Legislature Focus on Health Care and Illegal Immigration this WeekBy Becky Ogann

Story Created: Mar 3, 2008

Story Updated: Mar 3, 2008

DES MOINES - The debate over a statewide smoking ban is on hold for now as the legislature enters its first funnel week of the session. Lawmakers have to throw out bills that don't have committee approval in either the house or senate.

Democrats plan to push forward a health care reform bill this week, as well as a measure to crack down on employers who hire illegal immigrants.

Another priority is creating a lottery ticket to help support the Veterans Trust Fund.

Expanding nuclear energy is also a concern among lawmakers. The Duane Arnold Energy Center in Palo is the state's only nuclear plant. Without more plants, representatives fear companies searching for a new home will overlook Iowa.

Officials say the state's current energy supply helped attract the $600 million Google Data Center to southwest Iowa. A proposed bill would allow nuclear energy projects to apply for millions of dollars in state grant money.

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