Iowans could take time off work to participate in presidential precinct caucus

DES MOINES - Iowans would be able to take unpaid time off from work to attend a presidential precinct caucus under a bill that cleared a Senate subcommittee today.

Under Senate Study Bill 1062, employees would be able to make written applications with their employer to take up to four hours off beginning one hour prior to the start of the precinct caucus without incurring any penalty or pay deduction. The bill required a 72-hour advance notice, but backers agreed to consider a proposed change by a business organization that the notice requirement be 30 days ahead of time to avoid disruptions for manufacturers or other employers.

The bill, which passed subcommittee 2-1 and now heads to the full Senate State Government Committee, provides that the requirement to allow time off would not apply to positions that affect the protection of public health or safety and would not apply to entities that would experience severe economic disruption due to an employee's absence.

Proponents said the proposal would assist in Iowa's effort to expand participation in precinct caucuses held the same evening by both major political parties to help preserve the state's first-in-the-nation position in the presidential nominating process.

'We want citizens engaged,” said Ken Sagar, leader of the Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO.

Ben Foecke of the Iowa Democratic Party said efforts are underway to provide satellite connections to allow participation by Iowa soldiers serving outside of Iowa and people living in nursing homes to address concerns raised about access in past caucuses. He noted that other states are competing to take over the leadoff position in the presidential selection process so provisions of SSB 1062 would help stave off those efforts.

Sen. David Johnson, R-Ocheyedan, declined to support the measure Tuesday, saying he needed more time to study the bill and its ramification for employers.