Last week of the session

     And here it is… the last week of session. I am writing this letter a couple days before session closes. It all depends how long the paper shuffle between the Senate and the House of Representatives takes to finish business.

     I want to thank everyone from Senate District 48 who shared their praises and concerns throughout the session. I was asked to come to Des Moines to empower the voters of Iowa and change the leadership and direction of government. I am making these changes for you, because you asked.

     There are many good bills that passed this year, and these are the bills that come to mind first. I am honored to share the changes and improvements we made for you.

School:

     • Gave local control to school boards.

     • Developed transportation equity for schools.

     • Created the ability for schools to move dollars to where they are needed.

     • Delivered state financial aid increase on time.

Transportation:

     • Gave local control to county supervisors.

     • Developed new policy to save costs on construction projects.

     • Gave county supervisors the ability to hire any local contractor for government contracts.

Commerce:

     • Gave the right to try new, not yet approved medicines to people who are terminally ill, if they have not had success with other drugs.

     • Added insurance coverage for persons living with autism spectrum disorder.

     • Created a “skip a payment” statute allowing good standing consumers latitude at their banks and credit unions.

     • Developed new policy and removed regulations to allow for a new 5G wireless communications system.

Agriculture:

     • Allowed new policy to control noxious and invasive weeds.

     • Removed permits & fees to allow farmers to haul equipment while following DOT regulations.

     • Protected fair employees, volunteers, 4-H and FFA members from potential law suits from animal pathogens.

     • Protected agriculture from nuisance law suits for producers who are following federal, state, and local laws .

Gun Bill:

     • Restored several rights taken away from Iowans over the years.

     • Allow law abiding citizens to protect themselves, their families and their property.

     We received news in the March Revenue Estimating Conference report, that revenues were down for the upcoming budget year. Based upon their projections we are going to be required to make significant cuts to the various budget units within the state budget.

     It is never easy to make these cuts. But based upon Iowa’s fiscal situation, the only prudent thing to do is to tighten the state budget.