Pubdate: Sun, 2 May 1999 Source: Omaha World-Herald (NE) Copyright: 1999 Omaha World-Herald Company. Contact: http://www.omaha.com/ Forum: http://chat.omaha.com/ VILSACK, LAWMAKERS FIND SHARED INTERESTS It sounded too good to be true in January when the Republican-led Legislature and the new Democratic governor vowed to cooperate on a common agenda. The upstart governor faced lawmakers who in recent years had fought with a governor from their own political party. Meanwhile, Republicans and Democrats in Washington were slugging it out over impeachment. But fears of political paralysis proved to be unfounded. On education, crime-fighting, job training and other issues, lawmakers and Gov. Tom Vilsack struck deals for which both sides could take credit. "I'm proud that we've worked closely with Governor Vilsack on the priorities that we share," said Senate Majority Leader Stewart Iverson, R-Dows. Most people around the Capitol were surprised at how well things went. The session had few fireworks, other than an early April incident in which one senator hit another senator during a debate. Rep. Hubert Houser, R-Carson, a seven-year House veteran, called it "the most civil session I've ever been in." The signature issue was probably education, with lawmakers focusing on bolstering elementary and secondary schools. The issue last year ran into a veto from former Gov. Terry Branstad, but this year Vilsack signed into law a four-year, $150- million package that both parties claimed as their own. Vilsack and other Democrats largely campaigned last year on proposals to reduce class size, while Republicans pushed for stronger reading programs. The package eventually approved included both and added extra spending for new computers as well. With less fanfare, lawmakers also approved 4 percent growth in basic state aid to local schools. That will send an additional $60 million to schools and leverage $33 million in property taxes. Another low-profile issue that backers said would make a big difference was a new training program run through the community colleges. That measure allows the schools to enter into agreements with businesses to run high-tech training programs to fill jobs. The Legislature also approved a measure ensuring that rapidly growing school districts would get state funding on time and another one ensuring that shrinking districts won't lose money. But lawmakers did not approve a measure to help repair crumbling schools, some of which don't even meet fire code. The other high-profile package approved this year focused on those who make, sell or use methamphetamine. That measure calls for a 99- year prison term for those selling the highly addictive drug to a minor and spends $3.7 million toughening enforcement and prosecution. A second offense of selling to a youngster would bring life without the possibility of parole, and Vilsack touted the measure as the nation's toughest meth law. Vilsack said that measure would "create a safer and healthier environment for all Iowans." The Legislature also voted to cut income taxes by $73 million and property taxes by $70 million, both votes on the final day. The income-tax cuts face a certain veto, but much of the property-tax plan has a brighter future. Lawmakers also approved a new "bill of rights" for patients in man-aged-care programs. The centerpiece of that measure is an outside review procedure so patients can appeal decisions denying medical procedures. When lawmakers convened in January, they faced the state livestock industry's concerns over prices at historic lows. Those prices improved a bit through the spring, but lawmakers did act. The Legislature approved a plan allowing the use of $40 million in idle state dollars to pay for low-interest loans for farmers. Half would go to livestock producers and half for programs adding value to farm commodities. In addition, lawmakers approved - and Vilsack signed - a measure requiring meatpackers to make public the prices they pay for animals. The Legislature also dealt with a string of recreation and tourism issues, including a plan to come up with ways of preserving the Loess Hills in western Iowa. Vilsack's upset victory in the governor's race in November gave his proposals extra momentum, said Hugh Winebrenner, who teaches state government at Drake University. It wasn't that Vilsack had a groundbreaking education agenda. Most of the nation's governors offered similar plans for smaller class sizes, reading programs and increased funding for other school programs. "His agenda wasn't exactly unique, but it's pretty hard to oppose," Winebrenner said. Another reason the session had relatively little controversy was that lawmakers did not take up battles on certain social issues, such as trying to enact the death penalty. A veto threat by Vilsack prompted legislators to focus more energy on items that had a better chance of passage. An exception was the fight over a failed bill that would have made English the state's official language. The measure passed the Senate but not the House. Critics said the measure was thinly veiled racism that sent a subtle message that those of different cultures aren't welcome in the state's largely white culture. "People were saying we were being racist, which was baloney," Senate Majority Leader Stewart Iverson, R-Dows, said. Other high-profile failures were bills to curb urban sprawl and allow the marketplace, rather than the State Utilities Board, to set electric rates. The Legislature also adjourned without clarifying its position on gambling, leaving restrictions to the five-member Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, which includes three new members appointed by Vilsack. For the most part, the moderate nature of Iowans tended to win out in 1999. But with an election year looming, more core partisan issues are expected to be debated next year. "You will see a lot less hand holding and more fighting," said Rep. Brad Hansen, R-Council Bluffs. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D