News from the State House

by State Representative Patti Ruff

I received the final update on the CWD sample collection that went on in Allamakee. More than 100 deer were collected as part of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources surveillance effort looking for chronic wasting disease near Harpers Ferry in late February and early March.
Tissue samples from 85 of the adult deer collected were sent to the National Veterinary Services Lab in Ames for testing and all 85 samples came back as not detected. All collectors have been notified of the results.
Although the number of samples collected was less than the goal of 200, the results are encouraging and suggest that CWD may not be established at a significant level.
The DNR has scheduled a public meeting in the Harpers Ferry Community Center, 238 North Fourth Street, at 6:30 p.m. this Thursday,  April 16th to solicit input and begin planning for continued surveillance this summer and fall.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) upland wildlife biologist, Todd Bogenschutz, predicts increased pheasant numbers for the state this year. Bogenschutz stressed that the state needs to have a good nesting season, but that the mild winter weather is encouraging for upland bird survival rates.
Landowners can help to protect the birds by installing shelterbelts and food plots.  Shelterbelts provide cover and food sources to wildlife during prolonged or heavy snows. Food plots can provide wildlife an easy food source that is protected from predators.
There may be cost share for establishing these practices from local Pheasants Forever chapters or co-ops.  Additional information can be found at www.iowadnr.gov/privatelands. Landowners can also consider putting land in CRP to provide cover to pheasants. CRP information can be found at www.iowadnr.gov/habitat.

With the recent popularity of microbreweries in Iowa, the legislature has approved a bill that would allow Iowans to fill their own containers, known as growlers, with craft beer at convenience and grocery stores.
Currently, only Class B permit holders like restaurants and breweries are allowed to fill growlers. The bill would allow Class C permit holders including convenience and grocery stores to do so as well. These growlers, which can hold up to 72 ounces, are sealed at the time of purchase, so customers are able to drive home without breaking the open container law. This bill is now on its way to the governor to be signed.

Earlier this year, Governor Branstad announced he would close two mental health institutes in Clarinda and Mt. Pleasant. They both provide critical, high-level services to Iowans who require a higher level of care than hospitals, local nursing homes, or other institutions can provide.
Lawmakers of both parties have been critical of the Governor’s plan to close the two facilities without a transition plan in place to ensure Iowans get the care they need.  The Senate has already approved a bill to delay closure of the facilities until a transition plan has been established and the House is likely to take the bill up soon.

Looking at who has been visiting the Capitol last week, one could say the caucus season is upon us. I have seen Donald Trump, Rick Santorum, and Governor Martin O’Malley from Maryland. This is my first experience as a legislator for pre-presidential campaign season and I have to say it is rather interesting. Stay tuned to see who pops in over the next few weeks.