From the ground up

     The 2018 Iowa Legislative Session gavel has fallen and I am proud to once again serve the 48^th District of Iowa as your senator. Last week started with an energized Condition of the State address from our governor, Kim Reynolds, and not only did she share positive and encouraging facts about the state of Iowa, she also addressed issues and topics that need our immediate attention during this session.

     Proudly at the center of Governor Reynolds’ address was the recognition of our students at West Delaware High School, Henderson Products of Manchester, and the successful program partnership at Northeast Iowa Community College, which provides a valuable welding trade program serving students, Iowa workers and the needs of Iowa small business. Being able to meet with the students and see the pride in their faces was a great start to this session.

     The work ahead of us this session includes an opportunity to continue the change Republican leadership started in 2017. We are here to write chapter two.

     Our goal is simple, as Senator Dix stated in his opening remarks on Monday, Jan. 8: “We want our local businesses – our coffee shops, tire stores, and family diners – to grow and prosper, our communities to grow and thrive and our children to grow up prepared to tackle the world.”

     The objective is the same as last year – for more money to be kept by those who earn it – you, the hard working Iowans.

     The priorities remain the same as last year – we are here to balance the state’s budget, foster job growth and prosperity and allow teachers to give our children the education they deserve.

     That is what the 2018 Legislative session is all about, and the objective and priorities are what I am about as your Senator.

     As I work to serve District 48 please don’t hesitate in contacting me. Your thoughts and concerns are important to me.

     This year I have a full team approach to meet the needs and demands as a senator. Helping me to be prepared, to be where I need to be, when I need to be there, and with the tools to make me more efficient, I have two organized, talented ladies job sharing one position to assist me. Katie, is an ISU student, a former Senate page and an enthusiastic addition to my team. Theresa is in her third year of clerking for me and I value her organizational skills, real world experience, and her ability to anticipate what I need for meetings before I know I need it. Together we work to prioritize the daily tasks and to navigate the methods to attain the desired end results. I am very fortunate to have these ladies as part of my team.

     It was my pleasure early last week to have time to visit with former state legislator Nancy Dunkel who is currently serving with the Iowa Board of Regents. Nancy is the executive director of the Dyersville Area Community Foundation and she served in the Iowa House of Representatives from 2013-2016. I appreciate her commitment to Iowa education in her service to Iowa on the Board of Regents.

     I currently serve as the Chair of the Agriculture Committee and serve on the Appropriations, Commerce, and Transportation Committees. Please feel free to contact me at 563-920-5094 or by email at dan.zumbach@legis.iowa.gov.