Senator Jerry Behn Says Democrats are Stalling Reform in Iowa

Submitted by Senate Republican Leader Jerry Behn

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

And in this case, a Massachusetts Democrat is imitating a whole bunch of Iowa Senate Republicans.

Last year, Iowa Senate Republicans spearheaded an 11 city rule and regulatory tour that took testimony from over 1000 Iowans concerned about the direction Iowa’s government was headed as it pertains to our state’s often burdensome rules and regulations.

The results of that tour yielded ten significant rule and regulatory process reforms and a whole host of proposed individual rule and regulatory changes that would help to re-open Iowa for business and career creation.

Now, just this week, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, a Democrat, released a sweeping package of rule and regulatory reforms, much along the same lines of what Iowa Senate Republicans released last year.

Patrick’s actions have been met with nationwide approval. 

Without question, it is positive progress for Massachusetts.

Yet unfortunately, Iowa Senate Democrats are standing squarely in the way at our Statehouse.

Iowa Senate Democrats should be imitating their party counterpart in Massachusetts.

But they aren’t.

What have they done to the legislation brought forward by Iowa Senate Republicans? 

They have killed every single one.

Here’s an overview of the various rule and regulatory reforms offered by Iowa Senate Republicans:

1. Institute negotiated rule-making, as is done at the federal level, to give all interested parties a seat at the table when making rules.

1. Require job-impact statements to accompany all administrative rules to determine the rule’s impact on the private sector and job creation.

1. Require that no federal rule be implemented by a state agency or Iowa rule making authority more strictly than required by federal law, unless specifically authorized by Iowa General Assembly.

1. All state departments and agencies have a searchable and user-friendly rules database on their websites.

1. Amend the Iowa Code to require a five year rolling review of all administrative rules.

1. Hold public hearings for rules and regulations at locations and times that are convenient for those impacted by the rules.

1. Require state agencies to accept public comments on proposed rulemaking in an electronic format.

1. A full-time effort must be consistently applied toward making Iowa’s rule and regulatory climate more hospitable.

1. An extensive study commissioned by the Iowa Legislature detailing the projected financial effects of current and proposed EPA and DNR rules and regulations on Iowa cities over a ten year period.

1. Create a rule and regulatory committee that will personally assist companies coming into Iowa with state regulatory compliance.

At a time when nearly 100,000 Iowans are unemployed, hardworking Iowa taxpayers deserve measurable results – not more obstruction and blocking.

We clearly need a change in Iowa.  Job creators need a boost.

It’s not often that Massachusetts is worth imitating, but in this case, Iowa would be well served to do so.

As always, I want to hear from you and can be reached by phone at 515-281-3560 or by e-mail at Jerry.Behn@legis.iowa.gov

Jerry Behn

Senate Republican Leader

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