Iowa Representative Patti Ruff holds listening post session in Lansing

by B.J. Tomlinson

Iowa House of Representatives District 56 Democrat Patti Ruff met with several Lansing citizens at Meehan Memorial Library Friday afternoon, February 21 for a listening post session to gather input from constituents within her district.
Among the topics discussed, Ruff, who is running for a second term, was questioned about the proposed ten cent gas tax increase. She said she felt this was the fairest option because it would include all people using Iowa's roads. She went on to say that the money more than likely has to be used for repair of roads and bridges because of safety issues.
The group also discussed frac sand mining. Ruff said it will be necessary to balance the protection of the bluffs with economic development and favored leaving the final decision up to individual counties, adding that the current moratorium in Allamakee County is in place for a period of time in order to study the issue.
She was also questioned by one of the citizens about the "$750 million surplus and the $800 million rainy day fund" in the State Treasury. Ruff said she would be in favor of spending the money on roads and education should those needs arise to warrant calling on those funds.
The group also discussed home schooling and the 2013 education reform bill, which Ruff said is one of the most liberal in the entire country. According to a Des Moines Register article published May 22, 2013, the bill removed requirements for home-school students to file paperwork with their local school district and undergo annual evaluation by an independent teacher. "There are many educational options available now, including online learning," Ruff said, "And there should be some sort of assessment of student progress."
One of the citizens questioned the fairness of providing the same benefits for the National Guard as for those in the other branches of the military who have served overseas. Ruff said the majority of the National Guard soldiers have served overseas in recent years, and that Iowa Governor Terry Branstad has several bills in his office pertaining to all military men and women.
Ruff agreed to look into a complaint that the American, POA-MIA and State Flags are hung in the wrong order.
Another citizen requested Ruff ask someone at the State level to review the Allamakee County Zoning laws, especially those pertaining to farmers, the driveway ordinance and the Bluffland Protection Act.