Representative Nathan Reichert

New Website Shows Muscatine’s Air Quality in Real Time:

If you want to know real time air quality in Muscatine you can check out a new website from the University of Iowa’s Hygienic Laboratory. The site shows real time data taken continuously from two sites in Muscatine. The device at Garfield Elementary School measures the fine particles in the air (PM2.5), which should be at 35 micrograms per cubic meter of air for normal air quality. The device at Musser Park measures the sulfur dioxide in the air, high levels of sulfur dioxide can cause respiratory problems and acid rain. In 2008, the US Environmental Protection Agency found that Muscatine did not meet their daily standards for fine particles. This designation is presently under review by the EPA after the submission of the 2008 data that narrowly showed Muscatine in attainment.

The website is http://www.uhl.uiowa.edu/services/ambient/realtime.xml

Unemployment Insurance Modernization Act:

On Thursday in the House we passed the Unemployment Modernization Act. Modernizing our unemployment insurance system puts us in federal compliance and prepares Iowa’s reception of 71 million dollars in federal unemployment funds. One of the updates allows for up to twenty six more weeks of unemployment as long as the person is enrolled in a workforce development department approved training course. Eligibility criteria for extra training and unemployment require that the labor market’s demand for the person’s occupation must be declining. Someone would also qualify if their occupation is seasonal or will be suspended for an extended period of time. The training courses would train the individual in an occupational field that is in high demand. With unemployment on the rise, it is important to have people being re-trained in skill sets that actually have shortages. With targeted demand training they have a better shot at obtaining employment.

SF197 also conforms to federal standards by making it so that part-time workers do not have to accept full-time work to remain eligible for unemployment benefits. Without this, they would have to take a full-time job when it is offered, even if the are not looking to work full-time. The provision helps more part-time unemployed people take a part-time job. The bill also helps employers out by not charging their unemployment accounts for workers that temporarily fill a position that is normally filled by a member of the arms forces who is serving active duty. The will encourage employers to hire members of the National Guard, knowing that they will not be responsible for paying the replacement’s unemployment.

If you have any questions about eligibility please contact the local workforce office. The insurance modernization act is expected to become law shortly as the bill’s next stop is the Governor’s desk.

Updated Child Labor Fees:

In response to the gross labor violations in Postville, Iowa the House this week passed HF618 which gets tough on those who abuse Iowa’s child labor laws. It raises the civil penalty to $500 per pay period for each violation, before the fee was $100. A teenager who is applying for a work permit must show proof that they are over the age of fourteen for many jobs. The bill seeks to increases penalties for those who negligently employ children, those who employ children of migrant workers, and parents and guardians who enable children to violate the law.