From the ground up

     The second funnel week at the Capitol has come to an end. This is a time when House and Senate bills are on the final path to passage. If a bill is not through committee in either the House or the Senate at the end of this week the bill will have to wait until the 2018 session for consideration. To say the least, it has been a busy week of committee meetings.

     Bills that cleared the Senate this week of particular interest are the following:

     House File 464, a bill relating to the crossing of highways by all-terrain vehicles and off-road utility vehicles passed both the House and the Senate. While these vehicles are not allowed on state highways they now can legally cross state highways. This bill is on its way to the governor for his signature. I’m pleased that this bill received bipartisan support from the Senate.

     HF518 is a bill pertaining to Workers Compensation cases in Iowa. The legislation will ensure workers compensation beneficiaries will receive accurate benefits with the integrity of the workers' compensation program.

     SF493 relates to the combined benefited recreational lake and water quality districts when issuing bonds. This is significant to my constituents who are concerned with the Lake Delhi development. The legislation will save thousands in taxes and allows the districts the opportunity to refinance loans.

     SF 360 unanimously expanded Iowa’s Safe Haven law. The Safe Haven Act is a law that allows parents - or another person who has the parent's authorization - to leave an infant up to 14 days old at a “safe haven” without fear of prosecution for abandonment. This bill states that in lieu of the current options a person may call 911 to relinquish physical custody of the newborn. This bill would also make it easier to find somewhere to safely leave a child up to 30 days in age, therefore giving the parent more of an opportunity to ensure the health and well being of the child in the future.

     HF 295 known as the pre-emption bill, reestablishes legal certainty and uniformity across the State of Iowa. This bill levels the playing field and reinstates consistency across the state. As stated at the beginning of this session, we continue to focus on economic growth for our state and rural communities. We cannot grow if arbitrary regulations are scattered all over different jurisdictions to create a hodgepodge, patchwork framework to conduct business. Iowa will grow with consistent regulations and creating a positive job climate and trained workforce for the future.

     Senate Resolution 14, was enacted congratulating Cory Clark on his outstanding national wrestling championship and designating March 29, 2017, as Cory Clark Recognition Day in Iowa. Cory Clark is a 2017 NCAA Division 1 Wrestling Champion from the University of Iowa.

     It was my pleasure to visit with him and his coach Terry Brands.

     As we reach the first of April this upcoming week the Senate will be busy in debate finishing up legislation and the process of appropriations comes to full swing.

     I can assure you I have your back as we sort out your tax dollars to meet the appropriation needs of Iowa. My first concern is the constituents of District 48 and I will do everything in my power to represent your interest as we move through the final weeks of this legislative session.

     By the way, as fiscally conscious Republicans, earlier this session we voted to shorten this legislative session by 10 days to participate in the de-appropriation of funds needed to stay within budget. This means that legislators reduced their expense compensation for this session and our clerks and pages will no longer be in the chamber assisting us with the day-to-day clerical needs we have beyond 100 days.