VILSACK, LAWMAKERS FIND SHARED INTERESTS

It sounded too good to be true in January when the Republican-led
Legislature and the new Democratic governor vowed to cooperate on a common
agenda.

The upstart governor faced lawmakers who in recent years had fought with a
governor from their own political party. Meanwhile, Republicans and
Democrats in Washington were slugging it out over impeachment.

But fears of political paralysis proved to be unfounded. On education,
crime-fighting, job training and other issues, lawmakers and Gov. Tom
Vilsack struck deals for which both sides could take credit.

"I'm proud that we've worked closely with Governor Vilsack on the priorities
that we share," said Senate Majority Leader Stewart Iverson, R-Dows.

Most people around the Capitol were surprised at how well things went. The
session had few fireworks, other than an early April incident in which one
senator hit another senator during a debate.

Rep. Hubert Houser, R-Carson, a seven-year House veteran, called it "the
most civil session I've ever been in."

The signature issue was probably education, with lawmakers focusing on
bolstering elementary and secondary schools.

The issue last year ran into a veto from former Gov. Terry Branstad, but
this year Vilsack signed into law a four-year, $150- million package that
both parties claimed as their own.

Vilsack and other Democrats largely campaigned last year on proposals to
reduce class size, while Republicans pushed for stronger reading programs.
The package eventually approved included both and added extra spending for
new computers as well.

With less fanfare, lawmakers also approved 4 percent growth in basic state
aid to local schools. That will send an additional $60 million to schools
and leverage $33 million in property taxes.

Another low-profile issue that backers said would make a big difference was
a new training program run through the community colleges. That measure
allows the schools to enter into agreements with businesses to run high-tech
training programs to fill jobs.

The Legislature also approved a measure ensuring that rapidly growing school
districts would get state funding on time and another one ensuring that
shrinking districts won't lose money.

But lawmakers did not approve a measure to help repair crumbling schools,
some of which don't even meet fire code.

The other high-profile package approved this year focused on those who make,
sell or use methamphetamine. That measure calls for a 99- year prison term
for those selling the highly addictive drug to a minor and spends $3.7
million toughening enforcement and prosecution.

A second offense of selling to a youngster would bring life without the
possibility of parole, and Vilsack touted the measure as the nation's
toughest meth law.

Vilsack said that measure would "create a safer and healthier environment
for all Iowans."

The Legislature also voted to cut income taxes by $73 million and property
taxes by $70 million, both votes on the final day. The income-tax cuts face
a certain veto, but much of the property-tax plan has a brighter future.

Lawmakers also approved a new "bill of rights" for patients in man-aged-care
programs. The centerpiece of that measure is an outside review procedure so
patients can appeal decisions denying medical procedures.

When lawmakers convened in January, they faced the state livestock
industry's concerns over prices at historic lows. Those prices improved a
bit through the spring, but lawmakers did act.

The Legislature approved a plan allowing the use of $40 million in idle
state dollars to pay for low-interest loans for farmers. Half would go to
livestock producers and half for programs adding value to farm commodities.

In addition, lawmakers approved - and Vilsack signed - a measure requiring
meatpackers to make public the prices they pay for animals.

The Legislature also dealt with a string of recreation and tourism issues,
including a plan to come up with ways of preserving the Loess Hills in
western Iowa.

Vilsack's upset victory in the governor's race in November gave his
proposals extra momentum, said Hugh Winebrenner, who teaches state
government at Drake University.

It wasn't that Vilsack had a groundbreaking education agenda. Most of the
nation's governors offered similar plans for smaller class sizes, reading
programs and increased funding for other school programs.

"His agenda wasn't exactly unique, but it's pretty hard to oppose,"
Winebrenner said.

Another reason the session had relatively little controversy was that
lawmakers did not take up battles on certain social issues, such as trying
to enact the death penalty. A veto threat by Vilsack prompted legislators
to focus more energy on items that had a better chance of passage.

An exception was the fight over a failed bill that would have made English
the state's official language. The measure passed the Senate but not the House.

Critics said the measure was thinly veiled racism that sent a subtle message
that those of different cultures aren't welcome in the state's largely white
culture.

"People were saying we were being racist, which was baloney," Senate
Majority Leader Stewart Iverson, R-Dows, said.

Other high-profile failures were bills to curb urban sprawl and allow the
marketplace, rather than the State Utilities Board, to set electric rates.

The Legislature also adjourned without clarifying its position on gambling,
leaving restrictions to the five-member Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission,
which includes three new members appointed by Vilsack.

For the most part, the moderate nature of Iowans tended to win out in 1999.
But with an election year looming, more core partisan issues are expected to
be debated next year.

"You will see a lot less hand holding and more fighting," said Rep. Brad
Hansen, R-Council Bluffs.