On Friday, January 13th I attended the Joint Session to see Governor Kim Reynolds getting sworn in for another term. It was a great end to the speeches and ceremonies of the opening week. One of Governor Reynold’s main priorities, school choice, has been progressing and will likely be on the debate floor soon. This last week has also been filled with examining Governor Reynolds other priorities to improve Iowa’s workforce and government efficiency.
This week the Senate Education and Appropriations committee advanced SF 94, commonly known as the Student’s First Act. This legislation was proposed by Governor Reynolds and the official language of the legislation was released shortly after her Condition of the State. After passing these full committees, SF 94 is officially eligible for floor debate by the full Senate.
Wednesday, January 18th was the annual Veterans Day on the Capital. Every year, Veterans from across the state come to the capital to visit with legislators, take tours of the capital, and present their missions and work they are doing to help veterans. This day is very meaningful to me. Hearing from our state’s veterans first hand is always an honor. We are all forever grateful for their service. This session, I serve on the Veterans Affairs committee. Recently there has been a number of bills referred to the committee for consideration. One piece of legislation in particular would allow any former crew member of any US Navy vessel named after the State of Iowa to be eligible for in-state tuition rates at Iowa’s regent universities and community colleges. I have also proposed two bills in the Senate that were referred to the Veterans Affairs committee. SF 59 proposes authorizing the DOT to issue special registration plates bearing a distinguished service medal processed emblem. SF 106 relates to lifetime trout fishing licenses available to certain disabled veterans. This bill would strike out a provision allowing veterans to purchase a lifetime trout fishing license if the veteran qualifies for the disabled veterans homestead credit. You can read the bills in full at https://www.legis.iowa.gov/.
I encourage my constituents to contact me using my legislative email ([email protected]) with any comments, questions, or concerns. I look forward to another great week of representing the people of District 42.