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Meet Senator Black
Senate District 21
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About Senator Black
- Education
- Bachelor of Science degree, Utah State University, in Forest
Management, 1963
- Master of Science degree, Utah State University, in Natural
Resource Economics, 1965
Experience
- Natural Resources Analyst & Consultant
- Director, Jasper County Conservation Board, 1970 to present
(32 years)
- Author, numerous technical and professional publications
on natural resources management
- State Representative, six terms; elected as Iowa State
Senator, District 29 in 1994, and re-elected by a 65% margin in
1998.
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Dennis and his grandson.
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Civic Involvement
- Newton Community Schools - Board of Education
- Jasper County Soil and Water District Commissioner
- Chair, Jasper Co. Economic Development Commission
- Des Moines River Greenbelt Commission
- Iowa Capitol Planning Commission - Member
- Jasper Community Foundation - Member
- Terrace Hill Commission - Member
Legislative Awards and Recognition
Legislative Leadership Award, Associated General Contractors
of Iowa. Presented in 1995, "For legislative
leadership in the protection of Iowa’s Road-Use Tax Fund."
Lifetime Honorary Member of the Iowa Association of Soil &
Water
Conservation District Commissioners. Presented on September
8, 1994, "For outstanding leadership in the Iowa General Assembly
in protecting Iowa’s soil and water."
Governor’s Award, Outstanding Iowa Conservationist of
the Year, Iowa Wildlife Federation, Inc. Presented in 1992,
"In recognition of superior service to the State of Iowa through
professional and legislative
accomplishments in creating public awareness of and policy for the
protection and enhancement of Iowa’s natural resources."
Legislator of the Year, Iowa Rural Water Association.
Presented in 1992, "For leadership in promoting rural water policy
for the revitalization of rural Iowa."
Ronald Kuntz Outstanding Legislator Award, Izaak Walton League
of America. Presented in 1991, "For dedicated
service to the Conservation of Iowa’s Soil, Air, Woodlands, Water
and Wildlife."
Outstanding Legislator Award, ABATE of Iowa.
Presented in July, 1988, "In recognition of outstanding service to
the State of Iowa by furthering public awareness of motorcycle rider education
and safety."
Legislative Conservationist of the Year, Iowa Wildlife Federation.
Presented in 1986, "In appreciation and recognition of outstanding
accomplishments in initiating public policy for the creation, enhancement,
and protection of Iowa’s natural resources."
Award of Merit, The Wildlife Society of America, Iowa Chapter.
Presented in October, 1985, "In recognition of outstanding contributions
to conservation of natural resources through leadership in the Iowa Legislature."
Significant Legislative Accomplishments
Co-author of Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP),
Iowa’s nationally acclaimed resource protection and development initiative.
REAP was one of only 20 programs of 1,600 nationwide that received an
award from Renew America in the category of "Public Land and Open
Space Protection." State Representative Black received the award
on behalf of the State of Iowa at ceremonies in Washington, D. C., on
Sept. 29, 1992.
Author of Amendment to the Constitution of State of Iowa,
Sec. 9 of ARTICLE VII, approved by a vote of Iowans at the General Election
in November of 1996. Amendment to the Constitution of Iowa
provides for the protection of the Fish and Wildlife Protection Fund,
and provides for use of hunting, fishing and trapping license fees by
the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for only those purposes for which
the fund was created. That purpose is the propagation, protection, and
enhancement of fish and wildlife resources in the State of Iowa. Senator
Black was hailed by the leadership of the Izaak Walton League of American
as, "The author and promoter of the most sensible means of ensuring
the proper use of outdoor user’s license fees for their intended
purpose."
Purchase of the bankrupt Rock Island Railroad ROW from Council
Bluffs to Bureau, Illinois. State Representative Dennis
Black was one of five legislators selected by legislative leadership in
the mid-‘80’s to develop
plans for the continuation of rail service through central Iowa. With
the assistance of business and industry and the many municipalities along
the route, legislation was created that allowed the Iowa Railroad Finance
Authority (IRFA) to facilitate the acquisition of the trackage. Iowa Interstate
Railroad is now a viable operation along the route, which runs through
Senate District 21 or Altoona, Mitchellville, Colfax, Newton, Kellogg,
and Grinnell. Jobs and businesses were saved as the result of this timely
action by the State of Iowa.
Environmental, Conservation and Recreation Policies.
Senator Black has long been viewed as the legislative authority regarding
certain environmental policies, and virtually all that relate to outdoor
recreation, user-based demands, needs and funding, and policies regarding
the wise-use, protection and enhancement of woods, wildlife and waters.
Soil and water conservation is a significant priority, and for his many
contributions through state leadership, Senator Black has been selected
by is peers for special commendation and recognition numerous times.
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