Should Department of Aging be DOA?

Some think the idea should have been dead on arrival.

But the Iowa House has approved a bill changing the name of the Department of Elder Affairs. If the legislation is signed by Gov. Chet Culver, the agency will be known as the Department of Aging — or DOA.

Rep. David Heaton is one of those who isn't too happy with Wednesday's vote. He's offended by the acronym for an agency that helps elderly Iowans.

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Heaton, a Republican, says: "I understand it. I don't like it."

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But Rep. Janet Petersen, a Democrat, says the name change was meant to comply with terminology used by the federal government. She suggested not using an acronym.

The Senate has approved the change. Culver hasn't taken sides, but now it's up to him whether the proposal lives — or is DOA.