I am now preparing for the next session, which officially begins Jan. 11. The unprecedented nature of the recession means Republican and Democratic legislators must work together to balance the next state budget without raising taxes.

During the 2010 session

• No area of the state budget will be safe from further cuts.

• The Legislature has to look at numerous ways to streamline and modernize state government. A top priority will be getting rid of outdated, overpriced services.

• Legislators must closely examine tax credits and incentives to make sure taxpayers get the best bang for their buck. If it’s not helping create good-paying jobs, it should be eliminated.

• Every legislator — whether Republican or Democrat — must put the interests of their constituents ahead of their political party. I will keep listening closely to make sure your best ideas are brought to Des Moines.

While pushing for real change at the Statehouse, I will fight to protect the progress we’ve made to strengthen and expand Iowa’s middle class. This includes our recent initiatives to improve student achievement and teacher quality, ensure public safety, and protect services for children and other vulnerable Iowans.

In short, during these tough economic times, I remain committed to a balanced, fiscally responsible state budget that will help us lay a new foundation for prosperity in every Iowa community.

Community colleges prepare more Iowans for workforce

Iowa’s community colleges are an excellent pathway to a better life, especially in these tough economic times.

That’s why Iowa’s community college enrollment is at an all-time high.

According to a report from the Iowa Department of Education, enrollment at our state’s 15 community colleges has exceeded 100,000 for the first time in their 43-year history. That’s a 14.3 percent increase over the last year’s enrollment of 88,104. The increase is particularly strong for those most affected by the recession — working-aged Iowans between 25 and 64 years old.

In the Legislature, we’ve worked to make community college education more affordable. This year, we invested critical resources for job training at our community colleges, as well as an initiative that allows community colleges to provide vocational programs and training for employees of partner businesses.

In addition to state support, President Obama has proposed additional funding for community colleges over the next two years to increase the number of community college graduates.

Former Clinton standout honored for academic success

Congratulations to University of Northern Iowa football player Ben Boothey, of Clinton, who was recently named to the All-Academic team in the Missouri Valley Conference. Ben, a sophomore defensive lineman majoring in exercise science and pre-physical therapy, carries a 3.81 GPA.

Input needed on tax credits

A panel reviewing Iowa’s tax credit programs is holding public meetings to help determine which tax credits should be continued, altered or eliminated.

The meetings will be at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 15, at Kirkwood Center for Continuing Education in Cedar Rapids; and at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 16, at Urbandale Public Library.

The opinions of Iowans will contribute to a report for the governor and the Legislature on oversight, accountability, transparency, public reporting and costs versus benefits of state tax credit programs.

Beginning Dec. 7, further information and the opportunity to make public comment will be available on the governor’s Web site at www.governor.iowa.gov.

Do you have money in the treasurer’s vault?

Did you know the Iowa Treasurer’s office has a vault full of unclaimed property that it wants to return to Iowans?

Companies and banks in Iowa and from across the nation report millions of dollars in unclaimed property to the state treasurer each year. This includes money in forgotten accounts, uncashed insurance and payroll checks, IRA funds, lost stock and dividends, abandoned safe deposit box contents, gift cards and utility refunds and deposits.

The state treasurer’s “Great Iowa Treasure Hunt” has returned more than $100 million to more than 280,000 individuals since 1983. You can see if there is a long-lost treasure waiting for you at www.greatiowatreasurehunt.com.

Hunters can help stop hunger

Help Us Stop Hunger (HUSH) is an effort to reduce the state’s deer population while providing food for Iowa families in need.

If you’re a hunter, consider buying an extra antlerless-only deer permit to help reduce the deer population. Participating lockers will skin, bone and grind the meat for two-pound packages, and local social services agencies will distribute the venison to needy Iowa families.

Last year, deer hunters, meat lockers, the Food Bank of Iowa and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, worked together on the HUSH initiative to generate 1.3 million meals. More than 7,300 deer were donated by hunters, and the 90 meat lockers that participated received $65 for each processed deer.

For complete details on the HUSH program, go to www.iowadnr.gov/other/hush.



Roger Stewart, a Democrat from Preston, is a member of the Iowa Senate representing District 13.