Dear Gov. Culver (IA)
Christopher Jorgensen1
PO Box 93042
Des Moines, IA 50393
April 15, 2008
Governor Chet Culver
State Capitol
1007 East Grand Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50319
Dear Governor Culver,
Congratulations on your recent anti-smoking legislation!
I have a suggestion on what you should focus on next. Now that Iowans will no longer be allowed to smoke in restaurants or bars the “no smoking” sections will no longer be needed. I think a law should be passed to make these “no kids allowed” sections. Just like they were before, but instead of banning smokers, you get a law passed banning kids!
Think about it. How many times has a perfectly good meal, that you paid hard earned money for, been ruined by a crying baby, screaming toddler, or a pesky child poking his head over the back of your booth? With the declining dollar, and rising food and fuel costs, it becomes ever more important that Iowans out for a relaxing meal actually get to relax.
I realize kids aren’t as bad as smokers (since they haven’t been proven to cause cancer), but they can be just as annoying. Isn’t it about time something was done about this?
On a different note, I thought Barack Obama stood no chance of becoming President with a name like that! But I figure if a man named “Chet” can become Governor, we can have a President named Barak. Thanks for endorsing him. You had my vote, he’ll get mine in the general election.
Sincerely,
Christopher L. Jorgensen
p.s. if possible could I get an autographed photo?
1 Originally this letter used my home address. I no longer give this out every since the Kanye West thing.
Reply:
Office of the Governor
Chester J. Culver
Governor
Patty Judge
Lt. Governor
April 22, 2008
Christopher Jorgensen
PO Box 93042
Des Moines, IA 50393
Dear Christopher:
Thank you for contacting our office regarding state prohibitions against smoking. We appreciate your taking the time to contact us.
When House File 2212 – the Smoke Free Air Act – was enacted into law, it made Iowa the 14th state in the nation to pass a statewide smoking ban that includes restaurants, bars and workplaces. Our goal is to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation. We understand there are compelling arguments against this bill; no legislation is perfect, however, we believe that the bottom line is that this bill will save lives. Our Administration believes that by enacting the Smoke Free Air Act our state is joining together with one common purpose: to build a healthier Iowa.
We understand that Iowans have many questions regarding exactly where smoking will, and will not, be permitted in Iowa on July 1, 2008. The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) is in the process of writing Administrative Rules to provide guidance on the enforcement provisions of the law. The Administrative Rules have not been finalized. As more information becomes available, it will be posted on the IDPH website: http://www.idph.state.ia.us/tobacco/smokefree.asp . This website also has a link to House File 2212, and provides an opportunity for Iowans to ask IDPH questions.
Again thank you for contacting our office and please feel free to do so in the future.
Sincerely,
[signed] [signed]
Chester J. Culver Patty Judge
Governor Lt. Governor
STATE CAPITOL DES MOINES, IOWA 50319 515.281.5211 FAX 515.281.6611 WWW.GOVERNOR.IOWA.GOV
[Editor’s Note: This second response was unsolicited. At no time did Jackass Letters contact the Governor’s office regarding “House File 2700.”]
Office of the Governor
Chester J. Culver
Governor
Patty Judge
Lt. Governor
May 20, 2008
Christopher Jorgensen
PO Box 93042
Des Moines, IA 50393
Dear Christopher:
Thank you for writing to our office concerning the Certificate of Need provision in House File 2700. We appreciate your taking the time to contact us about this important issue. This provision was signed into law on May 15, 2008.
While we have carefully listened to those who have expressed concerns about the manner in which the Certificate of Need matter was addressed by the legislature, upon careful review we have concluded that the legislation protects the public interest by providing greater direction to the Iowa Department of Public Health regarding replacement of hospitals within a county’s borders.
By enacting this provision only federally designated Critical Access Hospital in rural parts of our state will be able to use the replacement exception to the Certificate of Need process. Previous Department of Public Health interpretations would have exempted both urban and rural hospitals seeking to build a replacement facility from the Certificate of Need process.
Under the new law those hospitals that are planning new, and not merely replacement, facilities in urban areas, will no longer be able to use the replacement exclusion to avoid the Certificate of Need process.
In allowing this language to stand we have provided Critical Access Hospitals in rural areas with the discretion to replace aging facilities that provide important access to healthcare. However, we continue to protect the process for Certificate of Need evaluation of any future expansion plans by health care entities in the more urban areas of our state and ongoing evaluations of increased service area capacities.
Once again thank you for contacting our office. We appreciate your input.
Sincerely,
[signed] [signed]
Chester J. Culver Patty Judge
Governor Lt. Governor
STATE CAPITOL DES MOINES, IOWA 50319 515.281.5211 FAX 515.281.6611 WWW.GOVERNOR.IOWA.GOV
Commentary:
Have a comment? Put a stamp on an envelope and drop it in the mail to:
Christopher L. JorgensenPO Box 546
Ames, IA 50010
Be sure to mention what letter your comment applies to. Adding some cash with your correspondence is a good thing. You can email me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) if you must.
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As you may, or may not know, I live in Iowa. It kinda makes me proud to be from a state that would elect a man that chooses to go by the name of Chet, but this is offset by the fact that Chet didn’t address my concern.
Maybe I need to get a petition going, lobby for the banning of children in public places!
We have a new Governor now, which means things are going to change! Also, note to self: It’s time to write a new letter.
By Christopher L. Jorgensen
Website: http://jackassletters.com