I appreciate the comments everyone has made so far and while some of the points
made in Larry's message have been addressed, others have not. Why bring up
economics ? The budget cuts the state has endured has hit environmental programs
disproportionatly is the answer. A bit one sided ? Yes, it was a memo from a
Democrat. I often post press releases and that was the thought behind this
posting. I think the information given was very straight forward and the tone of
the Democrats regarding working with the Republicans was very positive. So, I
decided to post it because of the information and the tone of the memo. I have
seen memos from the Democrats that were very combative and confrontational and I
will not post those. There are many viewpoints to the issues that face our
society and specifically the environment. I have one view point and there are
others on this list serve that don't share that viewpoint.  I hope posting what
I considered a news release from the Democrats is just one of many viewpoints we
can read about on this list serve.

"Lubinus, Larry" wrote:

> Debbie,
>
> I am a relatively new member of the Sierra Club and have enjoyed reading the
> newsletter and articles involving environmental issues and protecting our
> natural resources.  I appreciate you and your team's efforts in gathering
> this information and getting these articles to us via email.
>
> This article is a bit of surprise.  There is little if any information on
> Sierra type issues and it seems a bit one sided.  Will you be presenting the
> Republican viewpoint in a subsequent article?  You see I am probably a rare
> breed for you as I am a strong Republican that is a strong believer in
> protecting our environment as a member of the Sierra club.  Many of the
> points outlined in this political agenda are helpful to our state, but there
> is an opposite side to any coin.  I was just curious to see if we are going
> to present that other side of coin viewpoint.
>
> Thank you for your time,
> Larry Lubinus
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Debbie Neustadt [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Monday, January 06, 2003 6:43 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: The Democrats Economice Agenda in the Iowa Legislature
>
> Legis.News -- Inside the Iowa Legislature, January 3, 2003
> By House Democratic Leader Dick Myers
>
> MORE TOUGH DECISIONS AWAIT 2003 SESSION
>
> The 2003 legislative session will kickoff on Monday, January 13. Once
> again, due to the
> sluggish economy, the state budget will be extremely tight. Budget
> issues will no doubt
> command most of the headlines from now until adjournment in April.
>
> This will make the third consecutive year of very tough budgeting. In
> the past two years,
> we have slashed state spending significantly. Today, state government in
> Iowa is spending
> LESS than it did four years ago.
>
> At the same time, thanks to Governor Vilsack's leadership, we have been
> able to improve
> public schools by reducing class sizes and improving teacher pay. It is
> a matter of
> establishing priorities and sticking by them.
>
> In difficult budget times, it is crucial to maintain focus on
> priorities. In 2003, House
> Democrats will continue to concentrate on three major areas:
>
> Managing and balancing the state budget.
> Improving the economic security of Iowans today.
> Modernizing Iowa and providing economic growth for our children's
> future.
>
> We cannot let ourselves be sidetracked from these goals. Any diversion
> from these
> priorities would be a waste of our time and taxpayers' money.
>
> I am pleased to hear the public declarations of cooperation coming from
> the Governor and
> Republican leaders. We serve the public well when we work collectively,
> and this year will
> require our best efforts.
>
> *************************************************************
> THE DEMOCRATIC AGENDA FOR 2003
>
> Democrats will introduce specific legislation this year to further our
> plan to protect
> Iowans' economic security and foster modernization and growth for the
> future.
>
> Our Democratic agenda includes:
>
> * Making income tax rates more competitive and simplifying tax forms.
> * Taking commercial advantage of university research.
> * Lowering prescription drug costs for seniors.
> * Incorporating character education into all public school curricula.
> * Continuing class-size reductions in elementary grades.
> * Proving insurance parity for mentally illness.
> * Raising the state's minimum wage.
> * Protecting the privacy of Iowans' medical and financial records.
>
> Democrats intend to work from day one to develop and enact this agenda.
> We look forward to
> working with Governor Vilsack and majority Republicans to that end.
>
> *************************************************************
> CONTACT INFORMATION
>
> For more information and news from the Iowa House of Representatives,
> visit our website at
> <www.iowahouse.org> or call (515) 281-3521.
>
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