Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System Member Handbook, September 2011

The IPERS Member Handbook summarizes the retirement plan that is provided for most employees of Iowa’s schools, cities, counties, townships, state agencies, and other governmental units. This publication explains the rights and benefits of IPERS membership in as clear and useful a manner as possible; however, it is not intended to be a complete presentation of the IPERS law and policies. Benefits provided under IPERS differ for Special service members—sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, and those working in other protection occupations, such as firefighters, police, correctional officers, and conservation officers. This publication explains what these differences are. To help you find information that applies only to you, IPERS also publishes a variety of booklets and brochures to guide you through IPERS benefits at specific stages of your career, from membership enrollment to retirement. These educational resources are available for viewing or printing from our website at www.ipers.org. You may also contact IPERS and request a free printed copy. Alternative formats containing the information in this publication are available upon request. Note: This publication reflects the law as of July 2011. Some provisions will become effective at later dates, as noted. Any inconsistencies or inadvertent omissions will be resolved in favor of the law.

Growing The Fields of Opportunity for Children and Adults with Autism in Iowa, 2009-2010

Many would argue that the dramatic rise in autism has reached critical mass, and this council echoes that statement. Iowa, like many states in the nation, is currently ill equipped to handle the large influx of children and adults with autism. When this council was initially formed we were facing diagnosis rates of 1 in 150 and currently the diagnosis rate is 1 in 91. Current resource strains in education, qualified trained professionals, access to care, and financial services are rapidly deteriorating Iowa’s ability to deliver quality services to children, adults, and families affected by autism. If Iowa leadership fails to act quickly the already strained system will face a breaking point in the following areas: financing, coordination of care, educational resources, early identification, adult services, and access to service delivery - just to name a few. This council has taken the past 12 plus months hearing testimony from state officials, providers, and caregivers to ensure that care for those with autism is effective, cost efficient, and accessible. This council will be making recommendations on three major areas; early identification, seamless support/coordination of care, and financing of care. While these areas will be highlighted in this first annual report it in no way minimizes other areas that need to be addressed such as early intervention, special education, training, in-home support services, financing options, and data collection. Implementing the initial recommendations of this council will lay foundational support for the areas mentioned above. Often those in position to help ask what can be done to help families in Iowa. This council has provided a roadmap to help facilitate effective and proven treatments to children and adults with autism.

Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Annual Report 1997-1998

The Leopold Center was established by the Iowa Legislature as part of the Iowa Groundwater Protection Act of 1987. Its mandated missions are to identify impacts of agricultural practices, contribute to the development of profitable farming systems that conserve natural resources, and cooperate with Iowa State University Extension to inform the public of new findings.Information for this report was compiled by Leopold Center staff with the help of its researchers and educators who are committed to improving Iowa agriculture and the lives of Iowans.

Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture Annual Report, 1998-1999

The Leopold Center was established by the Iowa Legislature as part of the Iowa Groundwater Protection Act of 1987. Its mandated missions are to identify impacts of agricultural practices, contribute to the development of profitable farming systems that conserve natural resources, and cooperate with Iowa State University Extension to inform the public of new findings.Information for this report was compiled by Leopold Center staff with the help of its researchers and educators who are committed to improving Iowa agriculture and the lives of Iowans.

Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture Annual Report, 1999-2000

The Leopold Center was established by the Iowa Legislature as part of the Iowa Groundwater Protection Act of 1987. Its mandated missions are to identify impacts of agricultural practices, contribute to the development of profitable farming systems that conserve natural resources, and cooperate with Iowa State University Extension to inform the public of new findings.Information for this report was compiled by Leopold Center staff with the help of its researchers and educators who are committed to improving Iowa agriculture and the lives of Iowans.

Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture Annual Report, 2000-2001

The Leopold Center was established by the Iowa Legislature as part of the Iowa Groundwater Protection Act of 1987. Its mandated missions are to identify impacts of agricultural practices, contribute to the development of profitable farming systems that conserve natural resources, and cooperate with Iowa State University Extension to inform the public of new findings.Information for this report was compiled by Leopold Center staff with the help of its researchers and educators who are committed to improving Iowa agriculture and the lives of Iowans.

Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture Annual Report, 2001-2002

The Leopold Center was established by the Iowa Legislature as part of the Iowa Groundwater Protection Act of 1987. Its mandated missions are to identify impacts of agricultural practices, contribute to the development of profitable farming systems that conserve natural resources, and cooperate with Iowa State University Extension to inform the public of new findings.Information for this report was compiled by Leopold Center staff with the help of its researchers and educators who are committed to improving Iowa agriculture and the lives of Iowans.

Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture Annual Report, 2002-2003

The Leopold Center was established by the Iowa Legislature as part of the Iowa Groundwater Protection Act of 1987. Its mandated missions are to identify impacts of agricultural practices, contribute to the development of profitable farming systems that conserve natural resources, and cooperate with Iowa State University Extension to inform the public of new findings.Information for this report was compiled by Leopold Center staff with the help of its researchers and educators who are committed to improving Iowa agriculture and the lives of Iowans.

Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture Annual Report, 2003-2004

The Leopold Center was established by the Iowa Legislature as part of the Iowa Groundwater Protection Act of 1987. Its mandated missions are to identify impacts of agricultural practices, contribute to the development of profitable farming systems that conserve natural resources, and cooperate with Iowa State University Extension to inform the public of new findings.Information for this report was compiled by Leopold Center staff with the help of its researchers and educators who are committed to improving Iowa agriculture and the lives of Iowans.

Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture Annual Report, 2004-2005

The Leopold Center was established by the Iowa Legislature as part of the Iowa Groundwater Protection Act of 1987. Its mandated missions are to identify impacts of agricultural practices, contribute to the development of profitable farming systems that conserve natural resources, and cooperate with Iowa State University Extension to inform the public of new findings.Information for this report was compiled by Leopold Center staff with the help of its researchers and educators who are committed to improving Iowa agriculture and the lives of Iowans.

Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture Annual Report, 2005-2006

The Leopold Center was established by the Iowa Legislature as part of the Iowa Groundwater Protection Act of 1987. Its mandated missions are to identify impacts of agricultural practices, contribute to the development of profitable farming systems that conserve natural resources, and cooperate with Iowa State University Extension to inform the public of new findings.Information for this report was compiled by Leopold Center staff with the help of its researchers and educators who are committed to improving Iowa agriculture and the lives of Iowans.

Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture Annual Report, 2006-2007

The Leopold Center was established by the Iowa Legislature as part of the Iowa Groundwater Protection Act of 1987. Its mandated missions are to identify impacts of agricultural practices, contribute to the development of profitable farming systems that conserve natural resources, and cooperate with Iowa State University Extension to inform the public of new findings.Information for this report was compiled by Leopold Center staff with the help of its researchers and educators who are committed to improving Iowa agriculture and the lives of Iowans.

Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture Annual Report, 2007-2008

The Leopold Center was established by the Iowa Legislature as part of the Iowa Groundwater Protection Act of 1987. Its mandated missions are to identify impacts of agricultural practices, contribute to the development of profitable farming systems that conserve natural resources, and cooperate with Iowa State University Extension to inform the public of new findings.Information for this report was compiled by Leopold Center staff with the help of its researchers and educators who are committed to improving Iowa agriculture and the lives of Iowans.

Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture Annual Report, 2008-2009

The Leopold Center was established by the Iowa Legislature as part of the Iowa Groundwater Protection Act of 1987. Its mandated missions are to identify impacts of agricultural practices, contribute to the development of profitable farming systems that conserve natural resources, and cooperate with Iowa State University Extension to inform the public of new findings.Information for this report was compiled by Leopold Center staff with the help of its researchers and educators who are committed to improving Iowa agriculture and the lives of Iowans.

Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture Annual Report, 2009-2010

The Leopold Center was established by the Iowa Legislature as part of the Iowa Groundwater Protection Act of 1987. Its mandated missions are to identify impacts of agricultural practices, contribute to the development of profitable farming systems that conserve natural resources, and cooperate with Iowa State University Extension to inform the public of new findings.Information for this report was compiled by Leopold Center staff with the help of its researchers and educators who are committed to improving Iowa agriculture and the lives of Iowans.