(Des Moines) Senator Amanda Ragan of Mason City met Sunday, November 18, with the other members of the Democratic majority that will lead the Iowa Senate during the next two years.
“I look forward to working with everyone–regardless of party–who is focused on creating jobs and growing Iowa’s economy,” Ragan said. “That’s my top priority and it is the top priority of the people in my district.”
Ragan listed four ideas that she hopes will become law during the 2013 session of the Iowa Legislature:
1) Cutting commercial property taxes, especially for small and Main Street businesses.
2) Cutting taxes on working families and boosting local economies.
3) Expanding community college efforts to fill local skilled worker shortages.
4) Giving Iowa companies first crack at state contracts, creating jobs here rather than overseas.
“Iowa has rebounded faster from the national recession than other states, but our economy is still not where it needs to be,” said Ragan. “I’ll consider every idea that will strengthen our state’s prospects and make it easier for Iowa families to get ahead.”
Ragan was also chosen to serve as an Assistant Majority Leader, along with Senators Wally Horn of Cedar Rapids, Bill Dotzler of Waterloo, and Matt McCoy of Des Moines.
Senator Mike Gronstal of Council Bluffs will again serve as Senate Majority Leader. Senator Pam Jochum of Dubuque was elected President of the Senate. Senator Steve Sodders of State Center was elected Senate President Pro Tempore. Senate Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City was elected Majority Whip.
The 2013 session of the 85th Iowa General Assembly will convene on Monday, January 14. Ragan asked local residents with suggestions to contact her at (641) 425-8807 or amanda.ragan@legis.iowa.gov.
Senator Ragan represents roughly 66,000 Iowans who live in Senate District 27, which was created during Iowa’s non-partisan redistricting law after the 2010 Census. Senate District 27 includes Ackley, Alexander, Allison, Aredale, Bradford, Bristow, Burchinal, Chapin, Clarksville, Clear Lake, Coulter, Dows, Dumont, Geneva, Greene, Hampton, Hansell, Latimer, Mason City, Meservey, Popejoy, Rockwell, Sheffield, Swaledale, Thornton, and Ventura.
She sure shovels alot on BS – must have learned that from our chief/chef ?
Sounds good but talk is cheap. Her record says she can’t do anything without SPEND, SPEND, SPEND.