Iowa Senator Doug Campbell offers update on Legislative progress

The following is a legislative update from Republican State Senator Doug Campbell of Mason City, representing portions of Worth, Mitchell, Cerro Gordo and Floyd counties in Iowa Senate District 30:

As funnel week approaches, the senate is considering proposals centered around the many issues in which Iowans have shown concern. It is very important legislation begins moving forward.

On Monday night, we had the Iowa caucuses, which are critical in the election process. Many of us stayed home in our districts on Monday so we could participate. For decades, Iowa has been the first in the nation to hold caucus, and it is a great way to get involved at a local level. Never underestimate your influence in the community! It was nice talking with constituents and party activists about important issues, grassroots activism, and what we need to focus on going into the next election cycle. We had 225 people participate in the Cerro Gordo republican caucus at the Mason City High School.

The Capitol continues to be busy with the Senate having over 50 subcommittees scheduled, along with a full committee schedule. Our first deadline is approaching, which means we have been busy talking through bills and ideas all while gaining feedback from Iowans. The Health and Human Services Committee passed SSB 3083, this is a great bill to keep your eye on, it “aims to eliminate barriers to access and provide a strong step-down service in the state that improves quality care for Iowans, while lessening the burden on our emergency departments and other health care facilities.”

On Wednesday, the Capitol rotunda hosted Iowa State University. The topics discussed included the importance of educating Iowans, keeping Iowans in Iowa, and continuing to innovate and grow the economy, with a heavy focus on the development of artificial intelligence and how AI influences both education as well as the workforce. As we all know, agriculture is one of the main players if not the main player in Iowa’s economy where implementing AI may prove to be a huge help. Iowa State University has begun working on developing technology that can detect plant types, distinguishing native and invasive plants as well as any diseases present. Drones have also been considered in ensuring crop health by applying chemical treatment when necessary.

The Governor, the Senate, and the House all have property tax plans. We will be working on a best-case scenario. In the rotunda, we visited with four of our local realtors, all of whom had very good suggestions concerning housing.

As always, the best government is local government.