Greetings IRR supporters and welcome to your weekend update!
Weekend update:
- With continued budget drafts up at the Capitol, several things are still in play:
- Fully fund the DNR’s REAP program
- REAP is extremely important and supports many groups! It’s likely to be cut again, which is moving in the WRONG direction.
- IRR receives funding from REAP regularly, including funding for creating and publishing our “Iowa Low-head Dam Modification Success Stories” booklet.
- Natural Resource and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund (IWILL) that would provide approximately $180 million annually- estimated 60% towards water quality
- To fund this, state sales tax must be raised 3/8 of a penny
- Fully fund the DNR’s REAP program
- We are still waiting to hear about final budget decisions and funding for the state’s low-head dam safety mitigation and water trails program. If your Senator or Representative serves on the Transportation, Infrastructure, and Capitals Appropriations Subcommittee and has NOT yet heard from you, PLEASE give them a call and talk about the value of this program and its ability to help revitalize communities. Remember, something is better than nothing (last year this fund was zeroed out completely and projects were put on hold)!
Senate switch board: 515-281-3371
House switch board: 515-281-3321
Senate Committee Members
- Craig Johnson Chair (R) NE Iowa- Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan and Fayette Counties
- Tim L. Kapucian Vice Chair (R) Eastern Iowa- Benton, Iowa and Poweshiek Counties
- Matt McCoy Ranking Member (D) Southern Iowa- Polk and Warren Counties
- Tod R. Bowman (D) Eastern Iowa- Dubuque, Jackson and Jones Counties
- Roby Smith (R) Eastern Iowa- Scott County
House Committee Members
- Daniel A. Huseman Chair (R) Cherokee County
- Skyler Wheeler Vice Chair (R) Sioux County
- Dennis M. Cohoon Ranking Member (D) Des Moines County
- Gary Carlson (R) Muscatine County
- David Kerr (R) Louisa County
- Mary Mascher (D) Johnson County
- Dave Maxwell (R) Poweshiek County
- Amy Nielsen (D) Johnson County
- Ras Smith (D) Black Hawk County
News:
- DNR Director, former state legislator, and friend of IRR Chuck Gipp has formally announced his retirement.
“Chuck has an outstanding record of service to Iowa,” Gov. Kim Reynolds said. “He’s spent the last six years leading in this important department, protecting Iowa’s most valuable resources – our land, lakes, waterways and air. Thank you, Chuck, for your service to this great state, and I wish you all the best as you enter retirement.”
“It’s been an absolute pleasure to serve Iowans for the past 28 years,” Gipp said. “I’ve been blessed to work among some of the best in the state, and nothing is more gratifying than being able to make a difference in the lives of Iowans.”
Gipp was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives in 1990, where he served nine consecutive terms in several different capacities, including House Majority Leader. After deciding not to seek re-election, Gipp was hired by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey as director of the Division of Soil Conservation. He served in that role for three years.
Gipp began serving as deputy director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in August 2011. Not long after, he became director.
Tips- check out the following websites that can be very helpful during the legislative session: