Columns
Iowa Legislature honors veterans during session
Veteran’s Day is Nov. 11. As older Iowans remember, it was originally called Armistice Day and celebrated the end of World War I. The peace treaty for that war was not signed until June 28, 1919. However, a cessation of fighting, or armistice, began seven months earlier at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. In other words, Nov. 11. After World War II and the Korean War, veterans asked that the name be changed to Veterans Day and Congress agreed.
One day, however, cannot adequately repay the 265,000 veterans living in Iowa including 4,679 living in Clinton County. The Iowa Legislature has enacted a number of programs to help those who have served our country. This past session was no exception.
We prohibited foreclosure of mortgages on active members of the National Guard, reservists and their families. Penalties were increased from a simple misdemeanor to a serious misdemeanor.
We extended in-state tuition for undergraduate study at Iowa’s community colleges or state universities to veterans who move into the state and are eligible for benefits under, or have exhausted the benefits of, the federal post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. The in-state rates apply to their spouses and dependents as well.
We required nursing homes to help residents, who are identified upon admission, as eligible for benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs will work with these facilities in identifying individuals who are eligible for VA prescription drug benefits.
We provided $22.6 million for construction and other improvements at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown. This will provide Iowa’s total match needed to receive federal funds for the last phases of construction and renovation of the facilities. The master plan is projected to cost $100 million in total when the project is completed in a few years.
In 2008, the Legislature directed the Iowa Lottery to create two additional scratch and two additional pull-tab games annually with the profits going to the Veterans Trust Fund. In its first year, this new initiative, which also expanded services available to veterans and their families, raised $2.8 million. These funds are not affected by recent budget cuts.
As always, one of my top priorities during the 2010 Legislative session will be to continue to do all I can to take care of our veterans, who have honorably served, and are currently serving, our country.
Rep. Polly Bukta, D-Clinton, has been a member of the Iowa House of Representatives since 1997. She represents District 26, which covers part of Clinton County.
- Columns
-
-
Week-long learning session comes to an end
I took a brief break this week from my excitement of football season approaching and focused on being a single parent.
-
I’m ready for some football
Tonight marks my favorite part of the year. The high schoolers officially kick off football season, creating about a four-month period where my productivity on the weekends drops significantly (which you’d think would be impossible).
-
Railport ceremony displays reality 15 years in the making
On 44th Avenue South, there is a parcel of land that on any given day would look the same as any stretch that you would see in the rural area of a community.
-
Is that Dorf on Golf? No, it’s just another errant shot
This weekend marks an annual golf tournament that I showcase my skills for anyone lucky enough to be at the golf course
-
Packing in the fun
When I’m on vacation, I manage to jam pack my week with a lot of activities.
-
Nothing like summer
I love summer and all the perks that go along with it. I don’t even want to think of winter with its freezing temperatures and inches and inches of snow.
-
Legislator returns from trip
Recently, I returned from a trip sponsored by the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) to Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
-
The people have spoken: Talking to kids about safety is way to stop falls
A week ago, I devoted my column to Eagle Point Park and the two falls that have happened there over the past six weeks.
-
Maquoketa organization awarded cultural grant
The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs recently awarded a $21,250 Community Cultural Grant to Maquoketa Art Experience.
-
Nothing more exciting than finished cleaning projects
Finally, the weekend has arrived.
- More Columns Headlines
-
Week-long learning session comes to an end
