2008 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM
LWVIA will work for improved methods of financing political campaigns in Iowa in order to ensure the publicʼs right to know, to combat undue influence, and to promote citizen participation in the political process. We support the Voter Owned Iowa Clean Elections (VOICES) bill, which has passed committees in both the Iowa House and Senate, as one way to improve financing political campaigns..
WATER QUALITY AND CONCENTRATED ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATIONS
LWVIA supports management policies to protect our natural resources and protect public health We urge the Iowa House to support mandatory inspection of septic tanks (has passed the Senate) when property is sold in rural areas.
League supports stronger oversight and regulation of industrial livestock facilities to overcome the negative impacts of industrial livestock production on water quality, air quality, health and quality of life.
PREDATORY LENDING
LWVIA supports economic justice and encourages the Iowa Legislature to pass legislation to reduce payday loan fees and to address the abuses in home mortgage lending..
HELP FOR SPECIAL NEEDS OFFENDERS.
LWVIA supports legislation that expands services and programs for the special needs offender. This includes offenders with mental health and substance abuse treatment needs. We also support the availability of mental health and substance abuse treatment for offenders in community based programs.
RETURNABLE BEVERAGE CONTAINER LEGISLATION (BOTTLE BILL)
The LWVIA is a strong proponent of of solid waste management. We support mandatory deposits on beverage containers to promote recycling and reuse and to reduce litter. The League supports expanding the law to cover beverage containers that have come on the market since the 1978 law passed. The League strongly urges the Iowa Legislature to expand the amount paid for handling to redemption centers to 2 cents.