Press Releases

LaPorte City Water Quality

LAPORTE CITY RECEIVES $250,000 TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY

DES MOINES, Iowa – State Representative Gene Ficken was pleased to announce today that LaPorte City will receive a Planning and Design Loan for $250,000 from the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) for drinking water improvement projects.

“It’s essential that we improve our water quality while keeping utility rates down for families in these tough economic times. I’m pleased the state is partnering with us to plan upgrades to our water infrastructure,” said Ficken.

The IFA will make more than $6 million in no-interest Planning and Design Loans to help 14 communities finance expenses associated with early stages of developing drinking water or waste water facilities. Eligible expenses include engineering fees, archaeological surveys, environmental or geological studies and costs related to project plan preparation. IFA loans are made available through the State Revolving Fund.
Forclosure Prevention Plan

FICKEN OUTLINES HOME FORECLOSURE
PREVENTION PLAN

Des Moines, Iowa – State Representative Gene Ficken of Independence today unveiled a package of initiatives to prevent home foreclosures on Iowa families.

“The struggling national economy is putting the squeeze on middle class families and we’ve seen home foreclosures reach record highs. Our plan will provide more support for Iowans and ensure that lenders are both accountable and transparent,” said Ficken.

The foreclosure protection package outlined today has three major components:
• Mortgage Broker and Banker Accountability – prohibits brokers or bankers from misleading borrowers or making false statements, charging fees for loans that don’t materialize, or accepting any undisclosed compensation for their services (House File 375, House Study Bill 185)
• Requires information about the Iowa Mortgage Foreclosure Hotline be given by lenders to homeowners at the first step of the foreclosure process (To Be Filed)
• Prohibit home foreclosures on military reserve members or their family while serving on active duty (House File 251)

“I encourage Iowans facing foreclosure or default on their home mortgage to call the Iowa Mortgage Help Hotline at 877-622-4866. It’s a free, confidential call that can help Iowans avoid foreclosure and determine if they are eligible for federal assistance announced by President Obama earlier this month,” concluded Ficken
House Approves Fix For Buchanan County Jail

February 10, 2009.

Des Moines, Iowa – The Iowa House today approved a bill to help complete financing for the Buchanan County Jail without raising taxes or taking on more debt.

“I’m glad that the House has taken action to help the taxpayers in Buchanan County. It is simply the right thing to do and it won’t cost the taxpayers an additional dime,” said State Representative Gene Ficken of Independence, who helped win approval for the bill.

Senate File 45 gives county supervisors the same flexibility as schools and cities when issuing bonds. Voters approved a new Buchanan County jail by 68% last year. However, project costs came in higher than costs listed on the ballot. The bill allows the jail to proceed without holding another referendum or increasing costs.

The bill now goes to the Governor.
Indee's Ficken Announces Bid for State Representative

October 17, 2007

INDEPENDENCE -- Former high school teacher and coach Gene Ficken of Independence announced today that he will run for state representative in House District 23, which includes Buchanan and part of Black Hawk County.

The seat is currently filled by Republican Dan Rasmussen of Independence. Rasmussen will be up for reelection in the fall of 2008.

"As a science instructor for 33 years at Independence High School, I understand how critical it is to make sure our students are prepared for jobs in the 21st Century. Students today aren't just competing for jobs with other kids from Iowa, they are competing with those from around the world," said Ficken.

Ficken is a fourth generation Iowan, who was born and raised on a farm. He lives with his wife Michelle. She is a registered nurse at the Mental Health Institute and works at the Cromwell Children's Unit. They have three children and one grandson. The Fickens have been members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Independence for more than 25 years, where Gene has served on the church council as a congregation president.

After retiring from teaching, Ficken now runs a small business out of his home building custom scale model Oliver tractors and implements. He also works part-time at the Reiff Funeral Home.

"I've spent my life making sure students have the best education possible. Now, our challenge is to keep those young people in Iowa with good-paying jobs and improving the quality of life in our communities," concluded Ficken. "I'm ready to go to work for the people of House District 23."