Joe Bolkom - Recovery in Progress

From: joe@joebolkcom.orgTo: networker@qlaunch.comDate: Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:58:28 -0600Subject: [Joe's Networker] [SPAM] Recovery in Progress
The Networker – July 18, 2008

Recovery in Progress - Rebuild Iowa Advisory Commission Meets
Volunteers Needed for Sandbag Removal Efforts Friday and Saturday
Iowa City - Coralville Men Appointed to Statewide Recovery Panel
Improving Energy Efficiency Interim Committee
Iowa Smokefree Air Act Public Comment Period
Celebrate Our Success – Wednesday, August 20

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Recovery in Progress - Rebuild Iowa Advisory Commission Meets

The Floods of 2008 have been devastating to so many Iowa families and communities. The floods affected 340 communities and 45,000 Iowans. The recovery is well underway. I have toured many of the areas and talked to many people impacted in Johnson and Linn counties.

Yesterday I attended the first meeting of the Rebuild Iowa Advisory Commission (RIAC) meeting to discuss the state’s recovery and rebuilding efforts following recent severe storms and flooding. The commission was established by Governor Chet Culver and Lt. Governor Patty Judge.

The 15-member, bipartisan commission has created nine task forces focused on specific issues that will develop further recommendations to support a strategic recovery and rebuilding process. The commission reports to Lt. Governor Patty Judge, who is executive director of the Rebuild Iowa Office (RIO). RIO will coordinate all state recovery activities.

The commission is expected to make an initial report back to the Governor and Legislature in the next 45 days. At that point I would expect a decision to be made on when a special legislative session might occur.

One of the commission’s initial tasks will be to appoint Iowans to the nine task forces that will address specific phases of the recovery and rebuilding process in the following areas:

Housing
Infrastructure and Transportation
Economic and Workforce Development
Public Health and Health Care
Agriculture and Environment
Flood Plain Management and Hazard Mitigation
Records Retention and Management
Cultural Heritage
Long-Term Recovery Planning
Education

These task forces will ensure that Iowans have a voice in the rebuilding efforts and will provide an important step in helping Iowans recover from historic and severe flooding. This is an opportunity to serve the state of Iowa in a time of need.

I visited with Lt. Governor Patty Judge yesterday during a break at the Rebuild Iowa Advisory Commission meeting.

The commission and the Governor’s Office would appreciate your assistance in finding additional candidates for the task forces. If you or someone you know has an interest in serving on a task force, please complete the application form at http://rebuild.iowa.gov/. before Friday, July 25. For additional information about the Rebuild Iowa Office and the commission, click on the following link http://rebuild.iowa.gov/.

A couple of my top priorities will be working to secure state support for property buy-outs as well as funding to assist with restoration of public infrastructure that was damaged in the floods.

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Volunteers Needed for Sandbag Removal Efforts Friday and Saturday

The United Way of Johnson County, the City of Iowa City, and AmeriCorps will coordinate a sandbag removal project in Parkview Terrace on Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and are requesting a large number of volunteers to help remove sandbags from the neighborhood.

Volunteers need to report to the corner of Normandy and Manor Drive to sign in and receive specific work assignments. Volunteers will be removing sandbags from the floodwall and will need to wear long pants, boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes, and work gloves. Personal air filters and masks are recommended. The City of Iowa City is providing trucks for hauling and disposal of the sandbags. Snacks and water will be provided.

For more information, please call the United Way of Johnson County Volunteer Center at 319-337-VOLS (8657).

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Iowa City - Coralville Men Appointed to Statewide Recovery Panel

The Culver-Judge Administration recently announced members of the Rebuild Iowa Advisory Commission. Among them are Iowa City residents Bill Bywater, president of Economy Advertising for TruArt Color Graphics, Bill Gerhard, president of the Iowa State Building and Construction Trades Council and Coralville Mayor Jim Fawcett.

The 15-member panel, representing a wide range of Iowans, will assess the impact of this year’s tornados and flooding, recommend initial steps for recovery, and develop a long-term vision for rebuilding. The Commission will be chaired by Adjutant General Ron Dardis of the Iowa National Guard.

Throughout the process, the group will work with citizens and stakeholders at all levels of the private sector and government. For the latest on recovery efforts, go to www.flood2008.iowa.gov.

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Improving Energy Efficiency Interim Committee

Iowa families have saved hundreds of millions of dollars thanks to the legislation that requires Iowa utilities to work with customers to improve energy efficiency. It’s now time to review this effort and see how we can improve it.

Over the next several months, I’ll be a part of the Efficiency Plans & Programs Study Committee, which will examine the energy efficiency plans and programs implemented by Iowa’s gas and electric public utilities. The cost of fuel is unlikely to go down so using energy more efficiently is our best bet.

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Iowa Smokefree Air Act Public Comment Period

On July 1 virtually all Iowa workplaces became smoke free. There will be a series of public comment periods around the state on the administrative rules that will implement this new law.

An ICN public comment meeting will take place in Iowa City on Wednesday, August 20, 9:30-11:30 am at the Iowa City Public Library, 123 South Linn Street, Meeting Room D.

All members of the public are welcome to attend.
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Celebrate Our Success – Wednesday, August 20

Thanks to the last two years of a Democratic majority in the Iowa Senate, I’m no longer spending most of my time fighting bad ideas. Here are a few of my favorite accomplishments over the past two sessions.

A statewide educational revival, starting with funding increases at all levels,
from pre-school to local schools to community colleges to our public universities.

The beginning of health care coverage for all Iowans, beginning with all Iowa kids within
three years.

The end of 300 percent interest car title loans in Iowa.

Basic civil rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation.

Please join me to celebrate these victories with a party at my home on Wednesday, August 20, 5:00 – 6:30 pm. We will also be raising money to strengthen the Democratic majority in the Iowa Senate, the majority that is successfully turning your ideas into law.

My special guest will be Senate President Jack Kibbie of Emmetsburg. He is a good friend of mine and one of the most progressive leaders in Iowa. Jack’s lifelong commitment to working families and to educational opportunity is another good reason to celebrate.

Everyone is welcome.

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How to Contact Me

Joe Bolkcom
728 2nd Avenue
Iowa City, IA 52245
319.337.6280
joe@joebolkcom.org
www.joebolkcom.org
www.iowasenatedemocrats.org
www.legis.state.ia.us

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About The Networker

The Networker provides brief summaries of some of the things that I am working on, work of the General Assembly, as well as political perspectives on issues. I also use it to announce meetings and share information about where to find useful information about state government. If you would like to be removed from this list, please let me know. If you know someone that might like to receive The Networker send her or him my way.