Iowa Public Television

Assignment Iowa

A Sea Change at the Capitol (#105)

The show will focus on the upcoming legislative session by putting a personal face on some of the issues. The only feature we're sure of at this time, though, is a look back at the 1965 session, which was the last time democrats controlled both houses and the governorship. That year, the Lyndon Johnson landslide helped the democrats take control, but in a state so traditionally republican, and with the likelihood of the majorities lasting more than just one session, the lawmakers wasted little time in passing significant social measures. Included were a state civil rights act, abolishment of the death penalty, expanded state funding of school districts, and the establishment of the community college system. We'll also take a look at the makeup of the new legislature, where in the House eight new members are under 30 years old.

Among the issues we plan to cover that are confronting the 82nd General Assembly are raising the minimum wage, shifting the property tax burden away from businesses, and allowing small businesses to pool their health insurance costs and coverage, thereby taking advantage of the economics of large-group coverage. Energy issues such as next-generation ethanol, wind power, waste energy, and manure digesters may be covered, as well as economic development mechanisms such as values fund, Vision Iowa, clean water legislation, and local control of CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations).
[27 minutes]

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This episode has not aired in the past few months on Iowa Public Television.