Email from Vilsack - He's gonna save our property and our jobs

[Debi]

(Mods: I cut and pasted the entire email - if this breaks the rules re: copyrights please delete this post!) :7


Governor Vilsack Proposes Eminent Domain Bill to Protect Property Rights and Job Growth


Dear Fellow Iowans,

Iowa’s citizens are worried about their rights as property owners, yet they do not want to see their state at a disadvantage in attracting businesses that will provide new jobs and opportunities. As a result, I proposed new eminent domain legislation that protects the property rights of Iowans while maintaining job creation opportunities across the state. I hope that legislators will work with me to find a solution that protects the rights of our citizens and maintains Iowa’s unprecedented job growth.

Earlier this year, the Iowa Legislature passed HF 2351, a bill that would have severely restricted the ability of local governments to recruit new employers to a community. I vetoed that legislation because local officials alerted me to several large economic projects throughout the state—including projects in Clinton, Dyersville, Burlington and Pella—amounting to over 1000 jobs that could have been lost due to restrictions in the bill. Immediately following the veto, I offered to work with legislators to craft compromise legislation that would protect both property rights and job growth.

My proposal makes several changes to strike a better balance between property rights and economic opportunity. Included in the new legislation are provisions that would change the formula for recognizing slum and blighted areas, lift restrictions on airport development, and allow for the development of water supply projects that receive Vision Iowa dollars. These provisions will give local officials additional tools in creating and retaining jobs in their communities. In addition, my bill would provide additional oversight of local officials by creating a State Office of Ombudsman for Property Rights and provide additional compensation for landowners affected by eminent domain.

I continue to stand ready to work with legislators to improve the law so we can protect the property rights of homeowners and others and maintain the opportunity for economic growth for Iowa communities. With hard work we can achieve both.

Sincerely,

Thomas J. Vilsack
Governor