Iowa: Culver Expected to Veto or Sign Bargaining Bill by Friday
According to The Des Moines Register:
Gov. Chet Culver will probably sign or veto any remaining bills before he leaves Friday on a trade mission to China, a governor's spokesman said Monday.
One of the high-profile bills still awaiting the governor's action is legislation granting public employee unions greater negotiating powers.
Culver will lead a May 16-25 trade mission in China, visiting Beijing, Shijiazhuang and Shanghai.
The trip, coordinated by the Iowa Department of Economic Development, in part helps to mark the 25th anniversary of the sister state relationship between Iowa and Hebei province.
Monday's earthquake in central China will not affect the trip. The disaster occurred hundreds of miles away from the areas Culver will visit.
Culver has a May 26 deadline to sign legislation sent to him in the final days of the legislative session.
Culver's office remained tight-lipped Monday about whether he intends to sign or veto one of the most controversial proposals of the year.
That plan would allow public employee unions the opportunity to negotiate on more issues than they can now.
Opponents say House File 2645 would take key decisions out of the hands of elected officials and could lead to higher taxes.
Advocates say the new union powers would foster a stronger work environment and increase safety and productivity...click to continue.
