Nine Republican legislators sent a letter to leadership in the Iowa House of Representatives asking that they poll the 100 state representatives to gauge support for convening a special Legislative session to deal with disaster relief.

The letter was sent by Reps. Kraig Paulsen, of Hiawatha; Jeff Kaufmann, of Wilton; Sandy Greiner, of Keota; Dawn Pettengill, of Mount Auburn; Tom Sands, of Columbus Junction; Pat Grassley, of New Hartford; Tami Wiencek, of Waterloo; Dan Rasmussen, of Independence; and Bill Schickel, of Mason City. All are from areas damaged by flooding.

“With winter getting nearer by the day, urgency is key,” the letter said. “It is imperative that the Legislature meet now to deal with this crisis.” It goes on to demand that the legislature reconvene immediately.

The letter was released just a day after the Rebuild Iowa Commission was reconvened to begin the transition from short-term needs of the disaster recovery efforts to long-term needs, a signal that a special session is likely no longer on the table.

Iowa Gov. Chet Culver has repeatedly said he believes that a special session is not needed, but reserves the right to call one if the situation changes. Most believe, however, that with only a few weeks left until statewide legislative elections, calling a special session could turn overtly political.

In a statement, House Speaker Pat Murphy, D-Debuque, said lawmakers would do whatever is neccesary to help those affected by flooding.

“We will work together with Gov. Culver and legislators from both sides of the aisle to help Iowans rebuild, but it is essential not to let critical flood relief efforts get mired in partisan politics,” he said.

Below is the letter sent to House leadership:

October 2, 2008

Patrick Murphy, Speaker
Iowa House of Representatives
Statehouse
Des Moines, Iowa 50319

Dear Speaker Murphy,

Due to the historic flooding and tornado disasters in May and June of 2008, several
counties have sustained severe damage. In terms of cost, Governor Culver has stated it will rank in the top 12 of all natural disasters in the history of the United States.

While I support the Governor’s effort to help the impacted areas, much more needs to be done to help Iowans. With winter getting nearer by the day, urgency is key. It is imperative that the Legislature meet now to deal with this crisis.

Therefore, I submit this letter to request that you poll all 100 House members to see if
they are supportive of convening a special session to approve legislation regarding disaster relief in accordance with the Iowa Constitution, Article 3, Section 2. The House Republican Caucus has toured the damaged area and is ready and willing to work with the majority party on ideas that would help Iowans in the flood and tornado impacted areas.

Lastly, I herewith respectfully request the 82nd General Assembly reconvene immediately in special session to deal with the 2008 natural disasters and you may consider me polled on this question.

Very respectfully,

Kraig Paulsen
State Representative

cc:  Minority Leader Christopher Rants
Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy
Mark Brandsgard, Chief Clerk