Lawmakers end gridlock with some wins and concessions

By Quad-City Times

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Iowans awoke today for the first time in 25 weeks when their legislature was not in session, a suitable milestone for a general assembly largely noteworthy for what didn't happen.

Lawmakers spent days gridlocked on the fate of a handful of poor Iowa women who might conceive as the result of rape or incest. Amazingly, lawmakers wound up leaving these women alone, allowing the women to decide for themselves whether to continue the pregnancy. Federal funds still can be used to help any impoverished women who choose to end the pregnancy.

On the final day of a long session, Democrats and Republicans did agree on a statement every Iowan would have agreed to the first day of the session: “Iowans support reducing the number of abortions performed in our state.”

That noble goal might actually have been achievable if lawmakers bolstered foster care services, family planning funding and sex education. But all they agreed upon was the statement.

In the meantime, the legislature failed to find any tax relief for businesses. And they stiffed Iowa school kids next year, even though the state undoubtedly will end the next fiscal year in the black.

Ugh.

Lawmakers wisely did spend $215 million to compensate local governments for previous state cuts and $31 million to provide mental health funding that should provide immediate help to mentally ill Iowans on waiting lists. That one-time funding also eases some county budgets. Full-fledged reform of Iowa's clumsy mental health funding system will have to wait for another session.

Legislative reapportionment is a clear victory. Iowans made quick and fair work of a decennial duty that is cobbled by politics in Illinois and some other states.

We're heartened to see lawmakers support Gov. Terry Branstad's new economic development partnerships that should foster more of the regional collaborative growth demonstrated in the Quad-Cities.

From an Iowa perspective, this might be a ho-hum session. From a Midwest perspective, Iowans can be proud.

Unlike Minnesota, Iowa government won't shut down. Unlike Wisconsin, lawmakers and the governor didn't insult and alienate every single resident who chose a career in state service. And unlike Illinois, Iowa will see a cash surplus without a tax increase.

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