From Senator Amanda Ragan:
The 2015 session of the Iowa Legislature has concluded with compromises and important steps forward, according to State Senator Amanda Ragan of Mason City.
“Investments in education and helping Iowa’s working families dominated my work during this session,” said Ragan. “While more could and should have been done, I agreed to compromise rather than be stuck in political gridlock. My efforts did help increase funding for local schools; extend the college tuition freeze for a third year; improve Iowa’s infrastructure and create jobs; and balance the state budget responsibly.”
Ragan, the chair of the Health and Human Services Budget Committee, said she was especially proud of the bipartisan agreement to continue funding two Iowa Mental Health Institutes which Governor Branstad sought to close.
“Iowa families dealing with mental illnesses struggle to find high quality, accessible, affordable mental health care,” said Ragan. “I worked with leaders of both chambers and both parties to reach a “win-win” agreement supported by Iowa’s mental health experts, health care providers, and Iowa families. I hope Governor Branstad will support it.”
Ragan said work needs to be done during the next legislative session to create more opportunities and expand Iowa’s middle class.
“Next year, our first step must be to do more for education. Educational opportunity helps Iowans get ahead and we count on our schools’ graduates to become the next generation of Iowa community leaders, workers and entrepreneurs,” said Ragan.
The 2015 session was the first of the 86th General Assembly of the Iowa Legislature. Iowa’s state government currently consists of a Republican governor, Republican House of Representatives and Democratic Senate. The new state budget and most new legislation will take effect beginning on July 1, 2015.
“Many people from my district contacted me during the session with ideas, suggestions and concerns,” said Ragan. “During the coming months, I’ll be discussing this year’s accomplishments at meetings and in my newsletter, listening to local concerns and preparing for 2016.
