DEPENDENT ADULT BILL: The Senate Oversight Committee approved legislation intended to prevent dependent adult abuse and strengthen the state's response to allegations of such abuse. Senate Study Bill 1326 contained a number of recommendations from a state task force that included requiring annual registration of boarding homes and improved record keeping of abuse allegations. The legislation also proposes reforms within the Department of Human Services and the Department of Inspections and Appeals on the process for taking complaints and how to consistently apply definitions of dependent adults. Gov. Chet Culver formed the task force after 21 men with mental retardation were removed from a bunkhouse in Atalissa with boarded up windows and no central heating system. GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY: Democrats promised to create a State Government Reorganization Commission to go through state budget with a "fine-tooth comb" looking for "bold alternatives to "dramatically" reorganize state government to trim costs. House State Government Chairwoman Mary Mascher, D-Iowa City, said legislators must take the same approach to their budget as middle-class families. Senate Minority Leader Paul McKinley, R-Chariton, called the proposal "disingenuous" coming in the 13th week of what appears to be a 14-week session. Rep. Scott Raecker, R-Urbandale, suggested majority Democrats start by accepting the $215 million in savings the GOP has proposed. Instead, he said, Democrats accepted just $400,000 of the $100 million in savings Republicans proposed during recent budget debate.

NO EXCUSES: Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal refused to provide cover for Republicans who have threatened to block the confirmation of Culver nominees Gene Gessow as director of the department of Human Services and Shearon Elderkin of Cedar Rapids to the Environmental Protection Commission. "And they are excuses," Gronstal said, adding that some Democrats have concerns, too. Senate Minority Leader Paul McKinley said Republicans have explained their concerns to Democratic leaders and Culver. However, he refused to explain his caucus' objections to the nominees saying that regarding personnel matters what's said in caucus stays in caucus.

GUN SHY: Democratic legislative leaders were less emphatic about their adjournment predictions Thursday after failing to make good on predictions to wrap up the 2009 session this week. "We're going to try to move people toward resolution on all the issues we can and I'm going to try to get done next week," said Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal, D-Council Bluffs, who once was pushing an April 2 adjournment target. A harbinger of next week's shutdown came Thursday when packing boxes showed up in the Iowa Senate. "That's a signal," said Gronstal.

DISASTER RECOVERY LOANS: The Senate Ways and Means Committee voted 16-6 Thursday to approve a $1.8 million disaster assistance loan and guarantee program for businesses in disaster-impacted areas. Senate File 310 authorizes loans or credit guarantees of up to $25,000 or 10 percent of the loan amount for businesses impacted by last year's disasters after May 24 and before Aug. 14. Eligible costs could include equipment and machinery, land and real estate, working capital for operations, research and development, marketing, and other categories. The bill now goes to the full Senate for consideration.

DEVELOPMENT TAX CREDITS: The Senate Ways and Means Committee moved ahead with efforts to scale back on some state incentives for corporate research and development activities. The panel voted 10-4 to approve changes that would cap yearly economic development tax credits at $175 million and stop corporations - but not individuals - from receiving carry-back refunds on loss years. Senate Study Bill 1316 also moves back the date when the state Department of Revenue has to pay interest on state tax refunds slowed by processing delays from June 1 to July 1.

BONDING SHELL: The Senate Appropriations Committee approved a "shell" bill Thursday that will become the vehicle next week for moving a plan to bond for up to $700 million to create jobs and repair disaster-damaged infrastructure. Sen. Matt McCoy, D-Des Moines, said negotiators are close to finalizing a package that includes projects for disaster recovery, storm water-related work, rural upgrades for broadband, energy and conservation and other major construction efforts. The final sticking point with Gov. Chet Culver is whether to include funding for road and bridge upgrades and, if so, how much money to earmark for that purpose.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "The governor of the state of Iowa, after some hesitation, has had his say and he has indicated that he supports the Supreme Court's decision and their godless opinion. He should have told the Supreme Court that he has no plans to recognize that opinion and he would have two very good reasons for doing so - it's contrary to the word of God and they do not have the authority to legislation. Instead, the governor of this state has cozied up with the legal elite, the homosexual lobby - he should resign or be replaced." - former state Rep. Danny Carroll of Grinnell, chair of the Iowa Family Policy Center board, addressing a Statehouse rally Thursday.

Compiled by Des Moines Bureau staff

XGR CAPITOL DIGEST: A roundup of legislative items of interest. 10 inches. By staff.