June 23, 2009
It is an honor to serve as your State Representative. The 2009 Legislative Session is over and I'm proud of the progress we made helping middle class families. We balanced the state budget, helped Iowans rebuild from the devastating floods and storms in 2008, and created good-paying jobs in key industries like renewable energy.
During the interim, you will be receiving this newsletter every other week. Please contact me with any of your thoughts or concerns.
If you have any friends who are not on the list encourage them to subscribe here. Please contact me with any of your questions or concerns.
I look forward to serving you.
H and H Foods Closes, Leaves Workers Without Paycheck
Workers of the former H and H Foods have been left without their last paycheck after the company closed their doors. This affects 120 workers in the town of West Union. Former employees have been strongly encouraged to contact the Wage and Hour Division of Iowa Workforce Development at 800-562-4692.
Filling out a wage claim through the Wage and Hour Division is the best opportunity to receive compensation for the work employees did before the layoffs occurred on June 2 A wage claim is also available at www.iowaworkforce.org/labor/wagesteps.htm.
Former employees of H & H Foods looking for jobs should also contact their local workforce development center for job placement or training opportunities. Centers are located in Oelwein (319-283-2751), Decorah (563-382-0457), and New Hampton (641-394-4649).
Job Training for the Unemployed
Governor Culver announced that the US Department of Labor has certified $70.8 million in federal Recovery Act funds to the state of Iowa. Iowa became eligible for these funds as a result of the passage of Senate File 197, the law modernizing Iowa's unemployment insurance system.
"These funds will directly benefit unemployed Iowans who are seeking to improve their skills in the workplace, and to stay competitive. In addition, these funds will help to stabilize the state Unemployment Trust Fund, to minimize the impact of the national recession on Iowa's employers" said Governor Culver.
I-JOBS Board Holds First Meeting
The Iowa Jobs (I-JOBS) Board held their first meeting on June 3rd to begin the process of distributing $165 million in infrastructure projects that will rebuild Iowa's communities affected by last summer's storms and create jobs. The I-JOBS Board was created as part of the $830 million I-JOBS infrastructure, flood recovery, and job creation initiative approved by the Legislature in 2009.
At the meeting, the board members received an overview of the legislation creating the program and the board. Draft rules were distributed that the board will consider at their next meeting on June 15th. The board plans to approve the rules on an emergency basis, which makes them effective upon adoption by the board. The board also plans to consider identical rules filed under notice, which will allow for public comment.
H and H Foods Closes, Leaves Workers Without Paycheck
Major Grant Received for Math and Science Teachers
Five-Year Transportation Improvement Program Adopted
Nursing Homes Reviewed by State
Reduction in Child Abuse Cases
New Research and Development School
Rebuild Iowa Coordinating Council Holds First Meeting
Federal Stimulus Funds Approved to Protect Education
Review Auto Insurance Before Summer Road Trip
Constitutional Amendment on Natural Resources
DNR to Monitor State Park Beaches
Firefighter and Police Officer Assistance
Environment Commission Supports Passenger Rail
Contact Andrew:
andrew.wenthe@legis.state.ia.us
PO Box 123
Hawkeye, IA 52147
563-427-4831 (Home)
515-281-3221 (Capitol)
http://www.andrewwenthe.org