JCED plans series of legislative forums

Jones County Economic Development will be hosting three legislative forums during the 2020 Iowa Legislative Session. The first forum will be on Friday, Jan. 31, at noon at the Lawrence Community Center in Anamosa. Representatives Lee Hein and Andy McKean and Senator Dan Zumbach are scheduled to attend this first forum. This forum is sponsored by Jones Regional Medical Center. 

“The forums are an important part of the work we do locally,” stated Derek Lumsden, JCED director. “Not only does it keep us in contact with our legislators and what’s happening in Des Moines, but it gives the legislators another opportunity to hear directly from their constituents on what matters to them. In a time of e-mail and smartphones, it can seem outdated, but it’s still one of the best ways to get and disseminate information from the Statehouse.” 

Following last year’s procedures, audience members will be able to ask a question of the legislators. Lumsden reminds the public to keep their question to one minute so the legislators have a chance to respond to more thoughts. 

“Like last year, I will be timing the questions so we can have a lot more opportunities for input,” said Lumsden. “We appreciate the legislators making their time available to us and we want to make sure they feel they were able to address as many questions and concerns as possible.” 

Since the forum is over the lunch hour, JCED will be providing lunch for $5 to those who RSVP to attend. RSVPs will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 27. You can RSVP to Lumsden at director@jonescountydevelopment.com or by calling 319-480-7446. Payment will be due at the start of the forum. 

Additional forums are planned for Friday, Feb. 28, and Friday, March 27. Follow Jones County Economic Development-Iowa on Facebook for more information and updates.