Political junkies anxiously await the Legislative Services Agency’s release of a new Iowa map at 8:15 am on March 31. To learn more about the process, check out the “Introduction to Redistricting in Iowa” from the state legislature’s official website. The Legislative Guide to Redistricting in Iowa (pdf) contains many details on the history of redistricting and legal requirements governing the process for drawing new maps. Here’s a timeline of what to expect during this process.

March 31: The Legislative Services Agency will deliver a congressional and legislative redistricting plan to both chambers of the General Assembly (the law requires this to be done by April 1).

April 4-7: The Temporary Redistricting Advisory Commission must “schedule and conduct at least three public hearings in different geographic regions of the state and to issue a report to the General Assembly summarizing the information and testimony received.” This year the commission scheduled four public hearings, one for each Congressional district. Locations and times of public hearings scheduled for April 4-7 are at the end of this post.

April 13: The commission must then report to the legislature on the input from public hearings, no later than two weeks after the Legislative Services Agency submitted the plan.

Second half of April: The Iowa House and Senate must bring a redistricting bill to a vote “expeditiously” but no sooner than three days after receiving the Temporary Redistricting Advisory Commission’s report. The map receives an up or down vote; lawmakers cannot amend it during this stage of the process.

Late May or early June: If the Iowa House or Senate rejects the first redistricting plan, or Governor Terry Branstad vetoes it, the Legislative Services Agency has 35 days to submit a second plan to the legislature. “The second plan must be prepared in accordance with the reasons cited, if any, by the Senate or the House by resolution or the Governor by veto message, for the failure to approve the first plan, as long as the reasons do not conflict with any redistricting standard provided by the Code.” No public hearings are required on the second redistricting plan. The Iowa House and Senate must wait at least seven days after it has been submitted to vote on it, and again, no amendments are allowed. Branstad would have to call a special session of the legislature for this, since the Iowa House and Senate are expected to adjourn for the year in early May.

Late summer: If either chamber of the legislature or the governor rejects the second plan, the Legislative Services Agency is required to submit a third map within 35 days of when the second plan was rejected. No public hearings are required. The legislature must wait at least seven days to vote on the third plan, which can be amended like an ordinary bill. However, the Republican-controlled Iowa House and the Democratic-controlled Iowa Senate would probably find it difficult to amend the map to a mutually agreeable form.

September: If no consensus is reached on a third map, or Branstad vetoes a map approved by the legislature, the Iowa Supreme Court would take responsibility for drawing a valid map and would have to complete the process by December 31. If the legislature enacts a plan that is successfully challenged in the Iowa Supreme Court, the seven justices would take over the process of drawing a new apportionment plan. They would have 90 days from the date of their ruling striking down the map to complete the process.

The Des Moines rumor mill says politicians in both parties are wary of letting the Iowa Supreme Court draw political lines for the next decade. In all likelihood state legislators and the governor will sign off on either the first or the second map offered by the Legislative Services Agency. UPDATE: Citing unnamed Republican and Democratic insiders, Cityview’s Civic Skinny predicts the first map will be rejected “no matter how fair and how close to perfect it is,” but legislators will “avoid a third map that could conceivably be defeated.”

After the jump I’ve posted details on many events going on around the state this week. Scroll to the bottom to find out where and when the public can comment on the new Iowa map between April 4 and 7.

Tuesday, March 29

Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement is participating in a “National Call-In Day to Hold Big Banks Accountable”:

This week, the state Attorneys General, including Iowa’s Tom Miller, will begin negotiations with big banks to determine what stays on – or gets kicked off – the negotiating table. Demand a settlement that provides justice to the millions who have lost homes because of the actions of big banks. Join thousands nationwide and call (866) 200-6444 or contact Chris Neubert at chris AT iowacci.org.

It sounds like Miller is not going to drive a hard bargain with the banks.

The DNR has two public meetings scheduled to discuss water quality standards in lakes used for swimming. One is set for 10 am at the Rock Island Depot, 102 Chestnut St. in Atlantic. The other will take place at 6 pm in the Iowa Lakeside Laboratory, Waitt Building, 1838 Highway 86 in Milford. Background from a DNR press release:

The proposed standards measure the transparency of the water and recommend maintaining water clarity of a little more than 3 feet (1 meter) in at least 75 percent of the measurements. A standard of maintaining Chlorophyll-a levels not to exceed 25 micrograms per liter in 75 percent of the measurements taken is also being proposed. Both standards are based on measurements taken during the summer recreational months between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

The standards will apply to 127 lakes in Iowa that have a maintained beach, appear on the list of Significant Public Owned Lakes or have a mean depth of more than 3 meters (9.9 feet). A listing of the lakes and additional information can be found at:

http://www.iowadnr.gov/water/s…

Water clarity is a safety issue on lakes where swimming is promoted as a recreational activity. Poor water quality and lack of clarity can result in not being able to spot a person having a problem in the water and at risk of drowning, said Chuck Corell, chief of the Water Quality Bureau for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

“But we have a number of studies that also show water clarity in lakes is very much an economic factor as well,” Corell said.

“In addition, we have seen research from other states that transparency of less than one meter reduces lakefront property value by as much as 22 percent. We also have data from the 2006 Iowa State University study that shows Iowans prefer lakes with cleaner water and those areas with better water quality often enjoy greater economic activity and higher shoreline

property values,” said Corell.

The proposed standards were developed based on recommendations written by a Nutrient Standards Advisory committee chaired by Michael Burkart, an associate professor at Iowa State University.

Iowa’s Water and Land Legacy is holding more public forums to advocate for funding Iowa’s water quality, agricultural soil conservation, and outdoor recreation programs. Today’s events:

10 am – 11 am  —         Storm Lake Public Library

                                                                       609 Cayuga Street, Council Bluffs, IA

           1 pm – 2 pm  —                        Morningside Library

                                                                       4005 Morningside Avenue, Sioux City, IA

From the Iowa Environmental Council’s calendar:

Cool Congregations Coffee

Location: Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1410 West Boston Avenue, Indianola, IA

Join us for coffee, conversation, and a tour of Redeemer Lutheran! Come join the conversation about what faith communities in Iowa are doing to care for the earth, and see first-hand what one congregation has done – cutting lighting costs by 70% in the church, heating costs by 25% in the parsonage, and more! This is a free event.

7:00 PM: Share Your Success Stories

Has your congregation taken steps to care for the earth? Have you taken steps at home? Bring your success stories and hear from others.

7:30 PM: Tour of Redeemer Lutheran

See their energy saving renovations.

To Register, contact Sarah Webb at coolcongregations AT iowaipl.org or go to http://www.iowaipl.org/cc_cale…

Wednesday, March 30

Family, colleagues and friends of Rich Pirog are holding an open house and farewell reception on the occasion of his departure from the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Iowa State University. The event will run from 2:00 – 3:30 pm with a program at 2:45 pm. Location: Hunziker House of Iowa State University’s Reiman Gardens. There will be plenty of free parking and free access to and use of the gardens, the butterflies and its gift shop.  Click here for driving directions / parking information. The departure of Pirog and the Leopold Center’s interim director prompted an ISU professor of agronomy to write to the university president recently about his concern for the center’s future.

Thursday, March 31

The Legislative Services Agency will release the first proposed new map of political boundaries at 8:15 am at the state capitol.

The map will divide the state into four Congressional districts, 100 Iowa House districts and 50 Iowa Senate districts.

The last DNR public meeting on water quality standards for Iowa lakes is scheduled for 4 pm at the Chariton Public Library, 803 Braden Avenue in Chariton.

Iowa’s Water and Land Legacy is holding more public forums to advocate for funding Iowa’s water quality, agricultural soil conservation, and outdoor recreation programs. Today’s events:

           10 am – 11 am —          Muscatine, IA (Location TBA)

           12 pm – 1 pm —           Burlington Chamber of Commerce

                                                610 N. 4th Street, Suite 200, Burlington, IA

The Des Moines Green Drinks group meets at the Gateway Market, 2002 Woodland Ave, from 5:30-7:30 pm. Contact Shari at DesMoinesGreenDrinks AT gmail.com.

From the Iowa Environmental Council’s calendar:

MRAPS Public Draft Scoping Report Meeting

Location: 300 3rd Street, Sioux City

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will hold a public meeting to collect feedback on the Missouri River Authorized Purposes Study Draft Scoping Summary Report. The Corps received comments on the scope of MRAPS last year. Those comments have been addressed in the draft report. Congress directed the Corps to study the Missouri River projects and review the original purposes in the 1944 Flood Control Act to determine if changes are warranted. The eight original purposes are flood control, hydropower, water supply, irrigation, navigation, recreation, water quality, and fish and wildlife. The public meeting will run from 5 to 7 p.m. with a Corps presentation from 5 to 6 p.m. The second hour will be a public speaker feedback period on the Draft Scoping Summary Report. Go to http://www.mraps.org/ for more information.

Friday, April 1

From Local Foods Connection:

Join Us for Linn County’s 2nd Annual Local Farmer & CSA Fair!  It takes place this Friday April 1st, 2011 from 5 pm to 8 pm at Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center and is Free and Open to the Public.  Prairiewoods is located at 120 E. Boyson Road in Hiawatha, IA, 52233.

You will meet a variety of local farmers who will share information with you about their farms and the products they sell. Come and meet a new local farmer while enjoying live music, kids’ activities and local snacks. Learn how to incorporate fresh, Iowa food, and build an appreciation of local growers into your life.

Saturday, April 2

More than 100 eco-friendly businesses and community organizations will be exhibiting at the 6th annual Natural Living Expo from 10 am to 6 pm. Free admission, Polk County Convention Complex, 501 Grand Avenue in Des Moines. I will be there, but not in a blogging capacity.

From Ed Fallon’s calendar of events:

April 2 – Bishop Dingman Peace Award Dinner (Ankeny)

This year’s annual award will be accepted by Sister Mary Dingman on behalf of women religious and their communities. Keynote speaker is Tom Cordaro, and it’s at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Church at 6:00 pm. Contact Jeffrey Weiss with Catholic Peace Ministry at jjwcpm AT yahoo.com.

From One Iowa:

In just one week, Iowa will mark the second anniversary of the Iowa Supreme Court’s Varnum v. Brien decision, giving gay and lesbian couples the freedom to marry. For as little as $35, you can experience the fun and excitement of One Iowa’s 2nd Anniversary Bash!  

Join us on April 2nd at the Scottish Rite Consistory in downtown Des Moines, when we will celebrate this historic day for our state. The One Iowa Anniversary Bash will feature fun, excitement, and special guests.

This year will also mark the inaugural year for the One Iowa Awards. We are proud to announce the following award recipients:

• The Sharon K. Malheiro Award – Awarded to someone who emulates the work of Sharon K. Malheiro by fearlessly and courageously working in the public sphere to stand up to forces of discrimination and fight to protect the rights and freedoms of all Iowans. Awarded to Rep. Kevin McCarthy and Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell for their work against House Joint Resolution 6.

• The Courageous 6 Award – This award is named after the six courageous plaintiff couples in the Varnum case, and is awarded to someone who has publicly shared their lives for the betterment of all. Awarded to Dean Genth of Mason City for his tireless efforts to help LGBT Iowans as head of PFLAG – North Iowa.

• The John Karn Award – This award is presented to someone who emulates the work of John Karn, a tireless, dedicated volunteer who gave time and resources to help promote equality and make Iowa a better place. Awarded to Kristin Wood for her unwaivering commitment to One Iowa, and preserving marriage equality in the heart of the heartland.

Finally, this year, for our longtime supporters and special guests, there will be a VIP reception immediately before the Bash, featuring our award recipients and special guests Sen. Mike Gronstal and Zach Wahls. The event is open to those who purchase a Table, Gold or Silver tickets for the Bash.

Sunday, April 3

The Natural Living Expo continues from 11 am to 4 pm at the Polk County Convention Complex in Des Moines. Click here for more information.

Monday, April 4

From the Legislative Services Agency:

The first proposed Congressional and Legislative Redistricting Plan to be submitted to the Iowa General Assembly will be the topic of four public hearings to be held in Council Bluffs, Bettendorf, Cedar Rapids, and Des Moines the first week of April. The Temporary Redistricting Advisory Commission, created pursuant to law, will hold the public hearings to receive the comments of interested citizens and representatives of political subdivisions and organizations on the plan. The plan is being prepared pursuant to law by the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency, based on the 2010 Census Bureau population data, using strict nonpartisan guidelines. The plan will be released at 8:15 a.m., on Thursday, March 31, 2011, at the State Capitol.

The five members of the Commission are Chair Maggie Tinsman of Davenport, Rose Brown of Council Bluffs, Lance Ehmcke of Sioux City, Matt Paul of Des Moines, and Eric Turner of Des Moines.

The Council Bluffs public hearing will be held on Monday, April 4, 2011, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., in the ICN Room at the Council Bluffs Public Library, 400 Willow Avenue. The following ICN sites will be interactive with the Council Bluffs site:

North Iowa Area Community College Room 106, Activity Center 500 College Drive Mason City

Northwest Area Education Agency Room 206 1520 Morningside Avenue Sioux City

Spencer Public Library 21 East Third Street Spencer

Oral presentations will be limited to three minutes for each presenter. It is not required that those requesting to speak register in advance of the hearing, but those registering to speak at the hearing location will be called upon to speak after those who registered prior to the hearing. If time remains after all who have registered to speak have spoken, the Commission may hear additional remarks from those who have already spoken and from those who did not register prior to the hearing but wish to speak.

Any individual wishing to make comments about the proposed plan at a hearing may contact the Legislative Information Office at (515) 281-5129 and the individual will be listed as a speaker at the hearing requested in the order that the request is received. Those requesting to make comments from an ICN site will be listed in order for that particular ICN site. It is not required that speakers provide written copies of their testimony, but written copies of testimony will be accepted and will be made available to Commission members.

The Temporary Redistricting Advisory Commission will accept written testimony in lieu of oral presentations either by ordinary mail or by electronic mail if the written testimony is received on or prior to April 7, 2011, by the Legislative Services Agency. Any written testimony must include the name and address of the author.

Contact: Craig Cronbaugh Legislative Information Office

515-281-5129 craig.cronbaugh AT legis.state.ia.us

From the Iowa Environmental Council’s calendar:

MRAPS Public Draft Scoping Report Meeting

Location: 2700 Sylvan Road, Nebraska City, NE

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will hold a public meeting to collect feedback on the Missouri River Authorized Purposes Study (MRAPS) Draft Scoping Summary Report. The Corps received comments on the scope of MRAPS last year. Those comments have been addressed in this draft report. Congress directed the Corps to study the Missouri River projects and review the original purposes in the 1944 Flood Control Act to determine if changes are warranted. The eight original purposes are flood control, hydropower, water supply, irrigation, navigation, recreation, water quality, and fish and wildlife. The public meeting will run from 5 to 7 p.m. with a Corps presentation from 5 to 6 p.m. The second hour will be a public speaker feedback period on the Draft Scoping Summary Report. Go to http://www.mraps.org/ for more information.

The Iowa AFL-CIO is organizing another pro-labor solidarity rally:

April 4th – We Are One – Respect Our Rights!

Defend the Dream

Iowa State Capitol West Steps

5:30pm – 6:30pm

On April 4, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in

Memphis, where he was supporting sanitation workers demanding their dream: The right to bargain collectively for a voice at work and a better life. Today, that same demand is electrifying people across America. It’s the demand of all people–black, white, Latino and Asian American: The right to join together for our common dreams.

Join us at the Iowa State Capitol April 4, 2011, to STAND IN

SOLIDARITY with working people in Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana

across this nation where well-funded, right-wing corporate politicians are trying to take away the rights Dr. King gave his life for. It’s a time to show: WE ARE ONE.

Tuesday, April 5

The Temporary Redistricting Advisory Commission will hold a public hearing in Bettendorf to discuss the new proposed map of Iowa political boundaries. The hearing is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency, 729 21st Street.

Iowa General Assembly: www.legis.state.ia.us

Wednesday, April 6

The Temporary Redistricting Advisory Commission will hold a public hearing in Cedar Rapids to discuss the new proposed map of Iowa political boundaries.

The Cedar Rapids public hearing will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., in the ICN Room at Kirkwood Community College, 104 Washington Hall, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW. The following ICN sites will be interactive with the Cedar Rapids site:

Dubuque Downtown – Northeast Iowa Community College

700 Main Street, Dubuque

Great Prairie Area Education Agency 2814 North Court Street Ottumwa

Hawkeye Community College 1501 East Orange Road Waterloo

Thursday, April 7

The Temporary Redistricting Advisory Commission will hold a public hearing in Des Moines from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at the Wallace State Office Building Auditorium, 502 E. 9th St.