NEWS FROM UNDER THE DOMES The third week of the session is now over and I am beginning to settle into this job, somewhat.  When someone says Senator, I still find myself turning around to see who they are talking to.  I am both a freshman Senator and in the minority so making a big difference will be next to impossible but I promise to keep trying.  This would be hard enough for the first year, but, now we have found out the previous legislature overspent more than even I had anticipated.  Now what?  The Governor is robbing whatever money is left in every fund that is still available.  Seven funds have  virtually been eliminated.  By this I mean the remaining money has been transferred to the General Fund and is no longer available for the original intended purpose of the individual funds.  These funds are the Senior Living Trust Fund, the Healthy Iowans Tobacco Trust, Crime Victims Compensation Fund, the Attorney General Forfeiture Fund, the Property Tax Credit Fund, the Gamblers’ Treatment Fund, and the Child Care Tax Credit Fund. We have had enough income, we’ve just been on a spending spree that is out of control.  We need to prioritize our needs and fund them within our means.  When Iowa is healthy again, we can build on our programs and needs that Iowans want.  It was good to see the Iowa FFA members at the capitol the other day.  I met with my local chapter, Benton Community High School and recognized many of the family names.  Yesterday, Benton County Supervisor, Ron Buch was at the Capitol working with the Highway 30 coalition.  I believe we are getting closer.  The stretch of 2-lane highway between Marshalltown and Ames will be made into 4 lanes.  The  by-pass by Tama – Toledo is currently under construction, and some areas of Highway 30 are going to be resurfaced. Next week I hope to have my Saturday, Out in the District Meetings scheduled.  Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. Senator Tim Kapucian Grundy, Benton, Tama & Iowa Counties