Iowa Cultural Trust Passes House
For Immediate Release March 7, 2002
DES MOINES, Iowa—The Iowa House gave its unanimous approval to the establishment
of a statewide Cultural Trust today.
Rep. Betty Grundberg of Des Moines introduced HF2571, calling it important both
to the future of cultural organizations in Iowa and to the growth of this state.
She added that the legislation garnered strong bipartisan support, having passed
out of the House Education Committee with a unanimous vote. The original co-sponsors
of the bill were Reps. Janet Peterson, Des Moines; Chuck Larson, Cedar Rapids;
Barbara Finch, Ames; Polly Bukta, Clinton; Cecil Dolecheck, Mount Ayr; Philip
Wise, Keokuk; Scott Raecker, Urbandale; Betty Grundberg, Des Moines; Steven Warnstadt,
Sioux City; Libby Jacobs, West Des Moines; Bill Dotzler, Waterloo; David Millage,
Bettendorf; William Witt, Cedar Falls; Patrick Shey, Cedar Rapids; Brian Sievers,
New Liberty; and Geri Huser, Altoona.
“If you remember, on February 21, we were visited by between 700 and 1,000 cultural
advocates who came to the Capitol to meet with their legislators regarding this
Trust,” Grundberg said. “That show of support proves the need for this legislation.”
Rep. Ed Fallon of Des Moines noted that throughout history, civilizations which
neglected its culture, its architecture and its arts eventually died. Rep. Wise
spoke in favor of the legislation and offered an amendment that would add language
that protects any private donations to the Trust from being scooped by the Iowa
legislature in times of tight budgets. Rep. Greg Stevens of Milford talked about
the importance of the Trust to rural areas as he urged support of the bill and
Rep. Peterson added that it could not have been possible without the work of Iowans
who participated in regional cultural meetings one year ago.
“This legislation was authored by hundreds of Iowans who are committed to the
future of our state,” said Anita Walker, Director of the Iowa Department of Cultural
Affairs. “I know they are thrilled with today’s vote and will be working hard
to see that this bill is embraced as enthusiastically in the Senate.”
The Iowa Cultural Trust legislation establishes an endowment, the interest which
will support cultural organizations across Iowa. The Trust will be built as it
leverages local investment in local cultural organizations.
The bill now must be introduced, assigned and passed by a Senate committee, and
then brought to the Senate floor before March 15, the second funnel date in this
legislative session.
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