Legislative Correspondence_Thank YouApril 29, 2009
«CompleteLOCALName Address»
Dear «Title» «Last»,
I want to thank you for all your efforts this legislative session to ensure that progress in
the State of Iowa continues and that Eastern Iowa, and specifically the City of Dubuque,
is a part of that progress.
This legislative session recognized the difficult economic times we face and was fiscally
prudent, while providing the support and stimulus that is needed.
want to especially recognize certain pieces of legislation:
The expansion of the State Historic Tax Credit program from $20 million to $50
million will ensure the success of the commitment to IBM as they bring 1,300 jobs
and an annual $60 million payroll to the State of Iowa, in the 255,000 square foot
historic Roshek Brothers Building in the heart of Downtown Dubuque. It will also
contribute to the success of the rehabilitation of the one million square foot
Historic Millwork District, which adjoins the Washington Neighborhood,
Downtown Dubuque and the Port of Dubuque. Many other downtown projects
will benefit from these State Historic Tax Credits, like the $28 million renovation
of the historic Hotel Julien Dubuque.
• The authorization to implement a Utility Franchise Fee was very important to the
City of Dubuque. The City now has a 2% Utility Franchise Fee and would have
needed to reduce City services or increase property taxes on the average
homeowner in Fiscal year 2011 by 13.67% if the current Court case had gone
against Dubuque.
• The property and sales tax breaks for data centers could put the City of Dubuque
in the hunt for these projects, thereby creating hundreds of jobs and possibly
creating occupants for some of the Historic Millwork District property.
• The over $800 million infrastructure bill provides a financial shot in the arm when
it is desperately needed. This will help put Iowans to work and provide
assistance to get important projects moving.
«Title» « First» «Last»
April 29, 2009
Page 2
• The $3 million appropriation for passenger rail will signal to the ILDOT that the
State of Iowa will be a full partner in the return of passenger rail to Iowa,
providing for a more sustainable future.
• The formation of the Mississippi River Partnership Council will help put a focus
on one of the most precious natural resources in the world. As the legislation
states, "the preservation, enhancement, and intelligent use of the Mississippi
River are in the ecological and economic interests of the citizens of the State."
Score a victory for the new, "Mississippi River Rats Caucus."
• The modifications to the sex offender legislation will make Iowa a safer place for
our children.
• As a partner in the local Every Child/Every Promise Initiative, I applaud the
addition of 30,000 children in the health insurance program.
• Wind Innovation Zones have the potential to leverage the fact that Iowa is the
second leading wind energy producer in the United States and create many
green jobs, while making Iowa energy independent and anet-exporter of energy.
• The almost 1,500 jobs that will be created by the Summer Youth and Green
Corps Program are desperately needed in these tough economic times.
You and the State Legislature were certainly responsive to the needs of the citizens of
Iowa, and specifically those in Eastern Iowa and Dubuque.
Thank you for caring and turning that caring into action.
Sincerely,
Michael C. Van Milligen
City Manager
MCVM:jh
The Honorable Pat Murphy
Speaker of the House
Iowa State Representative
155 N. Grandview Avenue
Dubuque,lA 52001
The Honorable Tom
Iowa State Senator
310 E. Main Street
Epworth, IA, 52045
The Honorable Pam Jochum
Iowa State Senator
2368 Jackson
Dubuque, IA 52001
Hancock The Honorable Roger Stewart
Iowa State Senator
3936 317 Avenue
Preston, IA 52069
The Honorable Chuck Isenhart
Iowa State Representative
P.O. Box 3353
Dubuque, IA 52004-3353
The Honorable Steven Lukan
Iowa State Representative
7365 Columbus Street
New Vienna IA 52065
The Honorable Thomas Schueller
Iowa State Representative
503 W. Platt Street
Maquoketa, IA 52060
The Honorable Ray Zirkelbach
Iowa State Representative
637 W. First Street
Monticello, IA 52310