Capitol Comments by Rep. Curt Hanson

State Rep. Curt Hanson, represents Iowa House District 82, which includes most of Jefferson County and Davis and Van Buren counties.

Small business development and entrepreneurship are valued in Iowa.

The House introduced a resolution to recognize Iowa Small Business Development Centers and honor 2013 award winners.

Since many small businesses lack the resources that larger companies have access to, ISBDC helps build business expertise for small businesses. Their services include free and confidential business counseling in 99 Iowa counties and providing low cost workshops regarding practical skills and techniques. During the past seven years, ISBDC has helped to create 11,000 jobs and helped to start more than 1,000 new businesses.

The House passed a bill and sent it to the Senate, that could further economic growth through a corn checkoff. A corn checkoff program was established under Iowa law in 1976. A portion of the sale of each bushel is collected and managed by the Iowa Corn Promotion Board, a board of Iowa farmers elected by their peers.

However, Iowa law specifies how the money will be spent. The bill could increase corn checkoff to a maximum of 3-cents per bushel after Sept. 1, 2019. It would increase only if corn growers vote for an increase through a referendum.

Currently, the corn checkoff is capped at 1-cent per bushel. This money is vital because it is used to encourage foreign buyers to invest in purchasing Iowa?s corn. It is also used to support current corn industries, to find new and innovative uses and further the education of Iowan consumers about the importance of the corn industry in Iowa.

In a meeting with representatives of the Iowa Soybean Association, our rural caucus learned of the recent research being shared with farmers that will help improve water quality, reduce soil loss and improve production.

Research is important but without good communication in both the agricultural and urban communities, progress will be slow. Three out of every four rows of soybeans produced in Iowa are exported. Clearly, this is extremely important to the economy of Iowa and the economy of our county.

A bill that reduces the training required to obtain or renew a Commercial Manure Applicator Certificate from three hours to two hours was passed.

It is my understanding that the present training is thought to be redundant. I do not favor a time requirement that may waste the time of many. In my opinion, a procedure should be developed that assures the competency of those who wish to obtain or renew a certificate for the application of manure.

The concern is that improper application or handling can result in the pollution of our waters.

We are also working toward approving a state budget.

Initiatives we are hoping to expand are growing the middle class by investing in early childhood education, improving student achievement and keeping education affordable for every family.

We should also expand job training opportunities for workers with tuition grants at community colleges to fill jobs in shortage areas.

I attended the Agriculture Leaders Dinner March 4. The dinner was attended by the governor and Secretary Northey who introduced the featured speaker, Dr. Lowell B. Catlett. Catlett spoke about the tremendous resources technology has placed at the fingertips of those in agriculture.

FFA members from all over Iowa attended this dinner, and I understand there are 14,000 members in FFA in Iowa alone.

The House approved a bill to protect Iowans from identity theft.   The Piper cousins from Davis County visited the Capitol. They spoke to me about the legislative priorities of the Iowa Automotive Recyclers. Proper recycling is important for our environment and a level playing field is necessary for businesses in the automotive recycling industry.

Iowa has recently been ranked sixth in the nation for development projects per capita by Site Selection magazine. This is a national publication dedicated to economic development and business expansion. A new survey found business leaders feel positive about Iowa?s economic outlook and stronger sales.

Please continue to contact me. I do return home each weekend and I welcome your contacts.

Contact Hanson anytime by email at curt.hanson@legis.iowa.gov or by phone at 641-919-2314.

Hanson serves on the House Agriculture and Education, Natural Resources committees, as well as the Education Appropriations Subcommittee.