U.S. House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) laid out four reforms today that will be highlighted in the House Republican Health Care Reform Plan.

· Number one: let families and businesses buy health insurance across state lines;

· Number two: allow individuals, small businesses, and trade associations to pool together and acquire health insurance at lower prices, the same way large corporations and labor unions do today;

· Number three: give states the tools to create their own innovative reforms that lower health care costs; and

· Number four: end junk lawsuits that contribute to higher health care costs by increasing the number of tests and procedures that physicians sometimes order not because they think it’s good medicine, but because they are afraid of being sued.

You can learn more about the House Republican plan here.

You can read the current House health care bill being pushed by House Democrats here (all 1900 pages of it).

HT: Caffeinated Thoughts

The Republican Party of Iowa is hosting a special event – Leadership for Iowa on Saturday, November 7 at 5:30p.  It will be held in the Elwell Family Center at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

With special guest, Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota

Come meet the Republican gubernatorial candidates as well.

Tickets are just $25, which you can order here.

This annual event is coming up soon, the pertinent information is below.

Date:  October 31, 2009

Place:  Wakonda Country Club (3915 Fleur Dr. in Des Moines)

Time:  11:00 A.M.

Fashions:  Younker’s at Jordan Creek

Theme:  A Day for Abe – Celebrating Abe’s 200th year

Cost of Luncheon:  $35.00

Reserve no later than October 28th

Contact:  Audrene Hansen at 243-1679

Models:  Celebrity Republicans – women, men and children

Door Prizes

Map below:

Our next Central Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 27 from 7:00p – 9:00p at the Northwest Community Center (5110 Franklin Ave. in Des Moines).

Confirmed Speakers:

• Dave Funk – Candidate for U.S. Congress – Third Congressional District of Iowa
• Gobal Krishna – Republican Party of Iowa, State Central Committee representing the 3rd District.

The cold did not keep us from having a great crowd at Living History Farms.  We were privileged to have former Governor Robert Ray in attendance, and to hear from several of our elected officials and gubernatorial candidates.    You can check out some pictures at our Facebook Page, and watch videos from the evening below.

Kim Lehman is Iowa’s National Committeewoman for the Republican National Committee and she addressed our Central Committee last night.  You can watch video of her message here or below.

The Polk County Republicans present “A Barn-burner at Living History Farms” where you can hear all declared GOP Gubernatorial Candidates speak out.  Click the image at right to view the invitation!

This fundraising event will be held at Living History Farms Flynn Barn (11121 Hickman Road in Urbandale) on Sunday, October 11, 2009 at 5:30p (buffet dinner catered by The Iowa Machine Shed starts at 6:00p).  Parking will be available at the Visitor Center, and a shuttle will take you to the barn.  Handicapped assistance will be provided.

Tickets cost $30/single, $50/couple and $65/family

If you would like to RSVP, purchase a ticket, or have a question please contact:

• Connie Schmett – connieschmett@polkgop.com or 515-238-3611
• John Bloom – johnbloom@polkgop.com or 515-494-7458
• Will Rogers – willrogers@polkgop.com or 515-669-1648

More details to come!  But mark your calendars, and grab some family and friends and support the Polk County Republicans in our mission to rally, recruit, register, retain and elect Republicans.

View Larger Map

State Chairman Matt Strawn outlines Iowa GOP education reform measures.

These boots WERE made for walking and “Now The End is Near”. We face the final curtain.   It is time for our last parade of the 2009 season and we want to end with as much enthusiasm as when we first started in early June.  Even if you haven’t been able to be in another parade all summer, we need your help this Saturday.

WHAT: Beaverdale Fall Festival Parade

WHEN: Saturday, September 19, 2009

TIME: Line up for walkers will be between 9-9:30 a.m. 

WHERE: North parking lot of First Federated Church (located on the west side of 48th Street between Hickman and Franklin). Look for our elephant!

We will be there with our venerable elephant float and look forward to having you join us.  For more information, please contact John Bloom at 515-494-7458 (cell) or Mary Whisenand at (515) 360-6985.

Our next Central Committee Meeting will be Tuesday, September 22, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.  Our meeting location will beat the Northwest Community Center located at 5110 Franklin Avenue in Des Moines.  Here’s a map:

Our Agenda for the evening:

1. Pledge of Allegiance
2. Guest Speakers- Kim Lehman, Iowa National Committeewoman for the Republican National Committee
3. Order of Business
4. Review & Approve Minutes – August 25th, 2009 (5m)
5. Receive Treasurer’s Report  (5m)
6. Executive Committee Report (10m)
7. Review and confirm new Executive Committee appointments.  (5m)
8. Review and confirm changes to the Central Committee. (5m)
9. Polk County Republicans activities since last CC meeting. (5m)
10. Committee Reports on Strategic Action Plan (40m)
11. Introduce Central Committee Fall Training Plan (15m)
12. Open Discussion & Wrap Up (10m)

After the Meeting: House District Directors and CC Members – Get to know each other

We look forward to seeing you on September 22!