We passed the gaming bill on Thursday, February 26. This bill does not allow for any new licenses. The three racetracks will be able to have table games but they have to forgive the back taxes the state owes them due to the Iowa Supreme Court ruling. The riverboats no longer have to cruise.

The bill creates a community endowment fund in the state treasury under the control of the Department of Revenue. Moneys in the fund are to be transferred and divided equally among counties that do not have licenses. This was setup to get more of the charitable dollars to rural Iowa. The amount going into the gambling treatment fund was increased. Credit card and ATM cash dispensing machines are not allowed on the gaming floor, but can be located on the premises. The bill requires the Racing and Gaming Commission to do a socioeconomic impact study. There is a section that codifies the horse purse language and creates a fifteen-year sunset.

The three race tracks have signed letters agreeing to forgive the money owed by the state if the bill passes and is signed by the Governor.

On a lighter side, Major General Ron Dardis gave The State of the Iowa National Guard Address to a joint session of the House and Senate on Wednesday, February 25.  The address was very rewarding and at most times you could have heard a pin drop. I have seldom seen so many people in the House chambers so attentive.

Major General Dardis thanked us for our support over the years and especially during the recent mobilization of our soldiers and airmen.  "I am very honored to be here with you this afternoon and present a state of the Guard address! I am very proud of the men and women of the Iowa Guard and always take advantage of an opportunity to tell our story – the Iowa Team story," exclaimed Major General Dardis. Several of us could and do echo those same words of pride for all of our military people who are serving our country.

The Iowa Guard is at 100% personnel strength. Iowa’s National Guard is one of 26 states that have Homeland Security Emergency Management under the military division. Other states are moving to this model.

Major General Dardis introduced some of the Heroes from the Battlefield who were there with us. They were welcomed by one of many standing ovations from the crowd. He told about two of these soldiers who were pinned down 45 minutes by enemy fire, but they kept their composure. The firefight lasted over four hours and in spite of their own injuries they helped save the lives of the other three that were involved.

The Major General named the ten Iowans that we have lost since last March, five from active duty and reserve units and five from the Iowa National Guard. He read the inscription on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery and then we shared a moment of silence. He ended by stating that the Iowa Guard members are Citizens most of the time, Soldiers and Airmen some of the time, and Patriots all of the time.

We were blessed with live music from the three Kuhlmann Sisters who sang a beautiful tribute to our servicemen and women. The following are some of the words they sang that I would echo and share with you:

        You are the ones who have fought for our freedom. You are the ones that have given it all. You are the ones who would have died for this country. You are the ones with bravery and honor who have left your family and friends.

        I am looking at you through grateful eyes. Now I have days of freedom because you have had days of fear.  I am looking at you with grateful eyes.

May God Bless and protect the men and women who protect us and our freedoms.

Until next time,

Tom Sands