From the ground up

     Last week was funnel week for this legislative session, making our days busy and full. This deadline focuses on the issues we need to accomplish this year. Any bills, except for tax, spending, and oversight bills need to be through committee this week.

     In the Commerce Committee we have been working on legislation that will provide you with new and better options for healthcare insurance coverage. Two new options are being designed to make healthcare coverage more affordable and more accessible by working around the Affordable Care Act. As the details are being worked out, I’m proud to say many Iowans will be relieved with this comprehensive solution to healthcare coverage.

     The reason we are doing this is because Iowans don’t have time to wait until the next general assembly to have this option. The Affordable Care Act is causing our individual insurance market to collapse. We cannot afford to wait. 

     I will continue to provide updates on this policy as it works its way through committee and onto the Senate floor. .

     Did you know Republicans have passed a cut in pay to legislators and their clerks by shortening our session days to 85 paid days? Just like you, we realize it is time to tighten our belt and cut spending. We are doing this by getting our work at the statehouse completed in a shorter amount of time. It may mean some longer days, but this is what Iowans do – work harder, work more efficiently, while being mindful of our spending. This move will save you and all Iowans approximately $600,000 dollars.

     I was invited to be in the audience for arguments before the Iowa Supreme Court this week. This experience provided me with an additional respect for our court system. During oral arguments the seven justices can and do interrupt the legal teams as questions arise. Both sides of this particular case offered compelling arguments to defend their position. All seven judges interrupted consistently during the testimony to have their questions answered. It became vividly clear the justices absorbed the information and the answers to questions, which they take into account as they reach their opinions.