John Gilliland, executive director of the Good for Iowa-Vote YES!, told the Kalona Chamber of Commerce at Monday’s regular luncheon that voting “Yes” for two constitutional amendments on June 29, will protect family budgets by keeping the state out of debt and make it harder to raise taxes.

“The Debt Prevention Amendment and the 60% Amendment guarantee Iowa’s financial stability for generations,” Gilliland stated. “They make it possible for the state to adequately fund education during hard times and they require the legislature to control spending by making it more difficult to raise taxes.”

Good For Iowa-Vote Yes! is a nonpartisan citizens’ committee advocating the adoption of the Debt Prevention and 60% amendments to the Iowa Constitution. A statewide vote is set for Tuesday, June 29.

“The Debt Prevention Amendment prevents the state from sliding into debt by requiring that the legislature only spend 99% of expected revenue. It also establishes a ‘rainy day fund’ to be used if the state falls on hard economic times,” said Gilliland.

“The 60% Amendment makes raising taxes a last resort by requiring a 60% vote of the legislature to raise the state taxes,” Gilliland added.

To amend the Iowa Constitution, the Legislature most vote twice (in two different legislative sessions) to put it to a vote of the people. The Legislature has done its part by big majorities with bipartisan support. Final legislative vote came in January. Iowans will vote June 29 with polls open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Gilliland served four years as Iowa Deputy Secretary of State and Previously worked as a judicial clerk to the district court judges in Waterloo. He also served as a clerk to United States Attorney Charles Larson in Sioux City. Gilliland is a graduate of Cornell College in Mt. Vernon and holds a law degree from Creighton University.

Gilliland commended the Kalona Chamber for having a turnout of over 44 people at Monday’s luncheon. He said it was remarkable for such a good gathering even in larger cities.

Quilt Hanging Winners

Jan Peterseim announced that some 450 people visited the Kalona Chamber’s Favorite Wallhangings show at the Chamber Friday and Saturday.

Two wallhangings — Iris Flowergarden by Paula Hartley, Iowa City and Basket Sampler by an anonymous consignor to Woodin Wheel Antiques & Quilts—received equal votes and tied for first, winning $40 each. Star Spin by Marjorie Gloyer, won the $15 third place prize.

Connie Campbell, Webster, won the drawing for the Kalona hospitality basket.

Welcome Baskets

A number of merchants expressed an interest in working with the Chamber in preparing community welcome baskets or packages to newcomers. Jan Peterseim noted that since Welcome Wagon has gone to a national program, the Chamber is organizing a local project.

Cards will be sent out to newcomers to the city to invite them to stop by the chamber office to pick up their welcoming gifts. Each Chamber member is welcome to contribute an item or coupon.

Kalona Days

Meg Scarff asked chamber members to sign up to help serve food at the evening meal during Kalona Days June 19.

New Member

Cindi Koehler, a representative of Coldwell/Banker Realtors, Iowa City, was welcomed as a new member.

The next Chamber Board meeting will be held at 7 a.m. May 5.