Sorenson’s Straight Talk

Government Oversight Continues on IASB
I continue to serve on the Government Oversight Committee during the interim. We met recently to review the release of a long overdue financial audit of the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB).  The audit provided some details on already known financial dealings.  We first questioned auditors before moving on to question IASB interim director Veronica Stalker and legal representative Nolden Gentry. Our questions were focused on the inexcusable lack of internal controls within the association and what work is being done to correct these mistakes. The audit confirmed already known details about improper transfers of money between IASB entities and salary increases for three top executives.  It also reported that former executive director Maxine Kilcrease spent over $18,000 to refurnish her and another office, and it detailed how much money was still to be paid back for overcompensation or improper personal spending by current and former employees. Questions were asked whether or not the IASB’s services could be provided by a private company or through the AEAs.  An audit for the 2010 fiscal year is currently being conducted and is expected sometime in September.  The oversight committee plans to have IASB back at the November meeting to discuss the findings of that audit and to formulate plans for any legislative action needed for the next General Assembly.
Should Iowa Put “Right to Work” in the Constitution?

In 1947, the Taft-Hartley amendments to the 1935 National Labor Relations Act affirmed the states’ right to pass Right-to-Work laws. Right-to-Work laws guarantee that no person can be compelled, as a condition of employment, to join or not to join, nor to pay dues to a labor union. The Right to Work principle affirms the right of every American to work for a living without being forced to belong to a union.  Compulsory unionism in any form–”union,” “closed,” or “agency” shop–is a contradiction of the Right to Work principle and the fundamental human right the principle represents.  As of January 1, 2006, 22 states have adopted Right-to-Work laws.  Of those 22 states, ten have taken the extra step of putting Right-to-Work into its constitution (Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Kansas, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and South Dakota).  Should Iowa join those ten states and do the same?  Prior to 2007, the answer was probably that it was not necessary.  However, since 2007 the Democrat majorities have sponsored several bills to completely overturn Iowa’s 60-year-old Right-to-Work status by requiring non-union members of public employers and private employers to pay a mandatory fee to the union. I would like to hear from you on this issue.
Sales Tax Holiday August 6 & 7
This year marks the 11th annual Iowa Sales Tax Holiday, and it begins when stores open on Friday August 6 and ends when stores close on Saturday August 7.  During this time period, consumers will pay no sales tax, including local option sales tax, on select clothing and footwear marked at $100 or less.  Consumers can access a complete list of items that are taxable and items that are exempt at: http://www.iowa.gov/tax/educate/STHList.pdf <http://www.iowa.gov/tax/educate/STHList.pdf>  .
The annual sales tax holiday provides consumers with a little break on the price of essential clothing items.  Many families look forward to these two days in August because the savings can add up.  Eighteen states have designated sales tax holidays.  In fact, many states have multiple days when no sales tax is collected.  For example, the State of Illinois sales tax holiday is 10 days long, beginning August 6th and ending August 15th.  Many states have higher price thresholds on qualifying items and have expanded their sales tax exemptions beyond just select clothing items and footwear.  Several states include school supplies, books, computers, sports equipment, and energy star products in their list of tax free items. I would support expanding the items on Iowa’s list that would be tax-free on this weekend so families could save even more when back-to-school shopping.

Kent Sorenson Announces Bid for the Iowa Senate

WINTERSET, IA – Kent Sorenson announced today his bid for the Iowa Senate in District 37. Sorenson is currently the State Representative in District 74, which is half of Senate District 37 and covers all of Warren and Madison Counties, along with two precincts in Dallas County.

Sorensen said today, “It is an honor to serve the people of Iowa and I believe I can be a better represent the people of Senate District 37 than the current senator. In the past two years I have listened to voters and worked to provide solutions to problems in state government. The majority party did not like the budget saving solutions offered for taxpayers and today we are in a budget crunch after passing the largest budget in Iowa history. We must work to reduce the over taxation, over regulation, and protect the freedoms of the people before the wants of government.”

Kent Sorenson and his wife Shawnee reside in Indianola with their six children. Kent is a small business owner, soccer coach, and past volunteer firefighter. Small businesses create over 60% of all new jobs in Iowa. In order for these businesses to grow government must cut, not increase, taxes and regulations. Education is of tremendous importance for the Sorenson family, growing up with parents as employees in the Indianola Community School system, Kent understands the best education for students is achieved with parental involvement.

Paul McKinley, Senate Republican Leader, said, “We need leaders like Kent Sorenson because Iowa cannot afford to continue to pursue the same big government agenda and policies advocated by liberal senators like Staci Appel. This race will truly offer a sharp contrast between two different directions for Iowa: If you want more government, more debt and zero action on creating jobs for Iowans – you may want to stick with the status quo.”

Sorenson continued, “It is my job to listen to the voter’s concerns. If you have questions for me all of my contact information is on my website at www.kentsorenson.com. I am here to work for you.”

Rep. Jodi Tymeson was also in attendance at the press conference to endorse Sorenson’s bid for the Iowa Senate.

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Paid for by Sorenson for Statehouse