Comments on nuclear power

Thanks to everyone who has sent me comments regarding the nuclear power issue.  Some have sent suggestions on other means of generating electricity for Iowans, others have sent opinions.  We have been told that next week we will be having an in-depth caucus to share information with our colleagues.   Hopefully, I will have my research completed before this important meeting.

The redistricting map that was released last week continues to be a topic of conversation in the cafeteria.  Public hearings are under way in an effort to receive testimony from Iowans about the proposed map.  The Temporary Redistricting Advisory Commissioners (TRAC) will send their report to the Legislature next week, before we vote.   

Now that the first proposal has been public for a week and some public hearings have been held across the state, here is an updated time line of events related to the process:

Monday, April 11: TRAC releases a report summarizing information and testimony received at the public hearings and offers their own comments. The commission will also accept a written comment if an individual is unable to make one of the hearings or satellite locations.

Following the release of the report, the Iowa General Assembly shall not consider the proposed plan until at least three days after the TRAC report has been made public.

The plan whether accepted or rejected has to be voted on the floor.  Each chamber must pass the plan with a majority and the governor must sign in order for the plan to be adopted.

If the first plan is rejected, the LSA has to deliver a second plan within 35 days after the first plan is disapproved.  A rejection involves a vote and resolution within seven days of the rejection listing the reason why it was rejected.  The plan is not amendable.

If the second plan is rejected, the LSA has to deliver a third plan within 35 days after the first plan is disapproved.  A rejection involves a vote and resolution within seven days of the rejection listing the reason why it was rejected.  No amendments can be offered.

A third plan can be amended by either legislative body, but must pass by Sept. 1 and be signed by Governor Branstad by Sept. 15.

If those deadlines are not met, the Iowa Supreme Court will then be tasked with creating the map by Dec. 31, 2011.

These new districts will have an impact on Iowa?s representation in Congress and the future makeup of our legislative bodies.  Elections have consequences and the decisions made by this and future Legislatures will have a lasting impact for decades to come.  It will be interesting to watch the process unfold.

There is still time to contact me with FACTS surrounding Nuclear Energy or Alternatives.  Mail sent to me here at the Capitol should carry the zip code 50319 and my email address is Sandra.greiner@legis.state.ia.us.