Capitol Notebook: Lawmaker seeks audit of Iowa Veterans Home over staffing cuts

A Democratic state lawmaker from Marshalltown has called for an audit of the Iowa Veterans Home following the recent, unexpected layoffs of 11 full-time staff there.

State Rep. Sue Cahill sent a letter Tuesday to State Auditor Rob Sand requesting the audit “to ensure that the Iowa Veterans Home meets the highest standards of care and transparency.”

  Buy Photo

Staff at the state-run home in Marshalltown were informed last month of a “restructuring” that resulted in 11 positions being eliminated and four fill-time staff reduced to part-time effective Aug. 15. While positions were eliminated, other roles were either created or reclassified to put more staff in a direct care role and provide more efficient and responsive support for residents, Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs Communications Specialist Karl Lettow told The Gazette.

“Our new structure is built to improve service delivery for our residents,” Lettow said in a statement. “ … In the end, the vast majority of the affected staff filled the new positions created by the realignment and three were promoted. Three others will pursue other opportunities, but IVH currently has multiple open positions available.”

Cahill contends the cuts were made without input from the Iowa Legislature, and despite an additional $1 million in state funding.

She said most of the positions eliminated worked directly with residents in recreational services, and that the cuts conflict with the Veterans Home's mission to “provide a continuum of care to Iowa’s veterans and their spouses in an environment focusing on individualized services to enhance their quality of life.”

In her letter, Cahill requested Sand’s office conduct the audit to ensure veterans receive the care and respect they deserve. Lettow called Cahill’s assertion that the changes undermine the quality of care of veterans “objectively, verifiably false.”

“Our realignment is already proving to enhance our service delivery and quality of care,” he said. “Providing more than 30 staff supporting activities, direct interaction with residents has actually increased.”

Sand, a Democrat, said his office will review Cahill’s request “and make a determination on how we might move forward to ensure Iowa’s veterans receive the highest level of care and tax dollars are spent as intended and consistent with the law.”

Iowa participates in human trafficking operation

Iowa law enforcement and service providers joined others from across the country last week as part of a multistate effort to combat human trafficking.

The Aug. 22 operation, named “Coast to Coast,” involved officials from 12 states working to identify and provide services to trafficking victims, and arresting traffickers.

The following Iowa agencies assisted in the operation:

Department of Public Safety (including the Iowa State Patrol and the Division of Intelligence & Fusion Center, Division of Criminal Investigation, and Division of Narcotics Enforcement); Ames Police Department; Ankeny Police Department; Bettendorf Police Department; Burlington Police Department; Cedar Rapids Police Department; Clinton Police Department; Davenport Police Department; Des Moines Police Department; MINE Task Force; Ottumwa Police Department; Polk County Sheriff’s Office; Scott County Sheriff’s Office; Wapello County Sheriff’s Office; West Des Moines Police Department; and prosecutors with the Polk County Attorney’s Office, Scott County Attorney's Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Private organizations also assisted, including the Human Trafficking Training Center, Safe House Project and Nurses Against Trafficking, according to a news release.

Dorothy's House, Chains Interrupted and Polk County Crisis and Advocacy Services provided services to victims in the Iowa operation. Seventeen adult were contacted and offered food, lodging, medical services, drug rehabilitation, counseling/therapy and child care, according to the release. Seven adults were contacted, detained or identified during the operation, according to the Iowa Department of Public Safety.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety said further details could not be released as investigations are ongoing.

Iowa AG issues back-to-school safety tips

  Buy Photo

With students back in the classroom, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird reminded Iowans of laws to keep school kids safe.

Never pass a stopped school bus: Violations may result in a fine and driver’s license suspension. If the bus’ yellow lights start flashing, it means the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Drivers approaching a parked school bus must come to a complete stop at least 15 feet away. Drivers may proceed only when the bus’ red lights stop flashing and its stop arm is lifted.

Follow school driving permit rules: Students driving with a permit must follow travel restrictions for driving to and from school or school activities from home. School activities must be in the school district the student is enrolled in. Students can drive at any time when accompanied by an adult, but may drive without an adult only from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Students must take the most direct route to and from school, but they may stop to refuel their vehicle at the nearest gas station on the route.

Watch for your speed on and around school grounds: Speeding is a major cause of school-related crashes. The posted speed limit on school grounds is typically 15 mph, and speed limits also are reduced on nearby roads during school hours.

Be aware of surroundings: Students who walk or bike to school should be aware of traffic and other hazards. Students and parents should look both ways before crossing the street and use designated crosswalks whenever possible. Do not enter the street from between parked cars.

Tell authorities if you see something suspicious: Any suspicious activity should be reported immediately to school and local law enforcement. This includes if a stranger approaches a child at school or school activities and if suspicious packages or vehicles are identified on school grounds.