2012 SPRING KICKOFF A HUGE SUCCESS!

The12th Annual Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition Spring Kickoff was attended by around 500 activists from all over the state.  In addition, Sen. Grassley, Cong. Tom Latham, Cong. Steve King, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, Sec. of State Matt Schultz and Ralph Reed were also in attendance.  Several state legislators, city and county officials and candidates were also a part of this great event.

Our keynote speaker, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Kentucky), made it clear that our country has a spiritual crisis on its hands and that a spiritual revival is needed to turn the direction of our country around.  The senator also spoke of his strong support of human life–from conception to natural death.  He also took note of his support for the role of traditional marriage and his criticism of President Obama on his so-called evolution on same sex marriage.

It was quite evident that the activists in attendance were motivated to do their part leading to the November 6th elections.  The Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition laid out its exciting plans for getting activists involved in specific projects in this election year.

Voter guide distribution and door to door campaigning in competitive state legislative races were emphasized as ways to make a positive difference. The exciting VoterTrak program was laid out by Ralph Reed, which is a very sophisticated program that targets conservatives in competitive congressional and state legislative races.

These are all projects that the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition will need to fund, as well as keeping our phenomenal lobbyists, Norm Pawlewski, working for us on the Hill.  With that in mind, I strongly urge you to be part of our volunteer and financial support network.  I ask you to sign up now to volunteer by  emailing webmaster@ffciowa.com with your interest.

I would also urge you to make the most generous contribution that you can to these critical programs.  You can write a check to the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition and send it to 939 Office Park Road Suite 115 West Des Moines, IA 50265.

Sincerely,

Steve Scheffler

President, Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition

See our Facebook page for additional images from the event! http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.424524217565810.101565.172788926072675&type=1

Iowa Prayer Breakfast

The Iowa Prayer Breakfast Committee
Cordially Invites You To
The Fifty-First Annual

Iowa
Prayer Breakfast

with
State and Community Leaders

Thursday, April 5, 2012
7:15 – 8:45 A.M.

Des Moines Hall of Cities
3rd Floor
Downtown Des Moines Marriott
700 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa

Guest Speaker:

Don Piper
90 Minutes in Heaven–
A Testimony of Hope and Healing

R.S.V.P by End of Day March 28, 2012

No tickets; Reservations at the door from 6:45 A.M. when seating begins.
For best seating, please come early.
Reservations in Advance Strongly Recommended

Students – $10.00 per person
Adults – $20.00 per person

For breakfast registration information or questions call
515-210-2831 or www.iowaprayerbreakfast.com.

—————————————–

The Iowa Prayer Breakfast

Student Seminar

Wednesday,
April 4, 2012
7:30 – 9:00 P.M.

RSVP to dturnball@fca.org by April 2, 2012

Auditorium
Iowa State Historical Building

600 East Locust
Des Moines, Iowa

IFFC Statement on GOP Presidential Endorsement

BREAKING: Iowa
FFC Statement on GOP Presidential Endorsement

November 30, 2011

You may have seen recent news reports ( http://caucuses.desmoinesregister.com/2011/11/27/iowas-social-conservatives-mull-unified-endorsement/) about the efforts by conservative leaders in Iowa to come to some general
consensus about the who should be the GOP nominee to face off against President
Obama next November. I was invited to attend an initial meeting and did so
because our greatest hope is to restore America’s greatness and founding
principles and we believe that changing the occupant of the White House is a
major step towards setting our country back on the path towards conservative
values.

Soon after that meeting, I told Jason Noble of the Des Moines Register that the Iowa Faith
& Freedom Coalition would not endorse a candidate. I believe that it is the
role of our members and supporters to endorse the candidate of their choice.
There are many strong conservative candidates running and while none of them
are perfect, our October 22nd Banquet highlighted for me just how blessed we
are to have so many strong pro-life, pro-family, pro-national security and
pro-freedom candidates running for the GOP nomination.

I will continue to reach out to and encourage all of the campaigns to speak a bold conservative
message that unites values voters, economic conservatives and national security
hawks.

Steve Scheffler,
President, Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition

Presidential Forum Now Available on CSPAN

A big thank you to all of our faithful supporters that made our Presidential Forum a great success.   On October 22 we were honored by the presence of 6  of the folks who are competing for your vote on January 3rd at the first in the nation Iowa Primaries!  View pictures of our event at: http://ffciowamedia.com/events/2011-fall-presidential-forum

If you were unable to attend you will want to see what these candidates say on CSPAN.   http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/302136-1

 

October 22, 2011 Presidential Forum at the State Fairgrounds

DES MOINES HOUSE PARTY FEATURING TIM PAWLENTY PACKED OUT!

The Iowa Faith & Freedom held another one of its ongoing series of house parties featuring different presidential candidates this past Monday evening.  Our guest
this time was Gov. Tim Pawlenty. We sincerely appreciate the hospitality of Jim and Rhonda Dilley in hosting this house party in their home. The event was
packed out to capacity!

Gov. Pawlenty gave his vision for limited government and the need to return America to its greatness that the Founders laid down more than 200 years ago. He also laid out
his positions on critical issues of the day. In addition, he reminded attendees that America must remember the admonition of II Chronicles, calling God’s
people to repentance as a step towards healing our land.

Gopal Krishna, Vice-President, was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening, and as usual, provided attendees with his keen sense of humor. We were honored to have
Congressman Tom Latham in attendance. In addition, State Representative’s Julian Garrett and Chris Hagenow were in attendance and re-capped the results
of the recently concluded Iowa State Legislature.

Steve Scheffler, President, re-capped the positive results from the election cycle—distribution of a record number of voter guides, turning out the pro-family vote in 8 of the
most competitive state legislative races, and the VoterTrak program. Steve stressed the need to have activists actively involved in the most competitive State Senate races in 2012 (many pro-family pieces of pro-life, pro-family pieces of legislation were passed in the House and then were “dead on arrival” in the Senate).

Attendees were encouraged to attend the Iowa Straw Poll on Saturday—the first big test for presidential candidates—their first test of organizational strength leading up
to the Iowa Caucuses.  Good food, good fellowship and vetting of presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty were enjoyed by all.

Iowa FFC On the Move: Hosts Packed House Parties with Rep. Bachmann

By Steve Scheffler

In an ongoing invitation to presidential candidates crisscrossing Iowa, Congresswoman Michele Bachmann highlighted gatherings in both Dubuque and Cedar Rapids Monday evening.  The Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition will not be endorsing any presidential candidate.  However, we believe it is critical that pro-family Iowans have the opportunity to visit with all the candidates—ask them the “tough” questions—and then make a judgment who earns their support in the 2012 Iowa Caucuses.  We are seeing most of these candidates crisscrossing Iowa now in a mad dash to perform well in the Iowa Straw Poll, slated for August 13th in Ames.

 

Over 100 people packed the home of Ron and Becky Herrig in Dubuque to visit with and hear the vision for a Bachmann presidency.  Upwards of 150 people filled the back yard of Bob and Patti Klaus in Cedar Rapids later in the evening.

Michele Bachmann was accompanied by her husband, Marcus.  She recapped her youth in Iowa and her appreciation for the values that she learned here.  Ms. Bachmann also touched on how important her faith was in developing her value system.  Issues ranging from foreign policy (including defending Israel), to the sanctity of marriage to the “life” issue, to the debt limit now being debated in Washington, to the sad state of our educational system, and other subjects were touched on.

In both cities—attendees posed some really great questions.  The congresswoman answered all the questions posed to her very directly.

I want to thank Ron and Becky Herrig in Dubuque and Bob and Patti Klaus in Cedar Rapids for being so generous in opening up their homes to host these two house parties.  Our appreciation also goes out to them for providing refreshments for all the guests.  These faithful supporters of IFFC are indeed appreciated!

Steve Scheffler

President,  Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition

LeRoy Carhart: A Legislative Response

      

By Dan Boddicker

The timing of “Dr.” LeRoy Carhart’s announcement of his intentions to put a late term abortion clinic in Council Bluffs after the November 2 elections was wise. The abortion issue has pretty much been off the radar screen since the election of Chet Culver in 2006. This election cycle primarily focused on fiscal policy and social policy was dominated only by the judicial retention vote.

Carhart’s plans to move his abortion business from an Omaha suburb to Council Bluffs present some interesting challenges for the pro-life community eager to stop him, and Senator Mike Gronstal may find yet another prominent social issue sitting firmly in his lap, one that could alienate him and his declining caucus even more from the voters of Iowa.

The reason for Carhart’s move to Iowa is due to recent laws passed by Nebraska’s legislature, which ban elective abortions after 20 weeks, citing the scientific fact that a baby’s nervous system is sufficiently developed to feel the pain of being dismembered, chemically burned or getting scissors shoved into the back of its skull. A law like this is bad for business, or so says Carhart.  Carhart claims late term abortions make up the majority of his business.

So how does Iowa respond? We already tolerate a city with the highest per capita abortion rate in America. Do we want a late term abortionist like LeRoy Carhart here? The sad fact of the matter is that, if there was no market for his grisly services, he wouldn’t be coming to Iowa. So while we work to stop him, we must also work to stop the demand for his “services.”
There are several options that the legislature, the Branstad administration, and the pro-life groups can pursue to thwart Carhart’s plans. They must work together if they hope for success.

Legislatively, the House can pass a bill making Iowa’s abortion laws like Nebraska’s.  The bill should be brought up and passed as quickly as possible and sent over to the Senate.  Senate Republicans should make this issue, along with the marriage amendment issue, their top two social-issue priorities. While they are working to bolster the House Republicans, efforts to cut and control spending, they need to get these social issues up for a vote. The closer Carhart gets to his ribbon cutting, the more pressure needs to be put on Gronstal to keep this menace out of his back yard. And like the Marriage Amendment, this issue is the one where senate tradition needs to be thrown out the window.

Rules exist for a reason, and it is high time that the written and adopted rules of the Senate prevail over the “good ol’ boy” agreement that has existed for decades not to use them.

Perhaps along with the post 20-week ban legislation, it’s time to revive “A-Woman’s-Right-To-Know” legislation. Those who are for “choice” should have no problem with “informed choice”, right?

Regulatory solutions may include the Certificate Of Need (CON) process.  Whether or not Carhart’s type of facility falls under the CON process will depend on what equipment Carhart will require in his facility and whether his activities are considered outpatient surgery.  If it does, then pressure needs to be put on the Department Of Public Health (DPH),and state health facilities panel to make sure that all the requirements are met and that the community actually has a need to have its unborn babies over 20 weeks killed. Governor Branstad must step up and make sure that his DPH Director makes sure that the law is followed.

The Appropriations process may also provide some opportunities to slow down or stop Carhart’s efforts. Perhaps this issue can be used to finally de-fund Planned Parenthood and any other facility that provides abortions or referrals. Most Iowans don’t want their tax dollars funding abortions and never have.   Funds could be directed to crisis pregnancy clinics to provide for ultrasound equipment so that these girls and women can see the life that is in them. Then they can make an educated choice, something that the abortion industry and abortion rights advocates fear the most.

Whatever the legislature does, it is time for the sleeping giant to reawaken and get the attention of the legislature. The lobbying muscles of the pro-life community that existed back in the 90’s have gotten flabby, and the knowledge of how to do grassroots lobbying has become foggy. It’s time for Iowa Right to Life, the Iowa Catholic Conference, the Iowa Christian Alliance, and the other pro-life and conservative groups to step up and fight for our unborn children.

Dan Boddicker is a former Iowa State Representative from Tipton, Iowa.  Boddicker served as the chairman of the House Human Resources committee.

WE THE PEOPLE TO IOWA SUPREME COURT JUDGES

COMMENTARY -Norm Pawlewski

November 3, 2010

TURN IN YOUR ROBES – YOU’RE FIRED              

               According to Rekha Basu in her column this morning, “Justice not served by vengeful ousters,” Rekha, as usual, still doesn’t get it.  Almost a half million Iowans voted to deny retention to three Supreme Court justices, not out of any need for vengeance, but a need to restore the balance of power as provided in their constitution.  The constitution ultimately belongs to all the people.  Like Rekha, the justices either never appreciated that principle or forgot. 

            The losers— the elitists, the lawyers, the progressive left are, as expected, spinning their rejection by the voters as a hissy fit, a tantrum.   Frankly, this is stupidity on their part.  Rekha says, “Now, in a subversion of the judicial retention vote, a band of misguided activists look to have punished the justices……”  She says also, “But because of a vengeful vote, that seemed all but certain at press time, judges now have to worry about the payback with every controversial ruling they make.”  No Rekha, they only have to worry about controversial rulings that exceed their mandate, defy civility, create rights where they are unwarranted and/or non-existent and act like they are a law unto themselves. 

            One more quote from Rekha’s article:  “The issue is, are the judges qualified to be on the bench?  The vote –no people’s actions are at best arbitrary and at worst retaliatory.”  This from a Sioux City attorney who served in three of Bob Vander Plaats’ gubernatorial campaigns before breaking with him on the judge retention issue. 

            When the sore losers start to whine about vengeful voters, out-of-state money, out-of state-activists, etc., remind them that almost one-half million Iowa voters voted to deny retention to these three judges, but allowed dozens more to keep their jobs.  Your decision, whether you voted yes or no, was made after a considerable amount of discussion and debate.  If anything, the main street media, like the Des Moines Register, went overboard to support retention.  Every editorial and most guest columns were skewed toward retention.  They did everything they could to frame the issue as one of guaranteeing judicial impartiality and keeping politics out of the courts.  Every one of these judges was a political appointee.  One article in the Register, “A question of BALANCE,” Thursday, October 28^th, made it clear that the current system is controlled by Democrats, for Democrats. 

            Now that we the people have their attention, we need to work through the Legislature and our new governor to straighten out the imbalance in the judicial nominating and appointment process.  That’s why I said in my last commentary on this issue, “This is not the end of the issue of dealing with Iowa’s activist judges.  It is the beginning.” 

SOME OTHER BIG WINS FOR THE PEOPLE

            There were a few disappointments yesterday.  I wanted Brenna Findley to be Attorney General and Brad Zaun to represent the 3^rd Congressional District in Washington.  I also thought David Jamison would be a great State Treasurer.  And I wanted David Funk to shake up the Polk County Board of Supervisors. 

            But there were some real big wins.  Kent Sorenson, who endured the most negative, unfair and downright disgusting campaign ads, won.  Kent, who came to Christ about ten years ago, was savaged by Sen. Staci Appel (wife of Supreme Court Justice Brent Appel) for his life before Christ.  Kent takes seriously Galatians 2:20~~”I have been crucified with Christ.  It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me, and the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.”  And Romans 12:2~~”Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”  That’s how Kent has tried to live his life since coming to Christ.  Fortunately, his neighbors and the residents of Senate District 37 saw this in him and gave Mrs. Appel a whipping.  Kent won by almost 5,000 votes, 59% to her 41%.  Bye Bye Staci.

            Another big win (if it holds, because it’s close) Kim Pearson, attorney, home-schooler Mom and tea party activist, beat seven-term incumbent, Geri Huser, for House District 42.  The last report I saw had Kim up by less than 200 votes.  Geri Huser tried to tout her blue dog Democrat credentials during the last few days before the vote.  It seems not to have worked. 

            I will say more soon in another commentary after we have had a chance to look at complete results.  But congratulations are in order for Joel Fry for beating Mike Reasoner, to Bill Anderson taking an open Republican Senate seat and Rick Bertrand for filling an open Democrat Senate seat.

From the Capitol

Norm Pawlewski – Lobbyist

April 13, 2012

Whole Women’s Health Priority Amendment  

H-8213 which prioritizes family planning funds to health care entities that can best provide comprehensive health care to women may come up for a vote in the Iowa House the week of April 16^th.

We urge you to contact your House member to urge their support of Rep. Annette Sweeney’s amendment to the Health and Human Services (HHS) Appropriation bill, HF 2435.

The Senate took up their version of the HHS Appropriation this past week.  Sen. David Johnson (R) introduced two amendments that would have denied funds to abortion providers.  Each of them failed on an almost straight party-line vote.  Sen. Joe Seng (D), who is challenging Congressman Dave Loebsack in a Second District Primary as a pro-life Democrat, voted with Republican senators in favor of the amendments. It was no surprise that the Sen. Mike Gronstal, Sen. Jack Kibbie controlled Senate denied any pro-life language from inclusion in their bill.  The Senate bill now goes to the House which can: take up the Senate bill, amending it to include the Whole Women’s Health Priority language, or ignore the Senate bill and take up HF 2435 after passing H-8213, the Sweeney amendment.

Which course of action the House will take is open to conjecture, and will be decided by the Republican Caucus.

We believe including the language of the Whole Women’s Health Priority Amendment will reduce the number of taxpayer funded abortions.  It will not prevent the funding of abortions that qualify under the Hyde Amendment.  That is not a good thing, but it is something we are powerless to prevent.  No one in the pro-life community supports any abortions.  Life begins at fertilization, period, and all life is precious and deserving of protection and nurture.

I noticed a bit of irony, if not hypocrisy, during the debate on the HHS appropriation bill in the Senate.  Sen. Tod Bowman (D) of Maquoketa was arguing for more funding for smoking cessation programs to save lives. Just prior to his remarks he voted against both of Sen. Johnson’s amendments which would have saved many lives.  I guess saving lives by discouraging smoking is more important than saving lives by discouraging abortions.

A Faux Pro-Life Organization?  

Faux – a French word for false, not genuine or real – being an imitation of the genuine article.

If you are a regular reader of my reports, you would know that I don’t criticize organizations or individuals that claim a pro-life perspective, even though we may differ in our methodology or objectives in saving the unborn.  But for the past year I have noticed one organization whose tactics are, to say the least, less than Christian and more beneficial to the pro-choice crowd than to the pro-life organizations with which they should be working.

Let me differentiate Iowa Pro-Life Action from the Pro-Life Action League.  The “League” was founded, according to their web-site, in 1980 by Joseph M. Scheidler “with the aim of saving unborn children through non-violent direct action.” If you are interested, you may learn all about the Pro-Life Action League and the people who direct its activities by going to their web pages.

Iowa Pro-Life Action (IPLA), however, provides little information about itself or the people who direct their activities beyond the fact that they were founded in 2011 and that they will sell you a T-shirt.  They are not registered as a lobbying organization with the House, Senate or Administrative Agencies.  They do not have a person identified as their registered lobbyist, nor have they declared a position on any bill before the Legislature.  They do not identify a Board of Directors or an Executive Director or any person or group responsible for their activities or fiscal accountability.

They have not participated in Forty Days for Life, the Prayer for Life at the Capitol, or any other pro-life activity or demonstration.  They have not met with or strategized with established local statewide or national organizations (to the best of my knowledge).

They believe we have been doing it wrong for over 30 years, that we have failed to save any lives, and that they have a better plan.  I’m still waiting to see what that plan is. As far as I can tell from their web-site and listening to people who say they support or endorse IPLA, there is a lot of smoke but not much fire.  They seem to exist to raise MONEY and raise H_LL, not with abortion providers and supporters, but pro-life legislators and the people who do what they can to protect the unborn and save as many lives as is possible in the culture of death in which we now live.

The IPLA’s most recent attack of Rep. Matt Windschitl’s pro-life efforts prompted me to include this report on what I have come to believe is a faux pro-life organization.  I have a great deal of respect for this young legislator who from his first campaign for a House seat has unashamedly and without reservation fought for the unborn.  I will not go into detail about what they said or to whom it was said.  That would give them the visibility they seek by the vicious, inappropriate and untrue charges they make against true pro-life warriors.

Knowing their tactics, vitriol and the spiritual superiority they claim for themselves, I fully expect them to not take kindly to this report and attack me.  I would just caution them, I have not squeezed off all the rounds in my magazine.

~~And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another and all the more as we see the day drawing near.~~Heb. 10:24-25

From the Capitol

Norm Pawlewski – Lobbyist

March 28, 2012

Legislature’s Black Hole

The Iowa House has worked hard to pass priority legislation this session, only to have it disappear into Mighty Mike’s (Gronstal) black hole.  The session is scheduled to end on April 17^th.   Hopefully, the Senate will at least pass a budget.   It will also have to pass out an education reform bill, if one is to be enacted this session.   The House version that was, at most, acceptable to the education community, died in that chamber.

Gas Tax and Traffic Camera Ban

It appears that the gasoline tax increase will die for lack of support in the House, and the traffic camera ban will die for lack of support in the Senate.

We were opposed to the gas tax increase, not in principle, since we agree that road and bridge repair is needed, but because of timing and the belief that there are sufficient tax revenues available.  They are just being misspent in other areas.

We favored the traffic camera ban, not because we opposed traffic safety but because we believe they are privacy intrusive and are purposely designed to raise revenue, not only for the municipalities that install them but the private companies that sell them and get a percentage of the take.  That’s just wrong, just as the proliferation of cameras everywhere to watch our every move is wrong.  Public safety is one thing; onerous surveillance is another.

Internet Poker

Although the Internet Poker bill passed the Senate with the help of seven Republicans, the bill doesn’t appear to have support in the House and is, therefore, dead for this session.  The increased gambling revenues and supposed protection of “Iowans who are doing it anyway” are not sufficient justification for the state to become more deeply involved in an activity that, for some, becomes personally destructive.  We hope this issue is not only dead for this session, but for the future as well.

We understand that whether to gamble or not is a personal choice, but believe the state should only regulate it for the protection of its citizens, and not profit from it.

Whole Women’s Health Funding Priority Act

H-8213 is an amendment to HF-2435, the Iowa Health and Human Services appropriations bill.  The amendment introduced by Rep. Annette Sweeney (R) prioritizes family planning funds to health care entities that can best provide comprehensive health care to women.

The legislation does not cut family planning funding by a single cent; instead it ensures funding is provided on a priority basis to health care entities that offer the full range of primary care services to women, not just reproductive care.

It is a proven fact that “abortion providers” like Planned Parenthood provide only rudimentary health services to their clientele and are not staffed, equipped, or trained to provide the broader range of services young women of reproductive age are entitled to receive.  Of course, Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers are furious that someone is challenging their “right” to receive taxpayer funds to help keep them in business to exploit young women in need of primary health care that may not be related to their sex lives.

Although abortion providers claim they do not use these funds to enhance the abortion profit center of their balance sheet, the facts prove otherwise.  When Texas redirected family planning funds as this amendment proposes, more than a dozen Planned Parenthood clinics closed their doors.  The women who frequented those clinics began receiving more appropriate and a wider range of health care emphasizing counseling, screening, and early detection of leading causes of morbidity and mortality, including diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular and renal diseases and asthma.  Abortion providers do not and cannot provide the services that public hospitals, federally qualified health centers and like agencies can and do provide.  If our tax dollars are going to be spent for these services, then they should be allocated to providers best suited to provide them.

When you support H-8213, you not only ensure that young, Iowa women will receive a higher level of health care, you provide additional support for your local hospital and primary care providers who are struggling to stay viable in one of the most challenging health care environments they have faced in recent history.  They need these funds more desperately than the abortion providers who make obscene profits rendering an obscene service.

Ask your legislator to support the “Whole Woman’s Health Funding Priority Act.”  Don’t believe the lie that by doing so you are denying young women the health care they need.  The exact opposite is the truth.

~Romans 12:2  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good, and acceptable and perfect.~

~Romans 12:21  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.~

From the Capitol

Norm Pawlewski – Lobbyist

March 9, 2012

Planned Parenthood Medicaid Funding Challenge

A coalition of pro-life organizations has proposed an amendment to the Health and Human Services budget bill that would re-direct family planning funds to health care entities that can best provide comprehensive health care to women. The amendment disallows abortion providers, or those affiliated with abortion providers, from receiving taxpayer dollars, to ensure separation of public funds from any program or entity that uses abortion as a means of family planning.

The Family Leader, Iowa Right to Life Committee, Iowans for Life, Americans United for Life, and the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition have been working with Rep. Annette Sweeney (R) of Alden and other Republican House members to get the amendment introduced. Its adoption would greatly benefit low-income women in need of health services.

Planned Parenthood claims they are the “provider of last resorts” for poor women needing reproductive health care and health screening. They greatly exaggerate their contribution to the health care needs of these women. They hand out birth control pills, condoms, and perform abortions. They have one physician to address the health care needs of these women, and she is their sole provider of webcam abortions for twenty or more locations. For their efforts they get between six and seven million dollars from the Medicaid Program each and every year. These services would be best provided by such public entities as health departments, non-public hospitals, Federally Qualified Health Centers, rural health clinics, and non-public health providers that can provide primary “Whole Woman” care.

Should our efforts result in an amendment on the House version of the Appropriations bill, we will provide you with more information you can use to promote it with your legislators.

Prayer for Life 2012

I have mixed feelings about this year’s Prayer for Life at the Capitol. This year, as in previous years, I was disappointed with the turnout. I would guess that about two or three hundred pro-lifers showed up. It should be thousands. But lack of quantity was somewhat compensated for by quality. It was good to see that many of the pro-life warriors we have seen for decades are still in the fight. Some came from as far away from the Capitol as Dubuque, Council Bluffs, and Sioux City. About ten state representatives and at least one senator were there to address the assemblage, as well as Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds.

The show was stolen, however, by a group of young people from Joshua Christian Academy. I didn’t count them. I was too busy being awed by their discipline, enthusiasm, and recitation of scripture, parts of the Declaration of Independence, and the U.S. Constitution. Led by Mrs. Chris Hurley, who stood behind the children, the inspiring performance was all theirs – those young faces beaming with pride and confidence. I don’t know exactly how long they spoke, but it was long enough and good enough to warrant a standing ovation by all who were blessed by their presentation. Pastor Keith Ratliff of Maple Street Baptist Church, which created Joshua Christian Academy in 2009, should be exceedingly proud of these little ones. Everyone (teachers, board members, patrons, and parents) should be proud of giving these children the opportunity to reach for and attain their God-given potential.

If you are inclined to help this school and the children, go to their website to find out how.

Congressman Dave Loebsack Primary Challenge

Sen. Joe Seng (D) of Davenport is challenging Congressman Dave Loebsack for the District 2 spot on the Democrat ticket. Joe is a Catholic, a veterinarian by profession, and a long time pro-lifer. I have known him for decades. Many times he has told me that as a veterinarian he has seen death up close; it sickens him to see an animal die. How much more sickening is the death of a baby. He told me he is running as a pro-life Democrat. The attempt by the president to force funding contraception and abortion on the Catholic Church was the last straw for Joe. He is getting a lot of heat from his own party because of his challenge to Loebsack’s candidacy. If you would rather see two pro-life candidates face off in House District 2, help Joe in his primary.

Traffic Cams and Gas Taxes

Both issues are still alive in the Legislature. But as suspected, both face stiff opposition. The municipalities that consider traffic cams a “cash cow” are lobbying hard to keep the largesse flowing. The Farm Bureau and related farm business organizations are pushing hard to get the gas tax bills on the books, and they are making progress.

If you are for the traffic cam ban and opposed to the gas tax hike, you need to talk to your legislator. The other side is.

Two resolutions, HR123 in the House and SR114 in the Senate, have been introduced. These resolutions are a statement of support for “A Free, Independent, and Secure Israel.”

Leadership in the House has voiced support for HR123, which was introduced by Rep. Betty DeBoef (R) of What Cheer. Sen. Mike Gronstal (D) has told Sen. Brad Zaun (R) of Urbandale, who introduced SR114, that he will not move the resolution forward. Sen. Gronstal will again abuse his power as Senate Majority Leader to keep an important issue from being debated. IFFC supports and has registered in favor of both of these resolutions. We will work to get them considered by both chambers.

~Psalm 31:24 Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord.~

 

From the Capitol

Norm Pawlewski – Lobbyist
February 17, 2012

GAS TAX INCREASE – SENATE – HOUSE

SSB 3141 introduced by Sen. Tom Rielly (D) of Oskaloosa, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, passed out of that committee on a 11-2 vote. Three Republicans joined eight Democrats to raise the tax on gasoline by 10 cents a gallon by Jan. 1, 2014. Sen. Joni Ernst (R), Sen. Hubert Houser (R), and Sen. Tim Kapucian (R) voted for SSB 3241. Sen. Brad Zaun (R) and Sen. Jim Hahn (R) voted no. Why these three Republicans voted for the bill, only they can answer. It could have passed out of committee without their votes.

HSB 547 introduced by Rep. Dave Tjepkes of Gowrie, chair of the House Transportation Committee, has not yet been voted on by the full committee. Some House Republicans are in favor of the bill; how many won’t be known until a vote is taken. The House version raises the gasoline tax by 4 cents per gallon in May of 2013 and another 4 cents in May of 2014.

There are other provisions in these bills, but the gasoline tax increase is the major purpose for them. When fully implemented, it is expected that as much as $220 million will flow into the state’s coffers. The average driver will contribute about $65 per year.

Supporters of the increase, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa League of Cities, Travel Federation of Iowa, Good Roads Association and the Iowa Soybean Association say the revenue is needed to repair deteriorating roads and bridges. Fair enough, but isn’t there another way to get the needed resources to get the job done? How about finding money in the current budget that has a much lower priority than roads and bridges? Is a higher tax the only solution available? What about Republican pledges not to raise taxes?

I realize that 8 cents or 10 cents a gallon, when gas is $3.50 or possibly going to $5.00 per gallon, doesn’t seem like a big deal. But when you look at the big picture, $220 million going into the state treasury, it sounds like a big deal. I would hope our Republican and Democrat legislators take a hard look at the state budget to find better ways of getting the job done without resorting to taking more money out of taxpayers’ pockets.

INTERNET GAMBLING

HSB-626 introduced by the House State Government Committee chair, Rep. Peter Cownie (R) of Polk, would expand Iowa’s gaming industry by allowing Internet poker to the mix. A similar bill, SSB 3164, was introduced by Sen. Jeff Danielson (D) of Black Hawk, chair of the Senate State Government Committee.

The Senate version will face its first test on Feb. 20th at 2:00 p.m. in a sub-committee made up of Sen. Danielson (D), Sen. Horn (D), and Sen. Bertrand (R). It is expected to pass out of the sub and be referred to the full committee.

The House sub-committee made up of Rep. Cownie (R), Rep. Iverson (R), and Rep. Wenthe (D), has not, as yet, scheduled a meeting on HSB 626.

Both of the bills expand gambling in Iowa and offer a new opportunity for problem gamblers to get into trouble.

Why do some people want to approve this additional form of gambling? They say Iowans are already doing it, so we need to protect them from some of the Internet predators that have taken advantage of an unregulated system. But they also say that the state is losing millions of dollars by not taking their cut.

If you believe as we do, that Iowa already has more gambling than is healthy for us, then I suggest you contact your legislators and tell them what you think about bringing casinos into the homes of Iowans by Internet.

WEB CAM BAN

Several bills to ban the use of Web Cams to catch speeders and red light violators are making their way through both chambers. Those of you who have contacted your legislators asking them to support the bans may be making some headway. Keep it up. We may get this newest privacy intrusion banned. The governor said he would sign a bill if it got to his desk. Continue to contact your legislators on this issue.

Sen. Brad Zaun (R) of Urbandale has an interesting take on this issue. His bill, SF 2191, requires that the money a city or county collects from traffic cameras, after costs, be distributed to non-profits by a five member citizens’ committee. No elected officials could serve on the committee.

I wonder how many municipalities would continue to utilize traffic cameras without the incentive of all those dollars flowing into their coffers. It is about safety, after all, isn’t it?

THE SECOND AMENDMENT

There is a civil (I think it’s civil) war going on within the supporters of the 2nd Amendment. Some supporters are pushing for an unfettered right to bear arms. Others, although supporting “ownership and carry rights,” are not comfortable with that notion. Let your legislators know just how far you are willing to take the Second Amendment. Two former state troopers, Rep. Clel Baudler and Rep. Dave Tjepkes, have expressed some reservations about a “pure” Second Amendment right.

NEW REPUBLICAN PARTY STATE CHAIRMAN

On a close vote of the State Central Committee, A. J. Spiker of Ames was elected chair of the Iowa Republican Party replacing Matt Strawn. A. J. is a realtor with Friedrich Iowa Realty. He is married, the father of three, a conservative, and well known to the leadership of Iowa Faith and Freedom. It didn’t take long for critics to begin questioning his selection.

A. J. was local coordinator for the Campaign for Liberty and active in the several committees to elect, most recently the Dr. Ron Paul campaign. On his election, he immediately removed himself from any connections to any candidate for president.

I have no doubt that A. J. will conduct himself honorably and without bias against any Republican candidate, office holder, or member. He is an intelligent, competent, successful businessman who will lead the party rightly. If you want to know more about A. J., I suggest you Google him.

ABORTION LEGISLATION

A sub-committee, chaired by Rep. Joel Fry (R) of Osceola passed out to the full committee. HF 2033 which would require “that prior to performing an abortion, a physician must certify in the woman’s medical record that the woman has undergone an ultrasound imaging of the fetus,” and other provisions.

Our only suggestion on the bill was that it specifies the qualifications of the person performing the ultrasound. We believe this bill has a chance for passage, if it can clear the Human Resources full committee.

Two “prohibition of abortions” were introduced. HF 2298 by Rep. Kim Pearson of Pleasant Hill and SF 2194 by Sen. Kent Sorenson of Indianola. The bills are identical. They are fairly complex, making a number of changes to the Iowa Code. If you are pro-life, I suggest you read one or the other.

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~~Psalm 15:1-4, O Lord, who may abide in Thy tent?
Who may dwell on Thy holy hill?
He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness,
And speaks truth in his heart.
He does not slander with his tongue,
Nor does evil to his neighbor,
Nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
In whose eyes a reprobate is despised,
But who honors those who fear the Lord
He swears to his own hurt, and does not change;~~

A SLOW START BUT THERE ARE BILLS OF INTEREST

Norm Pawlewski – Lobbyist
February 3, 2012

The Legislature has, thus far, been occupied by a few major pieces of legislation, like Education System Reform and Property Tax Relief.  That’s kept the number of bills being introduced to a slow trickle.  But the pace is beginning to pick up.

The Education Reform bills, SSB 3009 (Senate) and HSB 517 (House) which I mentioned in my last report are being worked on, or worked over, depending on your perspective, and getting a lot of behind the scenes attention.  In our opinion, they need it.  The 117 page bills were identical as introduced.  We believe there are serious deficiencies that need correction.  As introduced, the proposed legislation gives the State Dept. of Education too much control of the system, imposes more top-down regulation of Core Curriculum and interferes with private school teacher selection.  There are a number of other issues that trusted experts in education have pointed out to us.  We are relying on those experts to help legislators fix the bill.  Until that happens, we are opposed to SSB 3009 and HSB 517.  If acceptable changes are made, we will re-think our position.

HOUSE BILLS OF INTEREST

HF 576 – This bill is a holdover from the last session.  It prohibits the inclusion of health plans that provide coverage for abortion in a state health benefit exchange.  It would only have an impact if the state creates a state health benefit exchange which is required by implementation of “Obamacare.”

HF 2048 – I mentioned this bill in my last report.  This bill is an attempt to prohibit the use of automated traffic enforcement systems, (traffic cams).  It has passed the House Transportation Committee and is now eligible for debate in that chamber. Now is a good time to let your representative know how you feel about “traffic cams.”

HF 2113 – 2114 – 2115 – 2116 are all related, in some degree, to the second amendment.  If the right to carry or purchase firearms is of interest to you, then I suggest you read these bills and make your views known to your state representative.

HF 2117 – Excludes per diem and daily allowances for legislators and elected officials from the calculation of wages for IPERS (Iowa Public Employees Retirement System). This bill will have a considerable impact on retirement benefits for legislators.

HF 2118 – This bill will require that the Legislative Council determine the amount legislators and legislative employees will pay for health benefits.  It requires that the amount be at least $100 per month.

• Both of these bills (HR 2117, HR 2118) are the result of recent media criticisms of the pension and health benefits legislators have been receiving.  Both bills are currently in the State Government Committee of the House.

HF 2135 – Is an expansion of the newborn safe haven act to infants one year of age or younger.  The current safe haven provisions apply only to “newborns.” This is a tough one.  I can see both pros and cons to this expansion.  I don’t know if this bill is going anywhere.  It currently has only one sponsor, Rep. Mark Smith (D) of Marshalltown.  I will keep you informed of any movement of this legislation.

HF 2159 – An act specifying those persons authorized to solemnize marriages in this state. According to the explanation of the bill, it is intended to allow retired judges and magistrates to “solemnize” marriages in Iowa.  Seems innocent enough.  However, in other changes made to Section 595.10 subsection 2 of the Code of Iowa, the word “minister” is replaced by “individual” and as well in Section 595.13.

• Section 4, Section 595.16 is amended to remove the designation “cleric” and replaced by “an individual authorized to solemnize a marriage under section 595.10.”
• Is this a material change in Iowa’s marriage law?  I don’t know yet, but we will oppose HF 2159 until I find out what this language change means.  The sponsor of this bill is Rep. Rick Olson (D) of Des Moines.

HF 2175 – An act relating to the definition of person under the criminal code.  “This bill defines ‘person’ for the purposes of the criminal code to be:  all living human beings from the beginning of their biological development as human organisms regardless of age, race, sex, gender, capacity to function, condition of physical or mental dependency or disability or method sexual or asexual reproduction used whether existing in vivo or in vitro and each person is accorded the same rights and protections guaranteed to all persons by the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Iowa and the laws of this state.”

• This bill also “provides some exemptions to the interpretation and application of crimes against a person based on the definition.”  In other words, it provides for an exception to protect the life of the mother and “contraception administered before a diagnosable pregnancy.”
• This bill was introduced by Rep. Matt Windschitl (R) and seven other Republican representatives.
• This bill would confer “personhood” on the unborn.  I’m sure you will be hearing more about this bill as the session progresses.

HF 2033 – An act establishing prerequisites to the performance of an abortion.  This bill requires that prior to performing an abortion, a physician must certify in the woman’s medical record that the woman has undergone an ultrasound imaging of the fetus; that the woman is given an opportunity to view the ultrasound and that the woman is given the option of hearing a description of the ultrasound image and hearing the heartbeat of the fetus.

• The bill was introduced by Rep. Walt Rogers (R) of Cedar Falls.
• Women who view an ultrasound and/or hear the heartbeat of their unborn child are far less likely to have him or her aborted.

The Senate has been far less productive in areas of interest to us.  My next report will cover anything the Senate does, if anything.

MARCH 5^TH – PRAYER FOR LIFE AT CAPITOL 

Save that date and, if you can, come to the Capitol to help us demonstrate that the unborn matter and that as long as we have the freedom to speak out on their behalf, we will.

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.

Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” ~Matt 6:33, 34

 

“A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, 
But a fool is arrogant and careless.” ~Proverbs 14:16