Newton Independent

DOT addresses deteriorating roadways

Newton Independent

The Iowa Department of Transportation today authorized $12 million in additional funding to address the impacts of this winter's harsh weather on roadways statewide.

The DOT agreed to amend the 2010-2014 Iowa Transportation Improvement Program to provide funds for additional statewide contract maintenance activities.

"The damage to Iowa's aging infrastructure by the harsh winter weather conditions is painfully obvious to motorists," said Iowa DOT Director Nancy Richardson. "There is no doubt this is one of the worst years in recent history for potholes, heaving, cracking, pavement spalling and other stress defects. It is also a systematic statewide problem that absolutely must be addressed quickly to prevent further damage, extend the service life of the pavement and provide a safe means of travel."

The increase in funding to the maintenance program is possible because of favorable results in recent bid lettings, the DOT said.

County officials to address mental health funding, property tax relief with state lawmakers today

Newton Independent

County officials and employees from across the state are descending on the state capitol today for the Second Annual County Day hosted by the Iowa State Association of Counties.

The event gives ISAC members an opportunity to promote legislation important to the citizens that live within their counties. And one issue specifically planned to be addressed today is the funding for county mental health/developmental disabilities services and what is called mental health property tax relief.

County expenditures for mental health/developmental disabilities services account for a statewide average of 17 percent of a county's expenditures, the state association of counties said in a release corresponding with its legislative day. Counties statewide have budgeted to spend $373 million on these services in the current fiscal year. The $373 million comes from three sources: county property taxes, state appropriations and federal matching funds.

The property tax dollars that counties can raise for these services are frozen at $125 milion. That amount was established in 1996 in a deal brokered by then Sen. Tom Vilsack, adopted by the Iowa Legislature and signed into law by then Gov. Terry Branstad.

Counties agreed to the frozen property tax levy in exchange for $96 million in mental health property tax relief and a promise that the future growth in the system would be funded by the state. State funding comes in two pots of money: mental health property tax relief and mental health allowable growth.

Now, 14 years later, county officials say they have lived up to their end of the bargain while the state shortchanges the deal.

According to the county association, the County Mental Health Allowable Growth Appropriation for fiscal year 2010 did not allow for any real growth. The amount originally recommended for fiscal year 2011 was about $8 million less than the amount appropriated for fiscal year 2010. The remaining amount was reduced even further by the governor's 10 percent across-the-board budget cut.

Not only has the allowed growth amount decreased, but the Property Tax Relief appropriation has also declined.

Property tax relief was central in the agreement between the counties and state in 1996 to begin to move mental health expenses away from property taxes and onto the state. In previous across-the-board cuts, this funding stream was not cut because of the state's recognition of its importance. However, it was not exempted in the governor's latest cut.

Counties have survived this year only because the federal economic stimulus legislation reduced the amount of match counties have to pay for Medicaid services. However, the federal stimulus money comes to an end mid-way through the 2011 fiscal year.

So, county officials contend, in addition to not having any allowable growth from the state for two years and a major reduction in property tax relief, counties' federal money from the stimulus package will soon dry up. That will cause significant problems in maintaining the existing levels of services, not even counting new consumers and increasing costs of providing services.

The state association is calling on the Legislature to fully fund Mental Health Property Tax Relief and to adequately fund mental health/developmental disabilities allowable growth. It supports legislation to allow counties to address the underfunding through adjustments to the levy.

"County supervisors and the community services directors who manage these services for counties have been put in a box," said Cass County Supervisor and Association President Chuck Rieken. "They increasingly have to rely on state and federal funds to provide services to their citizens - with no ability to raise additional funds locally. I understand these are difficult times for the state budget, but do we really want to turn our back on those most in need of assistance. It seems to me funding these services should be at the top of the state's priority list."

Pella Corp. agrees to perform environmental investigation, cleanup of manufacturing facility in Pella

Newton Independent

Pella Corporation has agreed to conduct an investigation and cleanup of hazardous waste releases into soil and groundwater from its door and window manufacturing facility in Pella, the Environmental Protection Agency announced in a release late today.

The administrative order of consent filed Monday in Kansas City, Kan., is intended to address a series of "longstanding environmental issues related to soil and groundwater contamination around Pella Corporation's facilities at 102 Main Street in Pella," the release stated.

In 2006, under the authority of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the EPA completed an assessment of the company's facilities in Pella and identified a total of 30 different potential sources of soil and groundwater contamination. The order follows up on EPA's assessment and requires a thorough investigation and and cleanup of wastes released from the facility.

The contaminants to be addressed by Pella Corp., are primarily solvents and petroleum products related to wood treatment activities at the facility, including the solvent pentachlorophenol, which has been detected in ground water above federal drinking water levels.

The City of Pella relies on the Des Moines River and a deep well situated close to the company's plant for its public drinking water.

The company has committed under EPA oversight to investigate its hazardous releases, conduct a study to identify cleanup strategies and then implement the cleanup selected by the EPA at its own expense.

Iowa's cash for appliance clunker program over on the same day it started

Newton Independent

The Iowa Office of Energy Independence posted on its Web site this afternoon that Iowans turned out in record numbers today to participate in the appliance rebate program and have exhausted all of the cash in the six rebate categories less than eight hours after the program's start.

The office was acting as manager of the federal stimulus money aimed at getting consumers to replace old appliances with qualifying energy-efficient models. The state had more than $2.7 million allocated to it as part of the federal stimulus package.

Late this morning, the toll free registration phone line and registration Web site crashed due to heavy usage.

"We have never experienced this kind of response for any rebate program and Iowans should be proud of their efforts to save energy," said officials with Helgeson Enterprises, the contracting firm hired to oversee its implementation. The company also oversaw rebate programs in Michigan, Georgia and Minnesota, which also saw registration overload today.

Those interested in applying for a rebate will be placed on a waiting list and will be eligible for rebates if those registering fail to comply with terms in a specified time period.

The state office had previously anticipated the first-come, first-served program would run two and four weeks before the funding was exhausted.

More information on the program can be found here.

Appliance rebate registration system crashes

Newton Independent

Iowans wanting to take advantage of the state's appliance rebate plan responded in overwhelming fashion today, so much so the toll-free phone line and Web site purchasers can use to secure their share of the federal money crashed today.

The Iowa Office of Energy Independence, the state agency handling Iowa's $2.7 million share of the federal stimulus money, issued an emergency notice late this morning saying its program-specific Web site and toll free number systems for consumers to use to register for the rebates were "temporarily down." The systems are being operated by a third party contractor.

"We are working with out professional contractor to resolve these issues as quickly as possible," the state agency said, noting the toll free number system is now back operational with the Web site anticipated to be "operating again very soon."

"We are sorry consumers are experiencing difficulties at this time and we apologize for this extreme inconvenience," the release stated.

"Our contractor works with several states and Fortune 500 companies and will restore services as soon as humanely possible. We are advising all Iowa homeowners to keep trying the Web site and toll phone number later today. Thank you for your patience with this matter."

As many as 9,000 Iowans are expected to take advantage of the program where consumers can receive rebates for replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models.

Those seeking rebates can register on a first come, first served basis at www.IowaApplianceRebate.com or by calling 1-877-267-7495.

Iowa appliance rebate program ready to roll

By PETER HUSSMANN

About 9,000 Iowans are expected to take advantage of a rebate program that begins Monday that will give cash to those that get rid of their old appliances for new energy-efficient models.

Being run by the Iowa Office of Energy Independence, the State of Iowa Energy Efficiency Appliance Rebate program is part of a $296 million federal initiative aimed at getting Americans to upgrade their washers, dishwashers and refrigerators to more energy-efficient appliances.

Iowa has more than $.2.7 million in rebate money available for appliances in six different categories.

On Monday, the state rolled out its program-specific rebate registration Web site and toll-free number for consumers and retailers to review. Once the program begins at 8 a.m. Monday, those seeking rebates will be able to register on a first come, first served basis at www.IowaApplianceRebate.com or by calling 1-877-267-7495.

The rebate program is open to Iowa residents only and rebate dollars will only be available to those purchasing an appliance on the approved list on or after March 1.

A fact sheet on the program can be viewed here and a product guideline can be viewed here. A presentation given to retailers about the program can viewed here and questions and answers arising from that meeting can be viewed here.

State officials expect the money to be completely allocated within two to four weeks from the start of the program. Individuals may also be placed on a waiting list to receive rebates if reserved funding goes unspent.

IDED approves $6.5 million forgivable loan for Whirlpool Amana plant

Newton Independent

The board of the Iowa Department of Economic Development today approved a $6.5 million forgivable loan to Whirlpool as part of a $20 million capital project at its Amana refrigerator facility.

The award will retain 1,600 jobs at approximately $13 an hour at the former Maytag-owned facility.

Governor Chet Culver touted the significance Whirlpool award, and several others that represent a total of $32.5 million in economic investment in the state.

"This is great news for Amana and great news for Iowa," he said. "This shows that even in tough economic times, good things are happening here in Iowa."

You can read the announcement here.

Iowa cities, counties urged to apply for energy efficiency, conservation grants

Newton Independent

Cities and counties across the state are being urged to submit applications for federal block grant funds for projects that reduce energy use.

The Iowa Office of Energy Independence is seeking applications for projects that reduce fossil fuel emissions, reduce total energy use, improve energy efficiency and create and retain jobs.

The state has been awarded $8.6 million in federal Recovery Act funds to implement the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program. The competitive funding process includes six project categories:

• Energy efficiency retrofits of existing facilities for nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies.
• Development and implementation of energy efficiency and conservation programs for buildings and facilities within the jurisdiction of the entity.
• Development and implementation of programs to conserve energy used in transportation.
• Development and implementation of building codes and inspection services, compliance, training and enforcement associated with such codes in order to promote building energy efficiency.
• Replacement of traffic signals and street lighting with energy efficient technologies.
• Development, implementation and installation on or in any government building of onsite renewable energy technology that generates electricity from renewable sources.

The request for proposals announcement can be viewed here.

State cash for appliance clunker rebate program set to kick-off

By PETER HUSSMANN

Iowa residents in the market for a new home appliance might want to wait until next month to take advantage of a new rebate program funded by $2.8 million in federal Recovery Act money.

The Iowa Office of Energy Independence will launch the Energy Efficiency Appliance Rebate Program on March 1 that will allow purchasers of new energy efficient appliances to receive rebates on selected models.

The purpose of the program is to replace energy inefficient appliances with models that reduce energy consumption. Households are limited to one appliance type rebate but may receive rebates on different appliance types. The rebates, in the form of a Visa debit card, will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until the federal financing runs out. Only appliances purchased on or after March 1 are eligible.

"We anticipate that each Iowan who participates in this program will be able to save hundreds of dollars over the life of their new and more efficient appliance," said Roya Stanley, director of the Iowa Office of Energy Independence. "Buying and using energy efficient appliances helps consumers save money while at the same time they are creating jobs and boosting the economy."

Additional information about the program, including a complete list of eligible appliances, can be found here.

Sen. Black addresses state budget issues

Newton Independent

State Sen. Dennis Black, D-Lynnville, addresses Gov. Chet Culver's budget plan released last week in his Keeping in Touch column this week.

While supporting the governor's call for no new taxes, Black says that he is adamant that he will not support any moves that might pass the costs of state government down to the local level.

He also notes that he will be bagging groceries at the Newton Hy-Vee this Saturday as part of a fund-raiser for United Way.

You can read his weekly column here.

Iowa's economic indicators index continues to show rise

Newton Independent

Iowa's Leading Indicators Index rose for the third month in a row in December, but still shows an overall weakness in the state's economy, a report released by the Iowa Department of Revenue today indicates.

The Index rose to 95.8 in December from 95.1 the month before. For the first time since April 2007, all eight leading indicators components contributed positively to the index.

The components, by order of contribution, were average weekly manufacturing hours, the new orders index, the Iowa stock market index, new residential building permits, unemployment insurance claims (inverted), the yield spread, diesel fuel consumption and agriculture future price index. The index is based on a 12-month moving average.

Average weekly manufacturing hours stood at 40.2 hours in December, well above the 37.3 reported in December of 2008, but a drop from the revised November average of 40.7.

The new orders index in December dropped to 54.3 from 58.6 in November, but remained well above the December 2008 value of 19.6. The year-over-year strength raised the components 12-month moving average and contributed positively to the index.

During December, 23 of the 34 companies in the Iowa stock market index gained value, including six of the 12 financial-sector companies.

Building permits were 83.9 percent above December 2008 permits, pushing the the 12-month moving average up 3.1 percent. Despite December's relative strength, December permits are still 47 percent below average December permits reported from 1998 through 2006.

Average weekly unemployment claims in December were 14.3 percent below December 2008 claims though initial claims for the month were still 57.4 percent above average December claims from 1987 through 2007.

Diesel fuel consumption increased 3.3 percent between December 2008 and December 2009 causing an increase in the 12-month moving average resulting in a positive contribution to the index. This was the first increase in the diesel consumption component since May 2008.

In regard to the agriculture futures price index, expected profits for soybeans, hogs and cattle improved while expected profits for corn continued to shrink.

The full report can be read here.

TPI Composites says no timeline set on Newton wind turbine plant expansion

By PETER HUSSMANN

TPI Composites applauded President Barack Obama's issuance of more than $9 million in tax credits to  to allow the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based company to expand its Newton, Iowa wind turbine blade facility, as well as develop a new plant in Grand Island, Neb. to produce its next generation of wind blades.

On Friday, President Obama announced the award of $2.3 billion in Recovery Act Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credits for clean energy manufacturing projects across the United States. One hundred eighty three projects in 43 states were awarded the credits designed to create thousands of new clean energy jobs.

TPI Composites received $3.9 million in tax credits to expand its wind turbine blade manufacturing plant in Newton to meet "anticipated greater demand for composite wind turbine blades from its customer, General Electric, and General Electric's wind farm customers."

TPI officials said in a statement issued late Friday that no timeline has yet been set on when the Newton plant expansion might be undertaken. Provisions of the tax credit program, however, require projects selected to be in service by 2014.

"TPI's tax credit award will help the company advance its plans to expand operations and create additional manufacturing jobs in the U.S.," the company statement said. "The company looks forward to announcing specific project plans in the future."

TPI Composites also receive a $5.1 million award to construct a new manufacturing facility in Grand Island, Neb. The new plant will, expected to create 200 new jobs, is being designed to produce TPI's "next generation wind turbine blades made by combining reinforcing fibers from glass or carbon, resin, foam and balsa wood."

TPI lauded the president's action in helping stimulate the green energy manufacturing sector.

"TPI Composites applauds President Obama for his leadership in stewarding policies like the Clean Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit, the Department of Energy Loan Guarantee Program and a strong Federal Renewable Electricity Standard," the company statement said. "The company shares his view that these programs will help create U.S. jobs, revitalize the nation's industrial and manufacturing base and allow our country to be less dependent on foreign sources of energy. The President's leadership on these matters will help create a large renewable energy market in the U.S."

TPI was not the only company with facilities in Iowa receiving the tax credit awards.

American Railcar Industries, headquartered in Fort Dodge, received $5.3 million to re-equip a railcar manufacturing facility in Fort Dodge for the production of 500 structural steel towers per year for large-scale commercial wind turbines.

Siemens Energy, headquartered in Orlando, Fla., received $3.4 million to build a new manufacturing facility in Fort Madison for the assembly of wind turbine nacelles and hubs for Siemens wind turbines.

Guardian Industries in Dewitt received $900,000 to re-equip an existing manufacturing facility to produce bent solar mirrors. The project will modify and enhance the company's existing mirror production line.

Census Bureau reports Iowa tax collection declines

By PETER HUSSMANN

Iowa tax collections fell 9 percent in the third quarter compared to the same period a year ago, a new Census Bureau report states, but a whopping 32 percent or $600 million compared to this year's second quarter.

Total state taxes collected in the third quarter amounted to $1.22 billion compared to $1.36 billion during the July, August and September period the year before, the report released Tuesday indicates. For the three-month period ending in June 2009, total taxes in Iowa amounted to $1.82 billion. Total tax collections in Iowa stood at $1.67 billion in the first quarter, the reports show.

Nationally, tax revenue for states was down 6.7 percent in the third quarter of 2009 compared to the previous year, the fourth consecutive quarter of negative growth. Tax revenue for the quarter totaled $266.5 billion compared with $285.6 billion in the comparable period the year before.

In a break out of various tax types, Iowa saw a 14 percent reduction in general sales tax for the third quarter compared to the year before, a 5.1 percent drop in individual income tax and a 114.9 percent reduction in corporate net income tax, the largest in the nation.

On a positive note, both motor vehicle fuel taxes and taxes on motor vehicles were up in this year's third quarter compared to a year ago.

The Census Bureau's tax collection data can be viewed here.

Iowa shows population gain

Newton Independent

Iowa's population grew to more than three million people between July 1, 2008 and July 1, 2009, population estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau today indicate.

Iowa recorded a total population of 3,007,856 as of July 1, up from 2,993,987 from a year earlier. The 13,869 increase amounts to a .5 percent gain.

The figures released today are the final set of Census Bureau population estimates to be published before the official 2010 census counts to be released next December.

"We are focused now on ensuring we get a complete and accurate count in 2010," said Census Bureau Director Robert Groves. "The census counts will not only determine how many U.S. House seats each state will have but will also be used as the benchmark for future population estimates."

Texas showed the greatest population increase (478,000) for the period with California remaining the most populous state at 37 million.

Wyoming showed the largest percentage growth with its population climbing 2.12 percent to 544,270.

Three states lost population for the period, Michigan, Maine and Rhode Island.

A table showing the population estimates for the United States can be viewed here.

H1N1 vaccinations opening to all Iowans

Newton Independent

Beginning Monday, all Iowans will be eligible to receive an H1N1 flu vaccination, the Iowa Department of Public Health announced today.

"Local public health agencies have done a tremendous job during this vaccination campaign, and in getting those at highest risk vaccinated," said Tom Newton, director of the state's public health department. "We feel confident that it is now time to expand H1N1 vaccinations to the general public."

While H1N1 vaccinations will be available to all Iowans beginning Monday, public health officials continue to encourage those at highest risk of complications to make sure they are vaccinated.

Public health officials predict that another wave of H1N1 illness will occur during the usual time Iowa sees the highest rates of influenza activity - late January and February. Being immunized as soon as possible will give Iowans protection against this possible third wave of the illness.

So far, Iowa has recorded 36 confirmed deaths due to H1N1 and nearly 700 H1N1-related hospitalizations.

For a map of where vaccinations can be located in Jasper County, click here.

Boswell touts earmarks for 3rd District

Newton Independent

Rep. Leonard Boswell, D-Iowa, announced on Tuesday more than $18 million in earmark funding for Iowa's 3rd Congressional District for projects he says create jobs, invest in local communities and promote programs that help the state's children and families.

"The project funds for the 3rd District in this year's omnibus appropriations bill have the power to stimulate Iowa's economy and to improve the quality of life for its residents," Boswell said in a press release identifying the projects funded. "

Boswell goes on to note that he has secured nearly $50 million for Iowa's 3rd District in 11 of the 12 fiscal year 2010 appropriations bills.

"The responsible application of earmarked funds, which are federal resources designated for local projects of high public purpose, can have widespread benefits for the 3rd District, Iowa and our nation," Boswell said. "I will continue to fight for projects in our state that benefit communities by stimulating the economy, improving public safety and taking care of our families."

You can read the projects earmarked for funding here.

Iowa Workforce Development calls on Congress to extend jobless benefits

Newton Independent

Iowa Workforce Development Deputy Director Joseph Walsh joined labor commissioners from across the country in Washington, D.C., today in calling for Congress to renew provision of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that if let to expire would force millions of Americans to become ineligible for unemployment and COBRA benefits.

"The unemployment crisis will not disappear simply because we move into 2010," Walsh said. "Without an immediate extension of ARRA benefits, thousands of Iowans will lose benefits during the first quarter of 2010."

Walsh said that more than 10,000 Iowans will exhaust their regular state unemployment benefits during the first quarter of 2010. Without a deadline extension, these people will not receive any of the federal unemployment benefit extensions. An additional 20,000 Iowans will exhaust a portion of the three tiers of federal extensions and will not be allowed to continue in the program, he said.

Walsh, along with other state labor officials, met at the National Press Club for the release of a report called "Keeping a First Line of Defense for the Jobless," a state-by-state look at the impacts should the Recovery Act unemployment and health provisions be allowed to expire at the end of the year.

According to the report:

• One million workers will be left unemployed in January with no access to benefits. That number will swell to more than three million workers by the end of March.
• Twelve states will have to return to paying a 50 percent share of the federal Extended Benefits program - which provides 13 to 20 weeks of jobless benefits - because the Recovery Act's full federal funding of the program expires. Iowa is not included.
• The state agencies that process unemployment benefits will have to notify all recipients of an interruption in federally-funded benefits and adapt to new benefits programming and major processing delays.
• Hundreds of millions of dollars in income will be lost to unemployed families when the Recovery Act's $25 boost in weekly benefits expires, along with a provision suspending the federal income tax in the first $2,400 in unemployment benefits.
• Failure to reauthorize and expand the 65 percent COBRA subsidy could result in nearly half of those now enrolled in the COBRA program becoming uninsured.

The Center for American Progress Action Fund, one of the groups composing the report, has further information here.

Iowa DHS restructuring plan proposed

By PETER HUSSMANN

A plan to reorganize the Iowa Department of Human Services operations under two deputy directors, six rather than nine divisions, five rather than eight service areas, more part-time offices and the elimination of 78 currently vacant positions was presented to the Iowa Council on Human Services by DHS Director Charles Krogmeier last week with hopes that it can begin to be implemented by Jan. 1.

The plan was presented due to the budget problems facing the state, Krogmeier said in a note outlining the plan.

"The dramatic change in our economy and the subsequent and unavoidable negative impact on public funds has accelerated the urgency for this review and analysis," he wrote. "The recent 10 percent across-the-board budget reductions and the likely 2011 budget situation makes these changes no longer a choice but an imperative to align ourselves in the best way to provide the services Iowans need from DHS."

The plan calls for the alignment of the DHS into programmatic and administrative support areas through two deputy directors and six divisions. The program services deputy director would direct all programs offered while the administrative services deputy director would direct the internal operations that assist program development and service delivery.

The six divisions are being proposed as follows:

• Iowa Medicaid Enterprise
• Mental Health and Disability Services
• Adult, Children and Family Services
• Field Operations
• Fiscal Management
• Data Management

DHS field operations would be reduced from eight to five. Under the plan, Jasper County would be in a new group of counties moving east to Johnson and Jones counties, north to Tama, Benton and Linn counties and south to the Missouri border. It currently is grouped with counties in north central Iowa going east to Poweshiek and Tama and north and west to include Story, Marshall to Pocahontas and Calhoun counties.

In outlining the reorganization of field operations and service areas, which are expected to occur between January and April 2010 should the reorganization be approved, Krogmeier said every effort was made to ensure the availability of front line staff to Iowans. However, staff reductions and additional less than full-time office operations are included.

"We must strive to maintain front line staff," Krogmeier wrote in his recommendation. "We must continue to make a difference in the lives of Iowans. I believe that this can be accomplished through five service areas versus the current eight. The criteria used in determining the new service area boundaries included an effort to balance the caseloads and supervisory spans of control while recognizing existing relationships between counties for the delivery of human services."

In fiscal year 2009, there were 2,017 positions for field operations across the state. These included 34 less than full-time offices. Under the reorganization plan the realigned operations will be done by 1,939 funded positions, a reduction of 78 positions which are all currently vacant.

"Under our proposed realignment there will be five service areas and we expect there will be additional less-than-full-time offices," Krogmeier wrote. "The service area consolidation will result in some positions being eliminated. The reduction of full-time offices will not result in fewer staff but will allow for much more efficient use and better supervision of the staff we have available."

In addition, Krogmeier is recommending the establishment of one "centralized" service area where the DHS will consolidate and relocate some of the functions supervised today by both field and central office staff.

Services Krogmeier identified as likely to be centralized include child welfare intake, child care assistance eligibility and payment, the abuse registries and record check evaluations, eligibility for "medical only" cases, IV-E eligibility, child care licensing and the Income Maintenance Customer Service Center.

"DHS provides some of the core and essential services of state government to Iowa's most vulnerable citizens," Krogmeier wrote. "The amount of dollars we spend on these efforts makes our accountability to the public critical. We need to make sure that taxpayers are able to understand the connection between the essential services and the costs associated with providing them. DHS is the difference in many Iowans' lives. The responsibility to succeed is very real."

Iowa court offices closed Friday; case priority schedule set

Newton Independent

Court offices across the state will be closed on Friday as part of the Judicial Branch's decision to order all judicial officers and court staff to take 10 days of unpaid leave during the remainder of the fiscal year in response to the state's revenue shortfalls.

Friday's court system closure is the first of three closing dates scheduled this month. Court offices will also be closed on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Later this month, clerk of court offices throughout the state will have reduced hours of public operation. Jasper County's clerk of court offices will be closed to the public after 2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Dec. 15.

You can read the order here.

On Tuesday, Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Marsha Ternus issued a supervisory order that prioritizes how the Iowa court system will handle various classes of cases. In issuing the order, that gives top priority to emergency matters, Judge Ternus noted that the judicial branch workforce is now 11 percent below levels in April and 16 percent lower than it was in 2002.

"Although our judges and court staff will strive to keep cass moving, even the most productive person can only do so much in a day," Ternus wrote in the order. "Consequently, litigants and others who use the courts will experience long delays and cuts in services. These problems, although undesirable, are unavoidable."

You can read the case prioritization order here.

AFSCME Web site discloses concession voting results