The summary discusses the key topics and events from the 57th Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference held from April 11-14, 2011. It includes meetings with various Congress members to discuss priority issues such as the federal deficit, energy, transportation funding, and tax policy. Presentations were given on transportation reauthorization, regional innovation clusters, and economic development programs. Site visits included a tour of the U.S. Supreme Court and briefings from HUD, SBA, and EDA on collaborative funding opportunities.

3. Appropriations bills – House passed 12 or 13 already – thinks Senate will roll into Omnibus bill

4. Debt ceiling limit is next piece

6. How to pay for it - $550 billion President’s proposal

7. President against raising gas tax

8. Without gas tax increase – will be at $260 billion over 6 years

9. President Obama advocates for high speed rail

12. Pessimistic that Clean Energy Standard can come out of this Congress

14. Highway 20 has been his priority for 17 years

15. Highway Reauthorization is necessary - Administration budget is $550 billion

17. $14 trillion debt – it has to stop

18. Bi-partisan letter to President with 64 signatures – ½ Republican & ½ Democrat

19. Obamacare is big issue – no one knows how big it is or how to solve it

20. Three things to address:

21. Reduce discretionary spending

22. Reform entitlements – Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid

24. Energy Concerns

25. Rock Island Clean Line

27. Best for any group to hope for is to hold their own - no increases in spending

28. 50% of U.S. debt is held by foreigners – China

29. Energy policy should be all things American

30. Debt to GDP ratio is 93% - highest since 1948 (WW II) – 90% is bad

32. Identify projects that are viable

33. EDA – cutting down barriers and working regionally is new direction – Siouxland does a good job of this

35. Highway bill – expired September 2009Thinks he can get it done – we need to support Goal: get funding and speed up process of dealing with government on projects No earmark environment makes it harder for him to get votes

37. Education Reauthorization

39. Bill will mirror trust fund receipts - $75 billion LESS than current

40. Needs are $550 billion – but will focus on maintenance

41. If earmarks are gone – formula will have to be addressed

42. Thinks there will be extension into 2012

43. Earmarks are “Congressionally- directed appropriations”– eliminating them gives more power to the Executive branch

45. Highway reauthorization – EPW said they will hold hearings this year but nothing on paper yet

46. Funding level of highway bill uncertain

47. Wind power – grid and transmission issue – stranded energy generation doesn’t do anyone any good

48. Hope to get control over spending – “has to be shared sacrifice”

49. Need tax reform – make U.S. companies more competitive

50. Thinks Rep. Ryan’s plan makes things worse for seniors

52. 5 programs account for 80% of U.S. spending: Medicare, Medicaid, Interest on debt, defense, and Social Security

53. USDA assistance – good programs for economic development

54. Federal departments very aggressive in rulemaking

56. Rep. Boehner has changed the debate in DC on spending – no earmarks

57. Grant application approach is a good one – competitive process

58. For every $1.00 that we send to DC, Congress spends $1.17

59. Taxes – if reduce the marginal tax rate you will get economic development

60. Production tax credits (PTC) – will be extended

62. Discussed with staff members:

63. Federal Deficit Reduction

64. Dakota Dunes Flood Control

66. Large metro areas want money for congestion so someone will get less money

67. Highway bill won’t pass until 2013

68. Announced $2 million EDA grant for John Morrell demolition

69. Supports earmarks - thinks earmarks will come back in 2013

71. Steaks donated by Tyson

72. Reception: Boswell, Braley, Loebsack, Nelson, Thune, Latham

73. Dinner: King, Grassley, Harkin, Fortenberry