Newton Independent

Trial date set in three-year old vehicular homicide case

By PETER HUSSMANN

A trial date was set today for the Grinnell man who lost his legal odyssey to suppress evidence that led to a charge of vehicular homicide being brought against him more than three years ago.

Lee Alan Breuer, 52, will stand trial on the charge on Aug. 15 in Jasper County District Court following legal proceedings before Judge Martha Mertz.

Breuer was charged in late 2008 following a single vehicle accident east of Newton on Highway 6 that claimed the life of a woman.

Earlier this year, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled that his constitutional rights were not violated when a blood sample was taken that showed he was legally drunk following the accident. Breuer had been fighting to have the blood sample suppressed as evidence because the search warrant allowing for the blood draw to be taken was not physically present when the sample was taken at a Grinnell hospital following the accident.

Judge Mertz also today allowed Breuer to travel out of state as long as he continues to be present for all scheduled court appearances.

His attorney, Richard Phelps, withdrew his request to withdraw as Breuer's attorney.

A pretrial conference is set for July 16.

Newton on one route under consideration for Chicago to Omaha passenger rail service

Newton Independent

Iowans are being asked to give input on five Chicago to Omaha passenger rail route alternatives under consideration for development, including one that passes through Newton.

The Iowa Department of Transportation, in coordination with the Federal Railroad Administration and the Illinois Department of Transportation, are hosting both in-person and on-line, self-directed open house meetings now through May 12 for the Chicago to Omaha Regional Passenger Rail System Planning Study.

The $2 million study is designed to determine the most "reasonable and feasible" passenger rail routes that would traverse the length of Iowa in hooking passenger rail service between Chicago and Omaha.

Specifically, the DOT is seeking input from residents as the evaluate each of the five proposed routes. Communities, study organizers say, need to understand how passenger train service might affect them.

You can find more information on the study and leave comments by following this link.

Relay for Life fundraiser set

Newton Independent

Jasper County Relay for Life will host a fund-raiser for its efforts to raise money for cancer research from 4 to 9 p.m. today at Culver's restaurant in Newton.

A portion of the proceeds from sales during that time period will go toward the Jasper County Relay for Life's fundraising total.

The annual Jasper County Relay for Life event is set for June 1 at H.A. Lynn Stadium.

Plastic surgeon seeing patients at Skiff Surgery Clinic

Newton Independent

A plastic surgeon has begun seeing patients at the Skiff Surgery Clinic in the Newton hospital on the second Thursday afternoon of each month with surgical procedures taking place on those mornings.

Dr. Bryan Folkers of Bergman-Folkers Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery has opened the outreach clinic where he will provide a wide variety of consultations and procedures.

Dr. Folkers learned of the opportunity to practice in Newton through Skiff general surgeon Dr. Dominic Formaro. The two worked together in residency at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines.

"I like bringing this opportunity to a community," he said, noting he also does outreach clinics in Jefferson, Oseola and Carroll. "Usually there's a pretty strong need. And if we learn that Newton could benefit from more than one clinic a month, I could see us expanding. I like the small-town, laid-back feel. It's much more relaxing than the big hospitals in Des Moines."

Though plastic surgeons tend to be associated with elective aesthetic procedures, that does not make up the majority of Dr. Folkers' practice.

"I would say about 40 percent of my patients are seeking cosmetic treatments," he said, "while the other 60 percent are those in need of reconstruction and hand procedures. There are a lot of farm accidents in Iowa, with people needing treatment or surgery to safely return to their work."

Variety was a big part of what drew Dr. Folkers to reconstructive surgery.

"I enjoy the fine detail of it, the artistry," he said. "Other types of surgeries have very specific steps that you need to follow every time. In my specialty, no two surgeries are alike."

Dr. Folkers did not initially pursue medicine, but rather received his biochemistry degree from Iowa State University. The field, however, did not prove challenging enough and he started considering a career change.

"My wife and I were traveling through Europe when by chance, I met a medical student in Ireland," he said. "We talked about our schooling and work and he told me, 'You should go to medical school. You'll never be bored.'"

Dr. Folkers' wife, herself a molecular biologist, supported the switch and he enrolled in medical school at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine. After completing a general surgery residency, he did a fellowship at South Pointe Cleveland Clinic Health System. He then returned to his home state of Iowa to practice medicine.

"I love operating," he said. "I take a lot of pride in my work. I even did a face lift for my mother-in-law. It turned out really well. I'm still married."

In addition to his regular clinic hours, Skiff Medical Center will be hosting a free lunch-and-learn with Dr. Folkers from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 14, in the Skiff Inservice Room where Dr. Folkers will discuss and answer questions on his top four cosmetic procedures: tummy tucks, facelifts, breast augmentation and Botox. Lunch will be provided by Skiff. Call 641-787-3070 to RSVP by June 8.

 

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Keeping in Touch: Time to wrap things up

By SEN. DENNIS BLACK
Democrat, Lynnville

We reached some important compromises this past week, including some decisions that will move Iowa forward. However, it seems as each day passes, more big issues appear on the table. Frankly, I now doubt that conclusion of the session will occur this week. I hope I'm wrong!

While the final details are being worked out, the highlights of the 2012 session will, I believe, include these four things:

1. An increase in our state's investment in education at the local level, at out community colleges and at our state universities. The Iowa Senate blocked House demands to close pre-schools, eliminate existing class size reduction and early reading initiatives, cut community college funding and force much more of the cost of college onto the backs of families.
2. A commercial property tax cut that reduces taxes on every commercial property in Iowa, that helps small businesses the most, and that does not shift taxes onto residential property.
3. A tax cut for working families, one that will also help local businesses when those families purchase milk, gas, school clothes, make car repairs and pay bills.
4. We balanced the state budget, our rainy day funds are full and we didn't raise taxes.

I am disappointed the Iowa House did not consider several pieces of legislation I worked on to help create jobs and strengthen our economy. These ideas were developed by working closely with local business and community leaders. Most passed the Senate with a majority of Republican and Democratic votes. They include:

• Using Iowa's community colleges to fix Iowa's skilled worker shortage.
• Intensifying efforts to make sure state and local tax dollars buy American and buy Iowan when possible.
• Reducing costs for 60,000 Iowa small businesses with a state tax credit on employee health insurance costs.
• Providing consumer rebates to create jobs on residential and business solar and wind projects.

It is unfortunate the Republican-controlled House spent so much time on divisive, partisan debates on social issues. They failed to keep their promise to do everything possible to help Iowa's economy grow.

The session is winding down; perhaps by the end of the week. I have to catch up on the emails that keep pouring in and relaxing with my friends and family. You can always call me at 515-281-3371 or email me at dblack(at sign)black4senate.com.

HIRTA offers rides to Tulip Time

Olympic Gold Medal Winner John Peterson to speak in Newton

Newton Independent

Olympic wrestling champion John Peterson will visit Newton on Saturday, May 5, to help the Newton YMCA kick off the annual Partner With Youth campaign.

Peterson, who won a silver medal in 1972 and a gold medal in 1976 for freestyle wrestling, will be speaking at two events that day.

The first is set for 2 p.m. where he is scheduled to speak to area middle and high school students at the Newton Community Theatre on the importance of positive values and the story about how he became an Olympic champion. The event is free for all youth.

The second event, scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Theatre, is open to the public for a free will donation where he will again share his message of Christian values.

Following both of Petersn's events, those attending are invited to take photos with the Olmpian, get autographs and see the gold medal from the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal.

For more information on the event, contact Newton YMCA Business Director Frank Buckley at 641-792-4006 or email frank.buckley(at sign)newtonymca.org.

Buzz: Apartments to condos

Newton Independent

The Iowa State Association of Counties is alerting elected officials across the state that the latest buzz on commercial property tax legislation is that the Governor and legislative leadership are close to a deal that would allow apartment buildings to be classified as residential, a change that would allow them to qualify for the residential rollback.

The rumor mill is that the state is considering providing some backfill to local governments who would be hit by a significant loss of the amount of property taxes collected on such properties, experience shows that the state isn't so good at keeping its promises.

ISAC is urging county elected officials to contact their legislators to let them know what the negative consequences would be on local government finances should the apartment classification change.

Further, ISAC notes, rumor has it that the final property tax deal will include the changes telecommunications companies have long sought to reduce the property taxes they pay on their lines and equipment.

Interestingly, the Iowa Surpeme Court weighed in on the issue last year by allowing two Newton apartment buildings to be classified as redential due to their co-op ownership arrangement.

The Iowa League of Cities filed a friend of the court brief on behalf of Jasper County, which was fighting the classification change, by noting the financial impact to local governments if apartment buildings changed their ownership structure to a co-op.

"The potential conversion of all commercial apartments to residential classification through the formation of 'cooperatives' would impose severe limitations on the ability of cities to provide their citizens with services," the brief stated. "Based on the most recent levies and rollback figures, conversion of all commercial apartments to residential classification, based on 2007 values, would result in the statewide loss to cities of tens of millions of dollars annually."

 

Kelley @ the Capitol: I'll continue working for compromise

By REP. DAN KELLEY
Democrat, Newton

The legislative session is now in week two of overtime. Day 100 came and went last Tuesday. This was the scheduled day for adjournment. While legislators are no longer getting paid, we've still got work to do to find compromise before we can adjourn for the year.

Democratic House Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy held a press conference Wednesday and stated, "We stand ready to compromise and shut down the session. We were told by Republicans there would no work." Since no bills would be brought up for a vote by the House Majority, most legislators in both parties went home Wednesday afternoon.

During his press conference, McCarthy was asked if all Democratic House members would be going home. He responded, "Last year (during an extended budget stalemate) Representative Kelley worked every day. I expect he might be doing that again."

Yes, I will work at the Capitol every day during the budget stalemate. While I'd like to see agreements reached and adjournment, this is a great opportunity to dig deeper into several issues of interest to me and important to our district. Strengthening our schools, property tax reform, economic development, support for the middle class and quality jobs will get further attention.

Also, as ranking member of the Administration and Regulations Committee, I am involved in final negotiations where this particular piece of the budget is concerned. I am working hard to assist the committee co-chairs in finding compromise and resolution to the budget. I'm also working to insure adequate funding for the Office of Drug Control Policy.

It is important to remember, Iowa has a part-time citizen legislature. Everyone in the House and Senate has another job. My colleagues include teachers, farmers, firefighters, and yes, more than a few lawyers. I am a realtor and small business owner. We are all anxious to get back to those jobs and to hit the campaign trail. However, reaching compromise on budget bills and adjournment must take precedence.

So what must happen before adjournment? Leaders in the House and Senate, along with the Governor's office, are meeting to seek a compromise on the budget and significant policy pieces that were expected to be the centerpiece of the legislative session; education reform, commercial property tax relief and a redesign of Iowa's mental health system. While leadership in both chambers and the Governor are working toward coming together to reach an agreement on the size of the budget, they have not yet reached an agreement.

The discussion is centering on the size of the general fund budget for fiscal year 2013. By law, the state budget must be balanced. We know regardless of the decisions that are yet to be made, the state will have approximately $610 million in our reserve funds at the end of fiscal year 2012 and over $330 million in surplus funds will flow into the general fund.

In addition, education reform legislation is in a special conference committee with the House, Senate and Governor's office working out their differences. The House and Senate have both approved similar versions of the mental health redesign. However, I expect the mental health redesign bills will also be sent to a special conference committee for legislators to iron out their differences.

Discussions are also under way to find common ground on a plan to reduce property taxes for Iowa businesses. Commercial property tax reform is much needd. We must assist Main Street shop owners, not large, out-of-state corporations. We cannot simply shift the burden to homeowners and farmers.

While the budget stalemate took most of the headlines, a couple important, positive developments went virtually unnoticed by statewide media outlets. First, early in the week, the House and Senate approved a bipartisan government efficiency bill that will save the state over $3.5 million next year. I supported this legislation as well as an amendment which would have saved the state additional dollars by focusing on energy efficiency in state buildings and vehicles. Unfortunately, this amendment, offered by Rep. Isenhart of Dubuque, was defeated by the House majority. I've committed to working with Rep. Isenhart to readdress state government energy efficiency in future legislation.

Another very positive step was taken Wednesday morning. The House approved a one-year extension of the ethanol tax credit to encourage more Iowans to use ethanol and support good-paying jobs here in Iowa. As I discussed in my special Earth Day commentary, biofuels provide quality jobs to Jasper County and Iowa in both agriculture and fuel production. Ethanol and biodiesel play a major role in President Obama's "all of the above" energy policy. We approved this legislation while a state report was releasd showing gas prices have dropped nine cents last week while diesel prices dropped two cents. To read more about biofuels and green jobs, take a look at my web site.

Feel free to contact me anytime at 641-521-9260 or dan.kelley(at sign)legis.state.ia.us. Visit my web site, friend me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Feds withdraw proposed rules on children working in agriculture

Newton Independent

The U.S. Department of Labor has withdrawn a proposal to place limits on how and where children can work in agricultural operations following an outcry from rural residents across the country.

In a statement issued Thursday, the Department of Labor said the decision to withdraw the rule "was made in response to thousands of comments expressing concerns about the effect of the proposed rules on small family-owned farms."

"To be clear, this regulation will not be pursued for the duration of the Obama administration," the statement said.

The Department said it will work with such groups as the Farm Bureau, FFA and 4-H to develop educational programs to reduce accidents to young workers and promote safer agricultural working practices.

Gov. Terry Branstad, who opposed the proposed rules, applauded the decision in a statement today.

"I applaud this announcement by the U.S. Department of Labor to withdraw their proposed rules for young people participating in agriculture," he said. "The proposed rules were a prime example of federal overreach and it is unfortunate that they were proposed in the first place. That said, I am glad that common sense prevailed."

SHIIP offers guidance on the ins, outs of Medicare

Newton Independent

Close to 40,000 Iowans will turn 65 in 2012 and most will be encountering Medicare for the first time, a potentially daunting process, though help is available.

"For those approaching age 65, there are four key Medicare questions," said Kris Gross of the state's Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP).

First, she said, individuals will be asked to determine whether to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B? If individuals determine with Social Security that the answer to that question is yes, then they will have to determine how they want to get their Medicare coverage - through traditional Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan. Next, individuals will have to determine if they will enroll in Medicare Part D for prescription drug coverage. Finally, individuals will have to determine if they have some type of supplemental coverage which will cover costs not paid by Medicare.

"Even if you plant to continue working after age 65, or have a spouse who will be working and providing you with health coverage, you need to understand Medicare's eligibility and enrollment rules and evaluate which options will provide you with the most cost effective health coverage," Gross said.

SHIIP has several resources that can help individuals understand their options. A number of fact sheets and resouce information can be found on the SHIIP web site.

SHIIP counselors are also available in Jasper County to meet personally with indviduals to help explain their options and answer questions. Services are free and confidential. To make an oppointment or discuss any questions, call 641-791-4899 and leave a message. A local counselor will return the call to set up an appointment or to discuss questions.

Project AWAKE Plant Sale set

Newton Independent

The annual Project AWAKE Plant Sale in Newton has been set for May 4 and 5 at the Krumm Center located in the Arboretum.

On Friday, May 4, a pre-sale will run from 5 to 7 p.m. Those attending are being asked to provide a $10 donation to attend the pre-sale. Music and refreshments will be provided at the pre-sale.

On Saturday, May 5, the sale will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be no entry fee.

The annual Project AWAKE plant sale is one of the top fundraisers for the non-profit group that maintains the Newton Arboretum. The sale will feature several species of perennials and some annuals. The plants are all donated from local residents or businesses.

All funds raised benefit the Newton Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.

Those with questions, who would like to donate plants or volunteer for the event are asked to call the Arboretum at 641-791-3021.

Newton High School students involved in State Patrol safety education program

The Iowa State Patrol Safety Education unit partnered with the Governor's Traffic Safety Council to bring alcohol/texting awareness to the students at Newton Senior High School. The event was held in advance of this weekend's high school prom as a reminder to students to make good choices. Troopers Doug Cutts and Brian Shelley worked with students using a display and "beer goggles." A driving simulator was set up that allowed students to drive in different conditions. Students were allowed to use their cell phones and/or wear the "beer goggles" to see how dangerous it is to text while driving and driving while drinking.

- Newton Independent

Flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of fallen Korean War soldier

Newton Independent

Gov. Terry Branstad is ordering all flags in the state to be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday in honor of Sgt. 1st Class Edris "Eddie" Viers who was killed during the Korean War but whose remains were just recently identified.

Swan was 32 when his artillery unit was overrun in August 1950 during the "Battle of Bloody Gulch" near Pongam-ni, South Korea. He was officially pronounced deceased in December 1953 but his remains were not recovered at the time.

Remains recovered in 1951 from a military cemetery in Masan, South Korea were interred as unknown remains at a cemetery in Honolulu. Those remains were tested last year and were determined to be those of Viers.

A memorial service is scheduled for Friday at Mason Funeral Home in Pleasantville with graveside military services following at Swan Cemetery.

Businesses, schools, municipalities and counties are encouraged to fly flags at half-staff as a sign of respect.

Newton water board to hold hearing on issuing $500,000 in capital loan notes

Newton Independent

The Newton Water Board will meet at noon on Friday in the council chambers at City Hall where they will hold a public hearing on the issuance of $500,000 in water revenue capital loan notes to help finance a variety of projects.

LD Palmer, director of the Newton WaterWorks, said the department plans to use the money to finance a flood mitigation project at the water plant and replace the upflow aerator at the water treatment plant ($175,000), do work on the treatment plant generator's catalytic convertor ($39,000), conduct water main construction projects ($90,000) and replace various pieces of equipment, tools and a vehicle ($59,000). The financing also includes a local share amount of $116,000.

The total capital improvement project budget is $553,827.

Newton attorneys file suit on behalf of Iraqi war vet beaten by Guardian Angels patrol

By PETER HUSSMANN

Three attorneys with Newton law practices have filed suit against four members of the Guardian Angels who were convicted for assaulting and breaking the arm of an Iraqi war veteran outside a downtown Davenport bar two years ago.

Newton attorneys Jacob van Cleaf, Machelle Crum and Colin McCormack filed suit in Scott County District Court on behalf of Levi Walters of Davenport who is seeking damages for the injuries he sustained in the attack.

According to news reports from the time, Walters was involved in a verbal argument with his girlfriend when her ex-boyfriend, Guardian Angel patrol leader James "Nitro" Steel and three other Guardian Angels jumped him leaving his arm broken in three places.

Steel, along with Guardian Angel members Thomas Cress, Thomas Buechel and Steven Cypret, were all charged following the incident.

The suit also names Davenport Alderman Bill Lynn, the City of Davenport, the Davenport Chapter of the Guardian Angels, the Chicago Chapter of the Guardian Angels and the Alliance of Guardian Angels based in New York City as defendants.

Walters is seeking actual and punitive damages in the suit.

Trinity reports earnings gain, but wind tower business struggling

Newton Independent

The parent company of Trinity Structural Towers in Newton reported big gains in overall revenues and net income from all its operations for the first quarter of 2012 today, but said that challenges in the wind tower business lead that unit to report a multi-million dollar loss for the quarter.

Dallas-based Trinity Industries reported net income of $52.9 million for the first quarter compared to $24.2 million for the same period the year before. Revenues totaled $925.3 million comapred to $634.2 million in 2011. The company reported an operating profit of $122.4 million in first quarter of 2012, a 43 percent increase from the $85.5 million reported in the first quarter of 2011.

"I am pleased with our consolidated financial performance in the first quarter," said Timothy R. Wallace, Trinity's chairman and CEO. "Our revenues increased by 46 percent over the same period in 2011 and our net income increased by 119 percent. Our strong first quarter results were driven by a significant increase in railcar shipments compared to last year, along with improved profitability and higher level of railcar sales from the Railcar Leasing business. In addition, deliveries in our Inland Barge Group increased during the quarter compared to the prior year. While all of our business segments reported increases in revenues for the first quarter of 2012 compared to the same quarter lst year, our Energy Equipment Group's operating performance during the quarter reflects continued challenges in our structural wind towers business."

The Energy Equipment Group, which includes the wind tower manufacturing operation in Newton, reported revenues of $125 million in the first quarter compared to revenues of $118.7 million in the same period the year before.

Revenues in the group increased as a result of higher demand for tank containers, tank heads and utility structures offsetting lower structural wind tower shipments, Trinity said.

The group incurred an operating loss of $3.8 million in the first quarter of 2012 compared to an operating profit of $10.5 million in the first quarter of 2011.

The decrease in operating profit for the period was due to a number of issues related to the structural wind tower business, including product mix, lower shipments and competitive pricing on structural towers, Trinity said in announcing results.

The backlog for structural wind towers as of March 31, 2012 was approximately $885 million compared to $934 million as of Dec. 31, 2011. Approximately $413 million of the backlog is subject to litigation with a structural wind tower customer for the customer's breach of a long-term supply contract for the manufacture of towers.

Representatives of the wind energy industry have been urging Congress to quickly extend the Production Tax Credit. Failure to do so, they warn, could result in the loss of thousands of jobs in the wind energy industry across the country.

Trinity Structural Towers employs approximately 100 workers at its manufacturing site inside a portion of the former Maytag Plant 2.

Joe and Vickie Price to perform at South Skunk event

Joe and Vickie Price will play from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday at the First Avenue Speakeasy in downtown Newton at an event sponsored by the South Skunk Blues Society as part of its 20th anniversary year-long celebration. Blues and jazz enthusiasts are also invited to Johnny's Piano Bar at the Speakeasy where John Mattingly on Keys, Jimmy Robinson on drums and Jane Eilers on sax will play from 8 to 11 p.m. Friday. There is no cover for both shows. The South Skunk Blues Society will host its 20th anniversary Bowlful of Blues with a two-day show over the Labor Day weekend Sept. 1 and 2.

- Newton Independent

Workers Memorial Day ceremony set Friday

Newton Independent

Iowans will gather in Des Moines on Friday to pay tribute to workers who lost their lives while working in 2011 at a Workers Memorial Day ceremony.

The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at Iowa Workforce Development, 1000 E. Grand Ave. In case of rain, the event will move to the auditorium in the Wallace Building located west of Workforce Development at 502 East 9th St.

During calendar year 2011, 43 Iowans died from injuries sustained while working and 10 Iowans lost their lives while serving their country in the military. Additionally, untold numbers of Iowans are injured from exposres in the workplace.

"Workers Memorial Day is a day to honor and remember Iowans who in the past year have died in Iowa's workplaces and serving in our military," said Iowa Labor Commissioner Michael Mauro. "This is also a day to reflect on the lives that were lost and to renew our commitment to safe and healthy workplaces for all Iowans."

Unions of the AFL-CIO set aside a day each year as Workers Memorial Day. South Central Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO, Iowa Division of Labor and state and local representatives, including Gov. Terry Branstad, will gather to honor those that have lost their lives. Family and friends of the deceased are invited to attend the annual ceremony.

Failure to extend PTC could mean job losses for Newton

Newton Independent

Leaders of a bipartisan effort on Capitol Hill today joined the U.S. wind power industry to sound an urgent call for the House Ways and Means Committee to find a vehicle as soon as possible for extending the Production Tax Credit (PTC) for wind energy and avert thousands of layoffs already beginning in wind energy factories like those in Newton.

U.S. Reps. Steve King, R-Iowa, Dave Reichert, R-Wash., and Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., spoke with reporters in Washington, D.C., today about the need for swift passage of measure. They were joined by Steve Lockard, CEO of TPI Composites, a Phoenix-based company that manufactures wind blades at its factory in Newton.

"Our company has created more than 700 new jobs in Newton, and a second wind energy company there now employs over 100," Lockard said. "Our industry can do the same in hard-hit towns all across the U.S., if Congress will let us and doesn't increase taxes on wind power next year."

Denise Bode, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), asked House members to demand swift action on the tax credit. She also released new graphics illustrating the quarter-by-quarter fallout in U.S. wind energy employment from the 75,000 jobs at the start of the year, as wind turbine orders peak around mid-year amid uncertainty over the tax credit.

Approximately 37,000 American wind energy workers could be laid off over the course of this year if Congress does not take action, Bode said.

"Timing is everything," she said. "Our situation is urgent because we're already seeing the loss over over $15 billion a year in private investment in America, and 37,000 U.S. jobs that depend on the early extension of the Production Tax Credit."

Rep. King noted that the wind industry in Iowa supports approximately 5,000 jobs with and extension of the tax credit would provide some assurances for the industry.

"Iowa is a wind energy success story," he said. "Iowa was the first state to generate 20 percent of its electricity from wind. Now, wind supports as many as 5,000 Iowa jobs, and $11 million in annual land lease payments to Iowa farmers. This success story is spreading across the country because wind industry leaders know how to expand this business and provide more U.S. jobs. They just need Washington to provide stable, low tax rates. The Production Tax Credit means keeping investment dollars in the marketplace - not in the hands of government. Now is the time for stability in the wind industry and the PTC offers just that."

A recent study by Navigant Consulting on behalf of the AWEA found that extending the PTC for wind energy would allow the industry to grow 100,000 jobs in just four years, while an expiration would kill 37,000 jobs within a year.