From Rep. Sharon Steckman. As I look back on this week, I find that I don’t have much to report. Several bills were brought up for debate, but they concerned mostly non-controversial, technical issues.|From Rep. Sharon Steckman
As I look back on this week, I find that I don’t have much to report. Several bills were brought up for debate, but they concerned mostly non-controversial, technical issues. It remains for Senate and House Appropriations and Ways and Means Committee leaders and the Governor’s office to reach agreement on budget issues.
Until then…we wait.
I have become very interested in the lead shot issue which has arisen due to the passage of the dove hunting bill. I have been educating myself about the dangers to the environment, to wildlife, and to people. I believe that we need to address this issue before the first dove season. I am working with people at the Department of Natural Resources and other legislators, and plan to continue to be active in the fight to eliminate lead shot.
The notice for the dove season will be published in the Administrative Rules Bulletin soon. There will be a public hearing on May 24th in the Wallace Building Auditorium at 1 PM. The Natural Resource Commission (NRC) will be able to review the comments received and vote on the final rule at the June 9th NRC meeting.
You can make a difference and influence the rules to include the ban of toxic lead in dove hunting. Comments or questions regarding the dove rule can be made to Wildlife Supervisor Willie Suchy: ofc 515-281-8660, cell 515-250-6886, email Willie.Suchy@dnr.iowa.gov.
In May, Senator Amanda Ragan and I will be visiting a third-grade classroom at Newman to talk about government with the students ñ particularly how a bill is developed and passed. We would be delighted to visit any classrooms that would care to have us.
Wednesday, before adjournment, I rose to state a Point of Personal Privilege regarding the priorities that I feel this session is not addressing. Readers can access the speech here.
