The 2013 session has officially been gaveled in and we are already busy with committee work, getting to know each of the 26 new members and setting priorities and goals for consideration over the next few months. This year I will serve as Ranking Member on the Education Standing Committee. I will also serve on State Government and Environmental Protection Committees and the Education Budget Subcommittee.
The State Government Committee is new to me and I understand that it deals with everything that doesn’t logically fall under something else – sort of a soup-to-nuts grouping. So far, I have seen bills relating to campaign finance, abolishing the “English as official language” provision, voter rights and internet gambling. I will do my best to let you know the kinds of issues that come before us as we proceed.
I always appreciate the input that I get from the North Iowa community. I have been collecting your ideas since last May and I look forward to hearing from you by email, visits to the Statehouse, and at forums and Listening Posts that will be scheduled during the session. Watch for dates and locations in this weekly newsletter.
Forum
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Mason City Library
10:00 a.m.