House Republican newsletter

     This week marked the beginning of the 89^th General Assembly of the Iowa House. With a new GA comes a fresh start; there are new members, new seats, and a whole lot of new ideas to be scrutinized through the legislative process.

     As many workplaces currently do, the Capitol looks a little different this year. For the time being, clerks have been moved off the House floor in order to social distance. Committee meetings have also been moved to larger meeting spaces and are also being streamed viz the legislative website (legis.iowa.gov).

     While on the topic of COVID-19, I would like to provide much-anticipated information on the rollout of the vaccine in Jones County. I have received this information from the Jones County Public Health Department. It is planned that Jones County will be administering the vaccine manufactured by Moderna, with exception to long-term care and assisted living facilities who will be receiving the Pzifer vaccine. The Monticello and Anamosa facilities have already received their first dose. Those in the general public who are interested in being vaccinated should fill out the vaccine interest form at http://tinyurl.com/jones-covid19vaccine. You may also call 319-465-6945 for assistance, though they ask for patience in responding to voicemails. I would encourage anyone who is 75 or older to get their name on the list as soon as possible. Filling out this form will both help the public health department to plan vaccination clinics as well as to notify people as to when they are eligible to receive the vaccine. The vaccine will be administered in two doses, which will be given less than 28 days apartment.

     This week, the Governor delivered her annual Condition of the State address to a joint session of congress where she laid out her legislative priorities for this session. She began her speech by laying out the financial condition of the state. She stated, “When I stood here last year, our fiscal health was strong. We had one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, incomes were going up, and our economy was roaring. This 2020 happened. We took a hit like everyone else, but we didn’t falter long. Because of our conservative budget practices, Iowa’s diverse economy, and the decision to keep 80 percent of our businesses open, and the tenacity of the Iowa people, Iowa isn’t facing a massive budget shortfall like many states.”

     The Governor spoke on how the pandemic has made it apparent that we need to heavily invest in broadband in our state. She also called on the legislature to get all of Iowa’s children back to in-person learning as soon as possible.

     Governor Reynolds also highlighted a bill that I have been working on that will help to fund rural EMS responders. The proposed bill would allow (county) supervisors cities, or EMS districts to apply a property tax, or income tax surcharge, dependent on a 50 percent voter approval by the general public. The revenue generated by this tax would help fund equipment and training for the first responders. This has been one of my top priorities on the past couple of years to help out Iowa’s rural first responders.

     As the session begins to pick up speed, I look forward to providing the people of District 96 with a weekly legislative update. If you would like to discuss an issue, feel free to email me at lee.hein@legis.iowa.gov.