3703 SW 28th Place * Des Moines, IA 50321 * 515-669-1721 * Facebook * eric@erickohlsdorf.com

Hello my fellow Iowans,

"If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got." – NLP adage.

The state government continues to spend our money at an unprecedented pace - a 20% increase in the past two years alone - as our economy continues to stumble. Yet, our government asks us to tighten our belts while they increase spending at unsustainable levels.

As an American and an Iowan, I believe we can overcome any issue if we face it honestly together. Unfortunately, the politicians we elect have forgotten who they report too. Not only have they forgotten us, they've lost their common sense when it comes to accomplishing our needs.

My name is Eric Kohlsdorf. I'm running for State House of Representatives to change this cycle and return the Capitol to those who own it - the people of Iowa. Together we can overcome any problem but we can't if we continue to re-elect the same people with the same ideas who are part of the problem.

The time has come to send a message to the legislature - ENOUGH is ENOUGH. With your support, your priorities will be my priority in our State Capitol. With your help, together we will make a difference moving our great state forward. I ask for your vote and support so we can bring New Ideas for a New Day in Iowa. It is my commitment and hope that together we return the trust of the people to the State House on November 4th!

Warmest regards,

Eric Kohlsdorf

Biographical Information

Family

• Raised in Ankeny, Iowa
  • My mother and father were married for 35 years prior to my mother losing a battle with cancer.
  • I have two brothers - one living in Ankeny and the other living in Alaska.
• Currently live off Park Ave on Des Moines' South side.
• Married to Brooke Bouma and we have one child, Evan
  • Brooke works for WHO-TV as a morning anchor
  • Evan is an energetic 16 month old
  • Member of First Federated Church

Education

• Ankeny High School 1986
• Graduated with Distinction in Finance - Iowa State University

Professional

• Principal Financial Group - 10 years
• Started the UnitedHealthcare venture in Iowa - 1998
• Became a healthcare insurance consultant in 2000 with Berlin, Sapp, & Pyle.
• Started and continue to run a small company, Prisma, LLC.
  • Represent employers and employees with insurance companies
  • Work with employees to make sure they are receiving the best outcomes possible with their insurance programs.
  • Provide financial and Cost/Benefit Analysis to my clients

Professional Designations and Accomplishments

• Former President and Member of the Board - Iowa Association of Health Underwriters
• Golden Edge Society
• FLMI and HIA designation
• Guest panelist for insurance issues on TV's "The Investor's Edge"
• Member: Consumer Advisory Council - Healthcare Collaborative

Issues

Health Care Reform

The past two legislative sessions have provided us with laws that have not addressed the real problem with our system: COST. The state house needs someone who understands the complexities of the industry. Having spent my entire career in health care financing, as your advocate at the State House I will work to implement the following nine elements of cost containment and reduction for all Iowans.

1. Incorporate wellness and disease management programs.
2. Malpractice reform.
3. Improve system efficiencies and eliminate errors
4. Foster electronic medical records
5. Stop the cost shift to the private sector through government price fixing
6. Encourage price transparency
7. Guarantee access
8. Address the reinsurance market
9. Maintain Employer tax deductibility, and offer that to individuals

Fiscal Responsibility / Taxes

We face tough economic times as individuals and businesses these days. However, the Legislature has increased the budget 20% in two years. Ultimately, we, the citizens, have to pay for this increased spending. The last thing we need from our government is to take more of our hard earned money.

If we are to take care of the seniors that have made this state so wonderful and attract younger workers to the state, we must promote an environment of protection and opportunity. Government spending and tax code adjustments we need to implement:

1. Restore credibility and accountability to the budget process.
2. Preserve federal deductibility.
3. Reform property taxation.
4. Accelerate depreciation of equipment.
5. Reduce taxes on passive income.
6. Limit total government spending to 98% of actual revenues.

Education

Our education system is laden with a top heavy bureaucracy. Teachers spend too much time completing report on top of report. We need to lift these burdens so teachers can do what they entered the profession to do: TEACH. When we free up their time to concentrate on students, you will see student achievement improve, graduation rates increase, and Iowa return to our rightful spot as THE leader in education.

Right to Work

Every worker in Iowa should have the ability to choose their employment. I'm also a believer that they should be able to join a union if they want. Nevertheless, I'm opposed to the state forcing a citizen to pay dues into a system against their free will. Every Iowan should be afforded the opportunity to choose how they spend their income whether it is through membership in a union, trade association, or social organization.

Workforce Development

If the outcome we want is to provide future generations the opportunity we've all had in Iowa, then we must begin with a 21st century economy. We need to attract entrepreneurs and forward looking companies to Iowa. The more we provide opportunity for business and industry, the more opportunity we provide for Iowans (not only in jobs but also in social well being).

Green Initiative / Energy Independence

Iowa is at the heart of the 21st Century revolution in biotechnology and we must continue to advance these initiatives. We can become the first state to generate virtually all of its own power from a combination of ethanol, bio-diesel, wind, solar and hydro-electric energy. We need new ideas to make this happen.

1. Tax incentives to construct bio-diesel and ethanol refineries in our industrial centers.
2. Reduce or eliminate the state gas tax on bio-diesel or ethanol refined and sold in Iowa.
3. Straight line depreciation for the conversion of existing structures to solar or other green energy technologies.

Common Sense

The current political environment is no longer focused on the people represented, but instead on partisan finger-pointing and pandering to the lobbyists of the special interests. We need a government that is accountable to the people and working for the people.

My commitment is I will work for you in the state house bringing New Ideas for a New Day in Iowa.

Paid for by Iowans for Kohlsdorf