The following is a legislative update from Republican State Rep. Shannon Latham, representing portions of Franklin, Butler and Cerro Gordo counties in Iowa House District 54:
Because the Iowa Legislature has not yet adjourned Sine Die for the 2022 session, we’re in what some people call “legislative overtime”.
The 100th day of the 2022 legislative session fell on April 19, which is when legislators stopped receiving payment for per diem expenses. Honestly, members of the Iowa Legislature are more concerned with representing our constituents than we are about a date on the calendar.
There was one day of debate during Week 16 of the 2022 legislative session. Although we weren’t in session very long, we sent these bills to Gov. Reynolds:
- Biofuels. House File 2128 is a win for Iowa farmers and consumers alike! It requires Iowa gas stations with at least two pumps to offer corn-based, E-15 ethanol blend on at least one pump. As amended by the Senate, this bill provides exemptions for smaller stations. The House concurred with the Senate amendment.
- Re-Employment. There are literally thousands more job openings than Iowans on unemployment, so this reform helps address the state-wide workforce shortage by returning Iowans to work faster. House File 2355 reduces the number of weeks someone can receive unemployment benefits to 16 weeks, or four months.
- Child Care Workers. The Senate amended HF 2198 to address a recommendation from the Governor’s Child Care Task Force. The amendment recommends increasing the ratio for 2-year-olds by 1 child and increasing the ratio of 3-year-olds by 2 children. This is not a requirement, so child care centers are not required to adopt this rule.
Before we adjourn for the final time this session, the House and Senate must pass all the budget bills with the same language. Passing a budget is required, however, there are other bills that are priorities of one chamber or another. Negotiations are ongoing.
Keep in mind there are 100 members in the Iowa House of Representatives. There are 50 members in the Iowa Senate. Each of these 150 elected officials stands up for what he or she believes is in the best interest of people living in the district to which they were elected to represent.
Baseball Game for Charity
The Inaugural Legislative Slow-Pitch Softball Game for Charity will be held May 1 at Principal Park in Des Moines, immediately following Sunday’s 1 p.m. I-Cubs game.
This bi-partisan softball game will consist of two teams, House and Senate Republicans vs. House and Senate Democrats. Money raised from sponsors and ticket sales will go to benefit two charities chosen by the respective teams. Republicans have chosen Puppy Jake Foundation, and Democrats haven chosen Iowa Food Bank Association.
You can purchase tickets for this event here: https://fevo.me/
