From Rep. Sharon Steckman:
There was more progress on the budget this week, which is the only thing we are required to do before we adjourn. The bi-partisan conference committees are meeting and several have already finished their work so the bills can go to the Governor’s desk. I’m pleased we also took some steps this week to boost our renewable energy efforts in biofuels, wind, and solar.
However, there are still a few issues still up in the air that I believe should be resolved before we leave for the year. We should work together to expand job training and apprenticeship opportunities, make sure every kid has access to preschool, set funding for our k-12 schools, and expand broadband internet access to more Iowans in rural areas.
It’s disappointing these issues haven’t been passed yet, so we should stay in session long enough to get them done. If folks are willing to sit down and work together, they could all be resolved fairly quickly. They’re all critical to building a strong middle class and creating jobs.
OTHER NEWS THIS WEEK
Iowa Secretary of State Matt Schultz is under fire this week after a top aid was relieved of his duties but stayed on the state payroll for another seven months.
The Legislature is likely to approve a compromise reached between greyhound dog owners and racetracks. The deal turns over racing in Dubuque to the greyhound industry and ends dog racing in Council Bluffs in 2016.
The House approved a bill to extend wind energy tax credits and expand the use of renewable energy used to make biofuels.
The House and Senate have agreed to freeze tuition at Iowa’s three public universities again next year. The bill is on its way to the Governor’s desk.
In response to the growing scandals surrounding the Branstad Administration, the Senate has approved a bill to ban confidentiality agreements in state government and protect whistleblowers that come forward with evidence of wrong doing.
Iowans can now request vote by mail ballots from their local county auditor for the primary election on Tuesday, June 3rd.
If the bill is signed by the Governor, the Knoxville Raceway will be able to move ahead with improvements at their facility.
I could almost like her and vote for her if she would get off the more money every single time for schools when expenses are going down. They should need less money for less students, not more. Her whole life has been education and she knows nothing else. Otherwise I think she is a nice lady. But, until she changes her attitude somewhat she will just be one of the spend sisters.