Legislative Correspondence_HF 2382, HF 2502, HSB 741Via E -mail &
1 Class Mail
«Email»
«CompleteOFFICIALNameAddress»
Dear «Title» «Last»:
March 10, 2010
I am writing this letter in response to HF2382 that adds language to Iowa Code Chapter
411, to allow covered employees to designate a physician of their choosing to treat a
work - related illness or injury, rather than the employer choosing the care.
urge you to oppose this bill. The City of Dubuque utilizes the services of occupational
physicians to assist in treating and managing the care related to work related injuries or
illnesses. This arrangement allows the employee to obtain the necessary and
appropriate care to properly treat the illness or injury. Permitting an employee to make
the determination as to where they go to obtain treatment for a work illness or injury can
lead to a delay in obtaining necessary and appropriate care, will increase costs and will
hinder the ability of the employer to monitor the progress being made in recovery.
The sooner employees are able to return to work, even on a limited duty, the more likely
they will experience maximum recovery. The existing law provides employers with the
ability to fulfill its responsibility of providing appropriate, competent and timely treatment
of workplace injuries and illnesses. The proposed change would restrict employers
from meeting this responsibility and it provides no assurance that employees will
receive better care in the treatment of a workplace illness or injury.
The City of Dubuque opposes any benefit improvement for the 411 system, especially
during this fiscal downturn. Actuarial studies show City contribution rates for the 411
system will increase to 38.55% within the next four fiscal years. This would mean an
annual increase in cost to the City of Dubuque of $2,863,711, which is an increase in
the cost of property taxes to the average homeowner of approximately 15 %.
I am aware that an amendment to this bill has been filed by the bill sponsor. This
amendment does not address our concerns with HF2382. The amendment would place
a burden on cities to go before the workers' compensation commissioner to show up
front, "unreasonable increases" in costs, which would not be known at the time, since
the costs would be based on experience. The amendment to the bill is flawed in that it
fails to recognize the lack of jurisdiction of the industrial commissioner and it establishes
a threshold of proof that is impossible to achieve in that it requires the submission of
evidence that will not be available until a date after the review process.
I urge you to oppose both HF2382 and amendment H -8177.
Thank you for your assistance and consideration.
Sincerely,
MVM:sya
Michael C. Van Milligen
City Manager
Via E -mail &
1St Class Mail
«Email»
«CompleteOFFICIALNameAddress»
Dear «Title» «Last»:
March 10, 2010
I am writing this letter in response to HF2502, a bill that phases out the State's contribution to
the Municipal Fire and Retirement System and creates a Benefits Advisory Commission. The
State's contribution to the Municipal Fire and Retirement System is $2,503,510. Phasing out
the State's contribution simply passes the cost of funding the retirement system to cities.
Actuarial studies show city contribution rates for the 411 system will increase to 38.55% within
the next four fiscal years. This would mean an annual increase in cost to the City of Dubuque of
$2,863,711, which is an increase in the cost of property tax to the average home owner of
approximately 15 %. It is also estimated that the creation of a Benefits Advisory Committee will
cost between $15,000 and $20,000 per year. I urge you to oppose this bill.
I also want to mention that I am pleased to learn that requiring overtime to be considered wages
was removed from the bill.
Thank you for your assistance and consideration.
MVM:sya
Sincerely,
Michael C. Van Milligen
City Manager
City Manager's Office
City Hall
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001 -4864
(563) 589 -4110 phone
(563) 5894149 fax
(563) 690 -6678 TDD
ctymgr @cityofdubuque.org
The Honorable Chuck Isenhart
House Chamber
Iowa Capitol Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
We ask that you support the HSB 741.
Service People
Integrity
March 23, 2010
Dear Representative Isenhart,
Thank you for serving the citizens of Dubuque as State Representative.
The City of Dubuque is on record in support of Standings Bill 741 through the Iowa
League of Cities and the Metropolitan Coalition.
The City of Dubuque supports this initiative which would give the city the option to
increase the local hotel motel tax from seven to nine percent. This legislation is
consistent with the Mayor and Council's support for optional alternative revenue
sources.
Sincerely,
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Michael C. Van Milligen v � (J - %/)
City Manager
Responsibility Innovation Teamwork