This is the last week of the 2010 Legislative Session and, as we work late into the evening, the bulk of legislation crossing our desks is budgetary appropriations. The Health and Human Services appropriations bill passed but not before Republicans offered an amendment that would prevent fraud and abuse of the Medicaid system. A recent analysis done by State Auditor David Vaudt shows that the Iowa Medicaid system has no standard procedures for documentation and monitoring of income eligibility for clients. This leads to fraud and abuse of the system. The Republican amendments offered would have ensured that taxpayer dollars were well-spent and prevent future fraud and abuse of Iowa Medicaid. Unfortunately, my counterparts in the Senate voted  this common sense legislation down.
 
The texting while driving bill passed and has gone to the Governor’s desk for final signature. For a year, starting July 1, warnings will be issued to anyone caught writing and sending text messages while driving. Warnings will also be issued to anyone under 18 caught using a cell phone. After a year, citations will be issued.
 
Iowans have made it clear that they want sustainable private sector jobs not more debt, bigger government and failed promises. We are headed in the wrong direction. This entire session has been a missed opportunity to make serious progress on private sector job creation.
 
That is why we have been not only talking about private sector job creation every day – we have offered numerous bills and smart solutions that would make it easier for small businesses, entrepreneurs and employers to invest once again in our workforce.
 
Iowans know it is unacceptable to be 49th in the nation according to US News & World Report or 41st in the country according to the Small Business Survival Index when it comes to business climate competitiveness. We know it is intolerable to have 222 manufacturing plants close their doors in 2009 alone. We know it is not suitable to allow two-thirds of Iowa counties to lose population in 2009 because there has not been enough job creation to keep people from leaving. 
 
Iowa should be the destination place for anyone to open a business or chase their dreams. We have safe, welcoming communities, a wonderful education heritage and a dedicated and devoted workforce. We have a state that offers ample potential – 99 counties worth of it.
 
Yet, we have a government that has set up too many barriers. So what do investors, small business owners and entrepreneurs need from the government in order to begin investing here, expanding here and creating jobs here? They need stability and commitment.
 
They need stable fiscal policies so they know what to expect if they come to Iowa or expand here. The wayward budgeting of the last three years has produced higher job-killing property taxes and other tax and fee increases. When we must compete not only with our neighboring states but other countries all over the world, we must ensure stable fiscal policies that do not rock the boat. Job creators need clarity and stability.
 
With stability comes commitment. We must commit to keeping our state a Right-to-Work state and avoid many of the anti-jobs bills that have been discussed during the last few years. Whether it be the repeal of federal deductibility, radically changing our workers compensation system, altering collective bargaining or allowing a price-fixing prevailing wage, all of these ideas make Iowa less attractive. Even discussing these bills and others like them in the Legislature have sent the wrong message.
We must set aside the legislation that raises taxes, puts out of balance the labor-management relationship and enacts new over zealous regulations that send jobs across our borders. We should not punish the very people who we need to help grow our state. We need stability and commitment.
We must never gauge the success of our state by the size of its government; we must instead focus on the economic prosperity of our individuals, families and communities.
As we start closing down the Legislature for another year, I want to let you know that it has been an honor serving as your voice in the Iowa Senate this year. I look forward to seeing you out and about the area this summer. 
 
You can always reach me at home near Keystone. My home e-mail is tkgrainandlvstk@hotmail.com and my home phone is 319-442-5337.
 
SENATOR TIM KAPUCIAN
GRUNDY, TAMA, BENTON
AND IOWA COUNTIES