The Legislature was put into overdrive last week, as we faced the first of two “funnel” deadlines where bills had to be voted out of committee in order to be eligible for further debate. Several high-profile bills managed to make it through, and now will be placed on the Calendar for consideration on the House [...]
Posts under ‘Newsletters’
Newsletter – February 8, 2010
Currently working its way through the legislative process is a massive 250 page bill with a plan for reorganization of state government. We should always be looking for ways to streamline government, but the need is especially great this year, given the $1.1 billion spending gap for the coming fiscal year.
Many of the ideas in [...]
Newsletter – January 22nd, 2010
As many predicted, Iowa’s budget has quickly come to the forefront of this year’s legislative session. Many lawmakers continue to suggest ideas to help fix our state’s $1 Billion budget gap. In the same spirit of protecting Iowa taxpayers, I am working to assure that we balance the budget not just for this year, but [...]
Newsletter – January 15th 2010
As the session begins, there is not only an atmosphere of excitement, but also one of trepidation. It is no secret to most of you that Iowa faces many challenges, but as public servants I believe we should be here to meet those challenges head-on, rather than try to hide them or pass them along [...]
Newsletter – December 30, 2009
“…And those of us who manage the public’s dollars will be held to account, to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day, because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.”
– President Obama, Inaugural Address, January 20th 2009.
Friends and neighbors,
Over the past [...]
Newsletter – December 2nd
Greetings! With the 2010 legislative session quickly approaching, it is time to begin my regular newsletters once again. Over the next several weeks, I want to provide a preview of the upcoming session, so we can work together to address the concerns which are ahead for Iowa.
These are difficult financial times across the country, with [...]
Newsletter – May 6, 2009
The 2009 regular session of the 83rd Iowa General Assembly adjourned at 5:03 a.m. on Sunday morning, April 26th. The House had been gaveled in for 38 of the final 44 hours, making for a very long weekend.
The last bill passed in the House was SF 478, the standing appropriations bill which appropriated over $450 [...]
