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Iowa Legislative Digest

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By Times Staff | Tuesday, March 18, 2008 12:57 AM CDT | () comments

SCHOOL START DATE — The school year would begin no earlier than Aug. 25 under a Senate proposal intended to preserve summer vacation and promote tourism.

The lead sponsor, state Sen. John Putney, R-Gladbrook, has tried to pass the plan for years. He has gotten it through the Senate before but never through the House. “We’re allowing our schools to continue to move their start dates up, depriving our families of opportunities for tourism, recreation and the completion of summer jobs,” he said.

His proposal was adopted by the Senate on a voice vote Monday. It was an amendment to a larger education bill. State Sen. Frank Wood, D-Eldridge, a high school administrator, spoke against Putney’s plan. He said flexibility at the beginning of the school year allows some schools to complete the first semester before Christmas, which he said is good for students. Putney, who is executive director of the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation, is not seeking re-election, so this session is his last chance to get action taken on the school start date issue.

PARK ADDITION — Members of the Iowa House applauded on Monday the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation’s help in adding

40 acres to Stone State Park in Sioux City.

The addition provides wildlife habitat in woodlands and prairie ridges. The donation marked a milestone for the foundation, which has now protected 100,000 acres in Iowa. The nonprofit organization, created in 1979, seeks to preserve Iowa land, water and wildlife.

“It continues to be an honor for all Iowans to support this,” state Rep. Scott Raecker, R-Urbandale, a board member for the foundation. Two Sioux City residents who want to see the area preserved for future generations pitched in to make the park addition a reality.

SENATOR AWARDED — State Sen. David Johnson, R-Ocheyedan, was honored Monday with the Uncommon Public Service Award presented by the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Association.

The annual award was created to recognize Iowa House and Senate members for their service. Johnson, the former owner and publisher of the West Branch Times, was recognized for his numerous community contributions. Johnson also served as president of the West Branch Chamber of Commerce, where he helped lead business owners and citizens in revitalizing the town’s business district, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. He also organizes an annual free community Thanksgiving dinner in Ocheyedan that is open to all

residents.

Former Iowa Gov. Robert Ray described Johnson’s public service in a ceremony before lawmakers. “Ladies and gentleman, it’s my pleasure for us to present this award to state Sen. David Johnson,” Ray said. Johnson said the award came as a surprise. Born and raised in West Branch, Johnson said fellow West Branch native Hoover has long been a hero of his, citing Hoover’s humanitarian work and belief in conservation.

“If he’d only been president at a different time, I think he would have come out as one of our most accomplished presidents,” Johnson said.

State Rep. Mark Smith,

D-Marshalltown, was also a recipient of the award.

Compiled by the Lee Enterprises Des Moines Bureau. Contact Charlotte Eby at (515) 243-013 or chareby@aol.com.