The question is will we have the political will during an election year to tackle these issues. It's likely the budget realities will require it."

Although there's no reason for alarm, Culver defended his decision to declare a state health emergency in the wake of confirmation of a case of the "new flu" in Iowa.

"I've said repeatedly, there's no alarm here. There's no reason for families or individuals to be scared or concerned about the situation," Culver said.

However, like a natural disaster, declaring a health emergency allows the state to draw down more federal assets - in this case the anti-virals needed to treat H1N1.

"If you don't declare an emergency, you risk not having access because you were slow to recognize it was an emergency," he said. "So whether we end up with 50 cases or 500 cases, we're prepared today."

Although he was disappointed his nominee to head the Department of Human Services, Gene Gessow, was not confirmed by the Iowa Senate, Culver said he respects its decision.

He's confident Charlie Krogmeier, his former chief of staff and director of the state Department of Management, who he appointed to head DHS, will be confirmed next year.

With 5,700 employees, DHS is a "massive agency" more in need of a "top-notch administrator more than a human services specialist," he said.